Minnesota West will showcase new home built by students

Minnesota West Community and Technical College announces the completion of a new student-built home, created in partnership between the carpentry and plumbing programs on the Pipestone campus.

The home is now open to sealed-bid offers, with submissions due by 2 p.m. June 11. A public viewing event for interested bidders will be from 3 to 7 p.m. June 5.

The Minnesota West carpentry program continues to grow with the second year of its student-built home project. What began as a design initiative in spring 2024 has evolved into a full-scale construction effort, providing students with a comprehensive, real-world learning experience.

During the fall 2025 semester, carpentry students developed the complete design plans for the home, gaining hands-on experience in drafting, layout, and project planning. Those plans became the blueprint as students brought the home to life through an immersive, on-campus construction project.

“This new home construction project was a big success,” said Shawn Berning, Carpentry Instructor at Minnesota West. “Having the house on campus meant students had tools and materials at their fingertips, resulting in efficient learning and an energized classroom. It’s the most motivated I’ve seen our students in my years of teaching.”