Students Design and Build a Tiny House

2015 National Science Foundation Summer Program

As part of an integration of inter-disciplinary programs (construction, engineering and interior design), students were presented a design challenge and were asked to provide real-world industry design solutions. The design development process was team driven and based on the collaborative model that drives the architecture, engineering and construction industries. In the two-semester course, students applied real life application of theories learned in previous coursework, providing a connection of conceptual to actual implementation of the build.

The focus of the design-build project was sustainability and alternative energy. The students were required to apply sustainable processes and techniques; select sustainable products; and construct a net-zero energy “tiny home.” This structure now serves as a learning demonstration lab for future courses in construction, engineering and interior design, as well as a recruitment tool at open house events.

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