Yestermorrow’s first semester in Sustainable Design/Build addressed contemporary sustainable architecture practice through the lens of a tiny house. Students incorporated a wide variety of different sustainability approaches with an intention of developing a single holistic building. Creative expression coupled with best practices in sustainable building has allowed the students to experiment with form and function while challenging conventional solutions. This effort has culminated in a house that has the power to improve the lifestyle of its users. By rethinking daily tasks and functions with sustainable design, this house encourages homeowners to embrace a way of life that reflects an ecological conscience.

As the Director of the Semester Programs I led an all-star instructor team and group of twelve students from across the country. In an effort to improve environmental stewardship, we challenged ourselves as well as others to see through the precepts in our lives to observe what truly is, and to find a participation among it that, above all, causes the least amount of harm to our fellow living beings and the environment in which we live. The tiny house acts as a prototype for small-scale living, while providing a host of innovative design ideas for other builders. You can see the student built website at: http://www.yestermorrowsemester.org/

And the documentary at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5mD3iwOb2w