Cape Fear Community College announced its Live House Project on Monday, which aims to give students hands-on experience building homes from the ground up.

Starting this fall, CFCC students will begin constructing the first home, as part of a multi-semester project that’s designed to mirror real-world residential construction timelines and industry standards, according to a news release from the community college.

The first home will be constructed at CFCC’s North Campus over four academic semesters, including Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027 and Fall 2027. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home will have a total of 1,325 square feet and will be built to withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour, according to the release. According to the project's website, each house will prioritize energy efficiency and use 40% less energy than traditional builds. 

The house will be publicly auctioned after its completion. 

The project will involve students and faculty from various CFCC programs, including: 

• Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology
• Architectural Technology
• AutoCAD & CAD Software
• Carpentry
• Construction Management
• Electrical Apprenticeship
• Electrical Systems Technology
• Interior Design
• Land Surveying (Geomatics)
• Landscaping and Gardening
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Welding Technology

“This project creates an unmatched learning environment for our students,” CFCC President Jim Morton stated in the release. “Students will gain real-world experience working together across multiple disciplines while contributing to a project that directly serves our community.”

According to the project’s website, there are several sponsorship levels available to fund the project, along with material and in-kind donation options. More information can be found at https://cfcc.edu/foundation/live-house-project/.