Chagrin Falls High School student Harrison Horvath and his teammates earned first place in the 2026 Student Model Home Design Contest, “The Great Big Move-Up Home,” following competition on Saturday, January 24.
Horvath competed alongside Eric Liedtke of West Geauga High School, Colby Blaser of Aurora High School, and Caleb Rivchun of Orange High School as part of the Excel TECC CADD Engineering Technology program. The regional competition challenged students to design and construct a detailed model home that met strict design parameters and was evaluated using a comprehensive industry-style rubric.
Student teams were required to incorporate both green features, such as low-flow showerheads and indoor air-purifying plants, and smart home features, including smoke detectors with carbon monoxide sensors and enhanced smart thermostats. After an initial round of judging, teams were given the opportunity to defend their designs and clarify rubric criteria before final scores were submitted.
Using professional engineering platforms Revit and AutoCAD, students designed the home and produced detailed blueprints before constructing a physical model with laser cutters and 3D printers. Their winning design stood out for its technical accuracy, sustainability features, and overall execution.
The Student Model Home Design Contest is held in conjunction with the Great Big Home & Garden Show, and the team’s award-winning model home was on display at the I-X Center from January 30 through February 8.
Pictured with the winning model home are Eric Liedtke, Harrison Horvath, and CADD Engineering Technology instructor Mr. Craig Schmidt of Mayfield, who supported the team throughout the design and build process.