Students Build ‘Tiny Home’ That Makes Big Impact
Eighteen students from College of the Desert and Desert Sands Unified School District collaborated with the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters to build a ‘tiny home,’ learning construction skills and earning school credit for their work.
Construction began in October and is expected to be completed by April. The home measures about 20-by-8 feet and will have full electrical capabilities, a cooktop, sink, toilet, and shower. A sleeping nook is tucked away above the kitchen and bathroom.
“The students learned valuable skills such as building, wiring, electricity, plumbing, and so much more,” said Bert Bitanga, a Professor of Architecture at College of the Desert who oversees the project. “The tiny house build doesn’t just benefit the students; it also presents an opportunity for local residents seeking affordable housing options.”
In recent years, the tiny home concept has increased as an alternative to traditional housing, largely because of its lower cost and mobility. Most tiny homes can be moved from one place to another using the trailers on which they are built.
“The goal of a tiny home is to maximize space without compromising on the comforts of home,” Bitanga said. “Because of its small size, it is a very affordable option for housing.”
College of the Desert offers numerous construction courses, including framing and finish carpentry, plumbing and electrical, and degrees and certificates in architectural technology and construction management.
As part of its Career Education program, the College works with industry and employers to develop courses needed to prepare a qualified workforce for in-demand jobs. Rigorous academic curriculum is integrated with workforce skills in more than 30 career pathways.
Additional information is available on the College's website.
