High school class constructing tiny house for tiny home village

La Conner High School construction class students are building their skills by following a blueprint that addresses the area's housing crunch.

The 10-member class, taught by instructor Daniel Castillo, is constructing a small house the students plan to turn over to a tiny home village in either Burlington or Bellingham at the end of the school year.

"This is a great chance to serve our community while affording the students an opportunity to build their carpentry skills," Castillo told the Weekly News.

The La Conner school board and district administration heartily endorsed the project last October.

"Everybody is excited and so happy that we get to do this," said Castillo, who is hopeful of recruiting community resources to the cause.

"It's valuable for students to see people other than me who are in the trades," he explained. "If there are any experienced carpenters out there having some time Monday through Friday around 10 a.m. and would like to lend a hand, come on by."

The students will be engaged in measuring and marking, accurate cutting, fastening, framing, and finish work throughout the process.

"We have until June 1 and our daily class period is 48 minutes long," Castillo said of the project's deadline.

Materials for construction of the tiny house have been provided by ANEW, the Puget Sound-based pre-apprenticeship program that trains people for entry into the construction industry.

The project is important, said Castillo, because it has the potential to provide shelter for people in need of it.

The tiny house movement has emerged as an architectural and societal response to homelessness and housing insecurity. It represents an eco-friendly return to simpler living, advocating downsized living spaces and encouraging a more minimalized lifestyle.

Town of La Conner officials last year frequently discussed possibilities for siting tiny homes here.

As for Castillo and his construction class, they may not be laying the foundation but are certainly taking a hands-on approach when it comes to nailing down a real-world response to a pressing issue.

Building trades professionals wanting to help with the project are invited to contact Castillo at 925-698-3589.