More than 70 people – including current and former students, family members, community members, school staff, and local trades workers – gathered at Kalama High School last week to celebrate a milestone achievement: the completion of the district’s first-ever student-built tiny house.
Held on Wednesday, May 21, the event featured a ribbon cutting, tours of the 400-square-foot house, music from Kalama High School’s Blues Band, and testimonials from district staff. It marked the culmination of years of thoughtful planning, hands-on learning, and meaningful collaboration.
“This tiny home is the result of big dreams, countless hours of hard work, and an incredible team of students, educators, and industry partners,” said Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director Cory Torppa, who spearheaded the project. “It speaks to problem-solving, teamwork, craftsmanship, and perseverance.”
What started as a bold effort to bring real-world trades education to life has grown into a multi-year project with lasting impact. Beginning in the 2023–2024 school year and continuing into this year, students enrolled in Kalama High School’s CTE program worked to build the tiny house from the ground up, gaining experience in framing, electrical work, roofing, and more. Along the way, they strengthened their critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills – abilities that extend far beyond the job site.
“This is about more than just a roof and four walls,” said Torppa. “It’s about building skills, confidence, and pathways to a successful future.”
The tiny house boasts an array of professional-grade features, including:
Full-sized doors, appliances and shower/tub
Quartz countertops and luxury vinyl plank flooring
Ductless Daikin heat pump, PEX plumbing, and painted MDF trim
Standard seam metal roof, fiber cement siding (Allura), and double-pane Milgard Trinsic V300 windows
2x6 Wall Construction with R40.8 roof insulation, R21 wall insulation, and R33 floor insulation
150 square feet of loft storage space
L&I State Approved
Torppa took time during Wednesday’s event to thank the many industry partners who helped make the tiny house project possible by donating supplies, offering financial support, or volunteering their time and expertise.
From local contractors and material suppliers to former students turned professionals, each partner played a key role in guiding and supporting students throughout the build process.
“This was truly a team effort,” said Torppa. “We couldn’t have pulled this project off without the generosity and mentorship of our industry supporters.”
Kalama School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Benjamin also addressed the crowd, highlighting how the project reflects the district’s commitment to preparing students for life after graduation.
“This tiny home is a perfect example of the real-world, future-ready learning that’s at the heart of our district’s new strategic plan,” said Benjamin. “When students have opportunities like this, they leave our schools not only with knowledge, but with experience, skills, and a deep sense of accomplishment.”
The student-built tiny house is available for purchase, with proceeds going back to Kalama High School’s CTE program. To learn more, contact Torppa at cory.torppa@kalama.k12.wa.us.
Project supporters
With their generosity, expertise, and support, the following community partners helped to make this project possible:
Allura Siding
Baker Lumber
Capital Stoneworks LLC
Cowlitz Tribal Foundation
Envision Kalama
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Liberty Door & Windows LLC
Natalie Lynn Designs
NorthFork Drywall Inc.
Northwood Cabinets
Nu-Ray Metal Products, Inc.
Port of Kalama
RSG Forest Products
Sashco
Spartan Electric LLC
Splash Painting
Spray On Foam & Coatings
Steelscape LLC
Temco
Three Sons Plumbing LLC
Wolf Industries
Additional coverage:
“Kalama High students build tiny home to practice career skills” (The Daily News)