Model Home Building Contest

Join us for our 5th annual model home building contest, open to all students grades K-12 in Bennington County!

Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at Hildene’s Lincoln Hall

Calling All Students!

In this model home building contest, students create their own three-dimensional model homes either individually or in teams. On the contest day, participants present their creations for evaluation by construction professionals, local sponsors, members of the community, and themselves.

Over the years, imaginative entries have included houses made from recycled materials, Styrofoam, Legos, and even 3D pens, showcasing the limitless creativity of students. All participants receive recognition for their efforts, and top winners earn prizes.

The event’s main goal is to raise awareness about the crucial need for affordable housing and generate funds for local Habitat homebuilding programs in Bennington County. The Model Home Building Contest introduces students to Habitat for Humanity’s mission, allowing them to understand the importance of affordable housing from a young age. While not engaged in on-site construction activities, students learn how they can contribute to helping their neighbors in need in the future, aligning with Habitat for Humanity’s broader goals in Bennington County.

Hosted By
Categories
K-4th

 Emphasis on Home

  • Which rooms in a home are the most important to you? 
  •  What is special about a home versus a school building or other structure?
  • What does “home” mean to you?
5th-8th

Emphasis on Functionality

  • What makes for a good, functional home?  
  • How does the house flow? (design of both exterior, and interior layout) 
  • What design aspects make this house more functional than a standard home layout?
9th-12th

Emphasis on Sustainability

  • What makes your design a sustainable home?
  • How is your home efficient in terms of energy and water usage?
  • What have you done to think about the future in your home’s design?

Guidelines for All Model Home Contest Categories:

  • Model homes can be made of any/all materials.

  • Students must be present on 3/22/25 with their model home to win.

  • Students can enter individually, or team up in groups of 2, 3 or 4. (No more than 4 students per team).

  • Model homes should be no larger than 20” x 20” x 20”.

  • Each contestant must complete registration online (on this page).

  • Judging will be determined by a panel of local professionals, and the students and parents/families present.

  • Students must be prepared to speak briefly about their model home.

  • All model homes must be new. Students cannot enter with a model home that was entered in previous years. 

Prizes

Grand Prize: $1,000 CASH

Each category outlined above will also have a winner (or winning team), prizes for these categories will be announced soon!

Additional awards will be announced closer to contest date. Examples include a sustainability award, most creative, and most Habitat for Humanity spirit.

All participating students will receive a small gift for our thankfulness of their participation in this contest.

*Please note that this year the winner(s) of the $1,000 grand prize will NOT be eligible to win their specific category as well.*

Register for 2025

Information for Teachers

While this model home building contest is open to all students on an individual basis, many local schools have opted to make our contest part of their curriculum. Since the primary goal of this contest is to have students of all ages be involved and aware of Habitat for Humanity, we strongly support our contest being used as a lesson plan. Attached is a short 3 page document of ideas to form your curriculum.

Want to be a Sponsor?

Event Sponsor: $5,000

  • One seat on special judge’s panel
  • Option to have an informational booth at the event
  • Logos embedded on all posters, and online advertisements
  • Recognition in all media materials (press release announcing competition, a second press release announcing winners, and event program)
  • Logo placement on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page, whenever the contest is mentioned
  • Logos embedded in all contest celebratory announcements
 

Gold Sponsor: $2,500

  • One seat on special judges panel
  • Option to have an informational booth at the event
  • Logos included on all posters, and online advertisements
  • Logo placement on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page, whenever the contest is mentioned
  • Recognition in the event program
  • Logos embedded in all contest celebratory announcements
 

Silver Sponsor: $1,000

  • Logo placement on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page, and all contest advertisements
  • Recognition in the event program

Bronze Sponsor: $500

  • Mention on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page
  • Recognition in the event program
 

General Supporter: $50+

  • Recognition in the event program

Event Sponsor: $5,000

  • One seat on special judge’s panel
  • Option to have an informational booth at the event
  • Logos embedded on all posters, and online advertisements
  • Recognition in all media materials (press release announcing competition, a second press release announcing winners, and event program)
  • Logo placement on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page, whenever the contest is mentioned
  • Logos embedded in all contest celebratory announcements
 

Gold Sponsor: $2,500

  • One seat on special judges panel

  • Option to have an informational booth at the event
  • Logos included on all posters, and online advertisements

  • Logo placement on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page, whenever the contest is mentioned

  • Recognition in the event program

  • Logos embedded in all contest celebratory announcements

 

Silver Sponsor: $1,000

  • Logo placement on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page, and all contest advertisements
  • Recognition in the event program

Bronze Sponsor: $500

  • Mention on Bennington County Habitat’s Facebook page
  • Recognition in the event program
 

General Supporter: $50+

  • Recognition in the event program

Past Sponsors

Vendors

Coming Soon…

The following businesses/organizations will be set up in Lincoln Hall during the event with informational booths, displays, and activities

Contest is on 3/22/25 at 1:00

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