Big dreams for tiny house

James South is hoping a tiny house will become a big donation for mental health support.

The Timaru builder is the man behind a 60-hour buildathon for I Am Hope, pulling together an army of tradies to build a 60sq m tiny home in just 60 hours.

The plan has been a year and a-half in the making but an avalanche of support from local businesses means it is now all systems go for the build, which begins on November 11.

The build will take place on Ara’s high-profile site on the corner of Theodosia and North Sts, and with space for the public to watch progress as well as a livestream, Mr South hopes it will attract plenty of support. Guests will include I Am Hope founding ambassador Mike King, and Matt Watson from television’s The ITM Fishing Show.

Food will be available on site, along with raffles and souvenirs.

Mr South said he had always wanted to do something to help mental health services.

‘‘I struggled with mental health through my teenage years, and it’s been an issue close to my family. ‘‘Being a builder, I knew quick builds had been done before, so I thought I’d give it a crack.’’ He has been blown away by the enthusiastic response from local businesses, with nearly all materials and labour provided to the project free of cost, including kitchen, bathroom, flooring, the roof and cladding, window dressings and insulation.

Windows are being provided at a discounted rate, and Mr South’s uncle, an architect, drew up the plans.

‘‘I tried to reach out to local businesses first, because I wanted them to be involved, so I emailed people and annoyed them until they said yes or no.’’

Mr South said the tiny house could have a variety of uses, from farm accommodation to a bach or granny flat.

Immediately after tradies have downed tools, the Harcourts’ auctioneer will pick up the hammer to sell the property, which has a $100,000 reserve. Information packs are available on the real estate firm’s website.

A local transport company had offered to transport the home anywhere in the South Island for the successful purchaser.

Mr South said he was still looking for a Gib stopper for the project — while the Gib board would be installed during the 60-hour build, work on it would be carried out the following week — and cash donations to help with any costs incurred, including windows.

‘‘There are the odd few things we still need a bit of money for.

‘‘Whatever doesn’t get used will just go on top of the donation.’’

As the build draws near, he admits to being nervous about whether anything will go wrong.

‘‘I’m just hoping that we’ve got everything there and everything runs smoothly.

‘‘My partner has been my rock with planning the whole thing, and keeping me calm.

‘‘It’s definitely been a challenge, but Ihave really enjoyed it.’’

Building will begin at 6am on Friday, November 11, and tools go down at 6pm on Sunday, November 13.