The Berks Career and Technology Center's West Campus in Leesport, Pa. introduced its Tiny House of green and sustainable technology at the Oley Fair this past weekend.
Students in the HVAC, carpentry, painting and decorating, and electrical occupations handled a large portion of the Tiny House's construction, while students from the graphic imaging, photo imaging technology, and communications media technology programs also contributed.
It took the students all of last school year to build the house, largely thanks to regional business donations of materials and discounts on many of the supplies needed.
The Pennsylvania Department of Protection's Environmental Education Grants Program awarded BCTC a $7,500.00 grant to help with construction costs.
Two solar panels and a wind turbine are a part of the Tiny House, supplying its energy through battery power. Eco-smart windows and doors are also a part of the miniature structure.
Students in the HVAC, carpentry, painting and decorating, and electrical occupations handled a large portion of the Tiny House's construction, while students from the graphic imaging, photo imaging technology, and communications media technology programs also contributed.
It took the students all of last school year to build the house, largely thanks to regional business donations of materials and discounts on many of the supplies needed.
The Pennsylvania Department of Protection's Environmental Education Grants Program awarded BCTC a $7,500.00 grant to help with construction costs.
Two solar panels and a wind turbine are a part of the Tiny House, supplying its energy through battery power. Eco-smart windows and doors are also a part of the miniature structure.
Photograph courtesy of BCTC
Spray foam insulation keeps chilly drafts from seeping through the walls.
A sun tunnel magnifies and streams in natural light to brightly illuminate the space inside the Tiny House when the sun is shining.
HVAC instructor and project coordinator Tim Strunk noted that a combination air conditioner and heater manufactured by Fujitsu, mounted in the Tiny House, uses less power to operate than a common toaster.
In fact, Strunk explained that the project will continue to grow and become more advanced in green technologies as innovations in sustainability and home building hit the market.
He and his fellow instructors—Jeffrey Miller, who heads the carpentry program, and Theodore Semanchick, who leads the electrical occupations program—plan to use the Tiny House as a portable educational tool on wheels.
Pulling the Tiny House on a trailer to bring into school settings around the region will keep this unique approach to education mobile and on the move.
In gratitude of this valuable resource, students of all ages from across this portion of Pennsylvania will be able to learn about the future of green connections and the potential benefit of it in their own lives.
A great mother in law suite! :) <3
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