Teen in Rockland County builds tiny house

CHESTNUT RIDGE, New York (WABC) -- A teenager in Rockland County is living large in a very small home.

He built the 80-square-foot residence to prove that you don't need a lot of space to be comfortable.

18-year-old Matthew Olson built the tiny house in Chestnut Ridge as his senior project at the Green Meadow Waldorf School.

He wanted to make something that incorporated his passion for the outdoors and his interest in fighting climate change.

Olson admits it was a team effort. He raised $6,000 through a GoFundMe page.

Friends and family helped in the construction during the dark and cold winter.

One requirement was to work with a mentor, so local architect Michael Scharff stepped up.

The nearly 15-foot high fully functional home features a loft area for sleeping.

Once the home is complete, the structure will be put on a flatbed and donated to charity.

The project isn't even for a grade! You either pass or fail.

In the fall, Olson is off to college to study business, not architecture, leaving behind his home sweet, tiny home.