Mountain Retreat

The McCall Donnelly Community Apprenticeship Program (MDCAP) is a hands-on learning initiative that allows high school students to gain real-world experience in skilled trades through supervised, project-based work. Students collaborate with industry professionals to build meaningful projects—such as tiny homes—while developing craftsmanship, problem-solving abilities, and workplace readiness. The program strengthens community ties by pairing student learning with projects that directly benefit local residents and organizations. 

I’m pleased to introduce our newest student-built project — a beautifully designed 24-foot modern tiny home that showcases the skill, pride, and attention to detail our apprentices bring to their craft. This residence represents both a high-quality housing option and a real-world learning experience for the students who constructed it under professional guidance.  

This compact yet spacious home offers 184 square feet on the main level, paired with one versatile loft that maximizes comfort and functionality. The primary loft, approximately 79 square feet, easily accommodates a queen bed and is accessed by a full staircase, providing optional integrated storage beneath.  

This home is bright and uplifting thanks to windows that flood the interior with natural light throughout the day, creating an open and inviting atmosphere without sacrificing energy efficiency. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of this build is the team behind it. This home is being constructed by students in the McCall Donnelly Community Apprenticeship Program, working under experienced guidance to ensure exceptional craftsmanship. Their attention to detail and pride in workmanship can be felt in every component — from the clean lines of the shed roof to the precision of the interior finishes. 

The construction itself is thoughtfully engineered for long-term durability and ease of maintenance. A standing seam metal shed roof simplifies installation and ensures excellent weather protection. All plumbing is efficiently consolidated into one corner to reduce complexity and improve accessibility. 

For those seeking a sustainable lifestyle, this home is fully off-grid capable, with electrical wiring prepared for future solar integration, additionally enticing to those building and needing the comforts of a home while doing so. 

This tiny home offers a rare combination: modern aesthetics, efficient design, abundant natural light, and handcrafted quality. It represents a unique opportunity to own a space that is both beautifully built and thoughtfully conceived for intentional, comfortable living. 

If you have any questions or would like additional information, I would be delighted to provide it. 

Warm regards, 

 Michelle Harris 

MDCAP Coordinator 

(208) 634-6468 

harrism@mdsd.org