For the past 32 years, the Habitat for Humanity house build during Homecoming Week at Clemson University has given students, volunteers and community partners of all skillsets and the chance to do something meaningful over the course of a few weeks on Bowman Field. Richard Gauthier, director of experiential learning in the Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development (NCRED), felt inspired and wondered how they could do even more in the Spring semesters. What started as an idea to build sheds for the Habitat for Humanity homes turned into something bigger, albeit tiny.
“I was talking with someone who lives in one of the Habitat Houses, and she told me how much she loved her house, and how grateful she was for it. She went to get her lawnmower out, and she pulled it out from under her deck,” said Gauthier. “The homes didn’t have storage or a garage, so I got the idea that we could make sheds. I made a few calls to corporate partners and to a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and she asked if we could make them a little bigger, a 12 x 20 tiny home, as part of a non-profit grant that was available. I made a few more calls, and we were off.”
The non-profit grant required that a larger university, like Clemson, a technical school, like Tri-County Technical College, and a high school, like Daniel High School, worked together to qualify. Gauthier and partners got to work, and within a year of planning, the Spring Tiny Home build came to be. Construction Science Management majors within NCRED students frame it and dry it; Tri-County students do the trade work like electrical, plumbing and HVAC; and high schoolers come out to do insulation, sheet rock, and flooring. The tiny house is hauled off once completed to an Upstate location to be a home for someone in need.
“Spring 2025 was the first time we started building the tiny homes at the Experiential Learning Yard,” said Gauthier. “In 2026, we built our second one, and with the help of countless corporate donors and volunteers from around the area, the tiny home built this year is going directly to a local veteran in need through Upstate Warrior Solution.”
Unlike the Fall semester Homecoming house, which is overseen by the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity organization, the Spring tiny home build offers NCRED students the chance to lay the flooring and get the home ready over the semester, to culminate to a build day on Good Friday in April. Gauthier oversees the project, helps the students measure, understand construction project timelines, and use materials that are generously donated from multiple corporate partners.
“The Tiny Home build is inspired by the Homecoming build,” Gauthier said. “And what I love is that, in addition to the NCRED students that are required to take my class, the students who come out to volunteer who are from nursing or education and the community members who have no construction background get to learn how things are built and come together. I love seeing that look on people’s faces.”
The housing crisis, especially the need for low-income housing, is real across America, and hits close to home in the Upstate of South Carolina. The Homecoming Build with Habitat for Humanity and the Spring NCRED tiny home build are just a few ways that the needs of the local community can be assisted, helping to transform lives in South Carolina and beyond.
“Tiny homes aren’t the ultimate answer,” said Gauthier. “But they do help bridge gaps at a lower cost, raise awareness of what our neighbors need, and ultimately can help spur grassroots’ involvement in something bigger. You don’t need acres and acres of land, and these builds are at a low footprint. Our corporate partners, students and all the volunteers and grants for these projects are just the beginning.”
Tom Leathem, NCRED department chair, champions the leadership by department faculty, like Gauthier, and the difference they are all making for veterans and people in need.
“I’m proud of the impact we’re making to give back to those that have sacrificed so much for our country. Projects like tiny home builds are already highly beneficial experiences for students, but the leadership of our faculty, especially Richard Gauthier, to envision how we can take something already so impactful to the next level is a testament to the faculty not only in the Nieri Department but also the College of Architecture, Art and Construction, and Clemson University,” Leathem said. “It’s exciting to be part of such an amazing department, college and university that has developed an atmosphere supporting our faculty to dream bigger and reach farther. To me, this tiny home project is a shining example of what can happen when people feel supported to think creatively and dream big.”
For those interested in learning more about the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity’s Homecoming week house build, this website has more information. Anyone interested in learning more about the NCRED Spring Tiny Home build, or getting involved, are encouraged to reach out to Richard Gauthier. Special thanks to the numerous, generous corporate donors, partners, and volunteers who make big projects like these possible.
