At Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Cowichan Trades Centre, carpentry students are blending education with real-world application in an extraordinary way. They’re not just learning the ins and outs of carpentry; they’re building a tiny home from the ground up. This initiative not only enriches their learning experience but also contributes to the community by providing a much-needed home.

The project, led by program instructor Andrew MacLeod, materialized unexpectedly after an initial project fell through. The opportunity to construct a tiny home presented itself when a potential client learned of the students’ availability. MacLeod, collaborating with the client on the building plan, saw this as a perfect chance for students to work in a familiar environment while tackling a real-life project.

Offering a unique hands-on learning experience, the students are volunteering their labor, with the client covering the cost of materials and the home’s delivery to Saanich. The construction began in February and is expected to conclude within the month. The tiny home, measuring 36 feet in length and 12 feet in width, features seven windows, a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and both a sliding and a main front door. Students have also constructed supports to elevate the structure for easy transportation.

This project stands out because it allows students to engage in stages of building they typically wouldn’t reach in an off-campus site, such as exterior finishing. “It’s good for student morale to be part of a full project like this,” MacLeod notes, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the experience.

Among the students, Emily Behm shares her enthusiasm for the project. Transitioning from an office job to the carpentry program, she finds the hands-on work especially rewarding. Behm, who has a personal interest in tiny homes, sees this project as a valuable step towards building her own in the future.

The project not only offers students a glimpse into advanced carpentry skills but also attracts attention from the local community. With figures such as the mayor of Duncan expressing interest, there’s a growing buzz around the potential for more tiny home projects led by VIU students. This interest signals a promising avenue for future initiatives that can address the need for affordable housing while providing invaluable learning opportunities.

MacLeod hopes this project will be the first of many, anticipating a sustained demand for tiny homes. Through projects like these, VIU’s carpentry program is not just teaching students how to build; it’s showing them how to make a tangible impact on their community, fostering a blend of skill development and social contribution.

This innovative approach not only enhances the educational journey for students but also positions them as key players in addressing the critical issue of affordable housing. As they build, they’re laying the foundations for their futures and for the well-being of their communities, one tiny home at a time.

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