College of the Desert unveils tiny home built by students
College of the Desert is inviting the public to check out The Tiny House on Wheels. The completed tiny home started as an in-class competition for eighteen first-year architecture design students at the school.
Students conducted case studies to better understand recreational vehicle regulations, researched the materials and equipment needed and came up with designs based on current tiny home construction trends.
“Design was a solution for affordable housing…we teach them how to do framing, and then we go outside and we frame, then we go back to the classroom and learn how to do wiring or plumbing. Then we go back outside and we do it ourselves," said Marina Acosta, Architecture Program faculty member.
The winning design was determined by a panel comprised of an architect, engineer and a contractor who based their final decision on a set of criteria.
The completed tiny home, which was built with the help of Desert Sands Unified School District students and local vendors, was funded with a Strong Workforce Grant worth $125,000.
The Strong Workforce Grant was created to advance technical education programs that help prepare students for the workforce across California community colleges.
The Strong Workforce Grant is funding other projects on campus as well. Molly Gliaab, the Vice President of the Architecture Club at College of the Desert, is being recognized for the functional chair that she built from just cardboard and glue.
“I created this circle chair to create a sense of grandeur, and to be a centerpiece for any room that it is in. I am very proud of what I've created," said Gliaab.
Students like Gliaab say that opportunities like these allow them to flex their creativity and gain practical experience for the future.
“We are able to now see something creative, have a challenge and truly come up with a solution. And through my career in architecture, I plan to take my challenges in stride and be able to create something that people will enjoy and that will be grand," Gliaab said.
The Roadrunners Makers space is another space on campus funded by the Strong Workforce Grant where students can put their creativity to work on campus.
“The makers space allows any student with any background to come and try to see where their creations can lead them, or just see where their imaginations can lead them," said Dr. Beth Allan-Bentley, Roadrunners Makers space faculty lead.
The space offers students the opportunity to use 3D printers, laser engraving machines, jewelry and candle making stations and more.
Dr. Allan-Bentley says the hope is that more students discover their potential on campus by using the resources available.
“We want students from all over campus to be able to come to this space…maybe they'll realize that there's a career they never thought about that is right for them," said Allen-Bentley.
