Student-designed and built Young American House unveiled

On Thursday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m., the Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundation (CTF) will be hosting a Cornerstone Ceremony to celebrate the completion of the 42nd student designed and built home (YA42) located at 1329 Smith Village Road, Silver Spring. The Cornerstone Ceremony will be recorded and shared with students and staff upon their return to school after summer break.

The Cornerstone Ceremony will recognize students’ achievements in the Construction Technology program, and give attendees the opportunity to tour the house afterward and see the students’ work on this 3-year project. Please join the educational, construction and business communities, and celebrate with one another the achievements of the partnership between The Construction Trades Office, Montgomery County Public Schools, and local Construction Community. The Cornerstone Ceremony will consist of student and program recognition, placing of the cornerstone and house tours.

Within the construction program, seven construction specialty courses are offered, including architecture. The architecture students, along with the support of local architectural firms, design and edit the blue prints for the house. Then carpentry, construction electricity, plumbing, HVAC, masonry and Foundations of Building Technology students, under the supervision of master tradesmen, work in their field to construct the house. Students learn how to read blue prints, practice construction skills, utilize tools in their trades, develop communication and mathematic skills and collaborate with other trades in an authentic construction setting.

This house is part of a program started in 1976 and continues today. This is the 42nd home built in Montgomery County by students. YA42 is a 3-level brick Colonial that is approximately 3,100 square feet of finished space with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, an open floor plan including living room, dining room, kitchen, family room with gas fireplace, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, an abundance of natural light and a one car garage. The house is currently under contract.

The CTF is a non-profit organization established cooperatively by the Montgomery County business community and Montgomery County Public Schools. It provides a unique method of hands-on training for high school students to earn valuable construction skills and certifications that will prepare them for higher education opportunities or direct entry into the work force. For more information, visit www.ctfcareers.org.