A pair of Central College students spent nearly 500 hours and less than $500 to complete a senior project.
Amy Andrews and Ethan Van Kooten, both environmental studies majors, wanted to build a small, sustainable home. They originally proposed a more than $3000 budget — but when no grant money was available, they became scavengers. With truckloads of reclaimed materials and 10 weeks to build, the students created a house for $489. Andrews says it was exhilarating to go through the process.
“It’s nice to have to prioritize something you’ve really wanted to do,” Andrews said. “This is like all my “Little House on the Prairie” dreams come true.”
Van Kooten says the experience allowed him to become closer with his dad, as the two have always bonded when it comes to construction.
“That’s always how we’ve bonded, making stuff together,” Van Kooten said.
We have more with Andrews and Van Kooten on Let’s Talk Pella.