University Thinks Big In Small Spaces With Tiny Classroom

Saint Francis University is digging into the tiny house trend as part of its Energy Technology and Policy program.

The typical American home is about 2,600 square feet, whereas the typical small or tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet.

Saint Francis’ tiny classroom, built in a shell purchased from 84 Lumber, is 160 square feet.

“The idea is to utilize the tiny house model to educate students and the community about renewable energy, efficient living and producing a smaller environmental footprint,” said Allison Rohrs, director of the Institute of Energy at Saint Francis.

The tiny house is officially parked on campus with support from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund.

It’s powered by six 280-watt solar panels that work even on rainy days. But it also can be electrically charged.

The tiny house consumes between 200 and 300 kilowatt hours per month, compared with a typical home that uses between 1,000 and 1,500 kilowatt hours, Rohrs said.

It’s heated by a biomass wood stove that uses wood pellets for fuel. It relies on energy sources that are replenishable rather than fossil fuels, Rohrs said.