ACWHCC students build tiny house
West Holmes Middle School students put the finishing touches on the tiny house they built this year as they prepare for its auction on May 24.
The tiny house project by students at West Holmes Middle School that started last fall has almost reached its end, and the tiny house will be offered at auction at 4 p.m. on May 24 on the West Holmes school grounds, 10909 state Route 39, Millersburg.
“It was a simple project used to get kids excited about the trades early on," said David McMillen, who also teaches the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center Satellite's building trades program at West Holmes High School. "I wanted to share my craft, and hopefully it impacts these lives as they see the skills employed and know there are a lot of opportunities out there to put them to use.”
The house sits on a trailer and has an insulated floor with walls of standard 2-foot-by-4-foot framing. The exterior has cedar siding and several Atrium brand windows brighten the interior. While the interior is unfinished, it already sports a shower stall and two lofts with one large enough to handle a queen or king mattress and the other a twin size mattress. The living room and kitchen outfitting and the fine finishing are to be determined by the new owner.
McMillen praised the middle school students, many of whom had never held a hammer. “They’ve been passionate about the project and listened carefully, which now allows them to work somewhat independently with the skills they’ve learned.”
When asked their thoughts, middle-schoolers gave the project some perspective. Logan Barlow said, ”Starting out was rough, and then it was about learning to make things perfect.”
Damion Torrence said, “I signed up not knowing what would happen, but I’d heard good things, and it was a new opportunity. I’ve enjoyed learning to use the chop saw and other tools.”
Katie Stitzlein, the only girl, said it was hard sometimes but that “[she] just wanted to learn how to build.”
A group of students offered positives for the project: learning to use their hands, becoming comfortable with various tools, appreciating the teamwork involved and enjoying being outside.
McMillen is trusting that the house will bring a fair price for the work and materials that have been put into it. “It’s not the fanciest house, but I’m hoping potential bidders look at what we’re doing (at the middle school) and believe in what we’re doing (with the students).”
For more information or a tour, McMillen can be called at West Holmes High School at 330-674-4761.