College Students Create Off Grid Houses as Dorm Alternative

In a unique display of creativity, three college students have built their own economical houses as alternatives to living in dorm rooms.

Brett Butler, 24, set up his own Teepee in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is 256 square feet on a wooden platform and uses a wood burning stove for heat.

Jake Weller, 19, built a geodesic dome at Juniata College in central Pennsylvania.  His dome is equipped with a kerosene heater, 12 volt solar array, and composting toilet. In total it cost him $2300.

Ann Holley, 29, and Darren Macca, 39, built a miniature house on Alfred University's upstate New York campus. Dubbed Protohaus, its features include 127 square feet of living space, a 'wheeled' platform for mobility, solar panels, and a composting toilet. Total cost? $25,000.

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