So....this thing gets stolen and the thieves decide to leave it in an empty lot? Really? That bad?
You can bet it was one of his neighbors who didn't like the thought of having yet another moron liberal hippie around him. And it would seem that just moving his house was enough to deter to the move.
However, I entirely see how this would cost $35 K.. if I were going to build one I would probably use SIP panels on all sides ( including the floor) and that would run about $12K right there. But it would be far warmer than any camper shell etc. He probably installed a fancy composting toilet for $4 grand or so. No wood for a fire either- he has a have a fancy, small, propane furnace built into the wall for another 2 K. Add in a Tank less water heater for another 3K... Solar power for another 4K... and we haven't even paid for siding, "green roofing" or super Green high efficiency windows, or the fabulous IKEA furniture.
So yeah, one of these done right ( by green standards) is going to run $25-35K...