Simplicity is beautiful. The idea of downsizing, minimizing one's footprint and live with less allowing people to live more sustainable lives -- both environmentally and financially. All perfect notions in regards to the Tiny House movement that has become all the rage and taken the Portland metro area by storm. The students are not only embracing the idea of tiny homes as an alternative housing option but are going one step further and getting their hands dirty while building one of their own.
TINY is a short documentary about Ackerman Academy high school students' process of building a tiny house from scratch with little to know no building experience.
This exciting project started back in the beginning of 2014 when Ackerman Academy was awarded the Big Ideas Packed in Tiny Houses project as a part of the South-Metro Salem STEM Grant in conjuncture with the Oregon Department of Education STEM/STEAM/CTE Grant. This project was spearheaded by the collaborative team of Canby School District's former Superintendent Dr. John Steach and Ackerman's Principal Noel Hygelund. We here at Ackerman are beyond appreciative and honored to have been accepted for this grant, without which we couldn't have started this tiny house.
The goal: to design, build and sell a 216 square foot tiny house as part of a year-long study on sustainability and human impact on the environment. To begin the designing process students gathered data and ideas from research both online and through class trips to places such as the Portland Tiny House Caravan, during which they were able to see first hand the final product, the possibility of what they would soon be able to accomplish themselves. Students also had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers, study green building techniques, as well as working with a professional interior designer and real estate agent Suze Riley who has been volunteering her time during this build. Following this research stage students and Construction teacher Steve Fearing brought their ideas to the table. Discussed the pros and cons of their suggestions, deciding upon a concept/design combining both their inspiration from various completed tiny homes as well as their own personal designs.
Thank you to all who participated in this documentary.
Noel Hygelund - Ackerman Principal, Grant Presenter and spearheaded the tiny house project
Dr. John Steach - Former Canby School District Superintendent, Grant Writer
Steve Fearing - Ackerman Academy Teacher, Project Lead
Suze Riley - Local Interior Designer & Photographer, Volunteer
Wayne Layman - Canby School District Facilities Manager, Construction Adviser
Jay Harmon - Former Canby High School CAD/Construction Teacher, Volunteer
This has been an amazing project for the high school students at Ackerman Academy. We've all loved seeing them learn, design, expand their worldview and see the possibilities they have within themselves. We're extremely proud of our students and can't wait to see where them building this tiny house will lead them in their lives. The possibilities are endless.
Thank you and until next time.
TINY is a short documentary about Ackerman Academy high school students' process of building a tiny house from scratch with little to know no building experience.
This exciting project started back in the beginning of 2014 when Ackerman Academy was awarded the Big Ideas Packed in Tiny Houses project as a part of the South-Metro Salem STEM Grant in conjuncture with the Oregon Department of Education STEM/STEAM/CTE Grant. This project was spearheaded by the collaborative team of Canby School District's former Superintendent Dr. John Steach and Ackerman's Principal Noel Hygelund. We here at Ackerman are beyond appreciative and honored to have been accepted for this grant, without which we couldn't have started this tiny house.
The goal: to design, build and sell a 216 square foot tiny house as part of a year-long study on sustainability and human impact on the environment. To begin the designing process students gathered data and ideas from research both online and through class trips to places such as the Portland Tiny House Caravan, during which they were able to see first hand the final product, the possibility of what they would soon be able to accomplish themselves. Students also had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers, study green building techniques, as well as working with a professional interior designer and real estate agent Suze Riley who has been volunteering her time during this build. Following this research stage students and Construction teacher Steve Fearing brought their ideas to the table. Discussed the pros and cons of their suggestions, deciding upon a concept/design combining both their inspiration from various completed tiny homes as well as their own personal designs.
Thank you to all who participated in this documentary.
Noel Hygelund - Ackerman Principal, Grant Presenter and spearheaded the tiny house project
Dr. John Steach - Former Canby School District Superintendent, Grant Writer
Steve Fearing - Ackerman Academy Teacher, Project Lead
Suze Riley - Local Interior Designer & Photographer, Volunteer
Wayne Layman - Canby School District Facilities Manager, Construction Adviser
Jay Harmon - Former Canby High School CAD/Construction Teacher, Volunteer
This has been an amazing project for the high school students at Ackerman Academy. We've all loved seeing them learn, design, expand their worldview and see the possibilities they have within themselves. We're extremely proud of our students and can't wait to see where them building this tiny house will lead them in their lives. The possibilities are endless.
Thank you and until next time.