What began as the “dream big, go tiny” project for Chattanooga State construction technology students to experience hands-on, real world, lab exercises within the core Construction ET courses, has expanded to include support from local businesses and organizations.

Last fall, students in Chattanooga State’s Construction Engineering Technology program, planned a tiny house build based on plans donated by the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. It contains two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a great room, all within 117 square feet of space.

As the house progressed, they received a $15,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga (CFGC), one of whose education goals is to expand opportunity for members of the community to receive a high-quality education in a well-paying, high-demand field. Later, as word of the project spread, Lowe’s and Green's Eco Build and Design came on board to provide material and supplies. Tiny House Chattanooga is offering consulting services as well.    

Over the summer, an internal partnership between the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) and Construction Engineering Technology formed. TCAT Industrial Electricity associate instructor Sandra Lambertino led students in the electrical wiring of the house, with students Luke Treadway and Tim Canarela taking the lead for this work. Associate instructor Kyle Lee, of the Industrial Maintenance program, supervised his students as they installed the HVAC and propane systems. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) Student Chapter also hosted two build days this summer to make further progress on the framing.  

To learn more about this project and careers in the construction industry, Chattanooga State invites you to attend the third annual Tennessee Business & Construction Institute (TNBCI) Build Chattanooga event on Thursday, October 19, beginning at 11 a.m. in the CETAS parking lot.

For more information, contact Caitlin Moffitt at 423-697-2649 or email Caitlin.moffitt@chattanoogastate.edu.