SustainaFest to Sell Student-Built Tiny House for $100 and a Few Thoughtful Words!
Annapolis, MD – SustainaFest announces the Tiny House Essay Contest, which will make one person’s dream of sustainable living come true. The winner will assume ownership of a 210-square-foot, hyper-efficient, off-grid home built by Maryland middle and high school students.
Contestants are required to submit $100 and an essay of 350 words or less answering the question, “What are your keys to living a sustainable lifestyle and how would owning the SustainaFest Tiny House help you realize your dream of living that lifestyle?” Submissions must be entered by June 1 and will be evaluated by a panel of academics and celebrity judges. A winner will be announced by June 15.
In 2014, sustainability experts and students from around Maryland engaged in a month-long exploration through SustainaFest’s Student Sustainability Lab. “The program provided a life-changing opportunity for students, educators, professionals and military veterans to combine forces and build this tiny house – a fully habitable, hi-tech, mobile dwelling,” stated George Chmael, Director of SustainaFest. Since construction was completed, the awarding-winning tiny house, a Minim Homes model, has been on a statewide tour of home shows, green expos, schools and other events to promote SustainaFest and serve as an ambassador for sustainability.
“We now want to share the wonder of this construction marvel with a deserving recipient and spread the word about making more sustainable lifestyle choices,” explained Chmael. “This thought-provoking contest is a far superior alternative to selling to the highest bidder and makes home ownership attainable for one fortunate person regardless of the size of their bank account.”
SustainaFest has now designed its own tiny house models, with an eye towards addressing the challenges faced by our community’s most needy members, including the homeless and struggling military veterans. The organization will continue to build houses with students in 2015 and beyond. All proceeds from the contest will support these efforts. To learn more about SustainaFest, including complete contest rules and how to submit your essay, please visit www.sustainafest.org or email us at info@sustainafest.org.
Just a heads up to anyone thinking about entering: They estimate the value at $76,000. The potential taxes and shipping charges could make it difficult to accept the house if you win the contest.
How do we know how much taxes will need to be paid. Is the same as earning that much cash? If someone gives you a car, do you have pay taxes on whatever the car is deemed to be worth. I don’t understand how that works.
Is this a handicap friendly tiny home?
So we’re being asked to cough up 100 bucks and write an essay for a house we MIGHT win?
I’d sooner play the lottery, thanks.
That would depend on how handicap friendly is needed. From what I can gather from the images on their website, there are 4 stairs to get into the house (it is on a trailer), but there does not appear to be a loft. Another possible 2 stairs inside to a platform area.