DesignBuildBLUFF

2008-10-27T16:20:00.002-07:00

10-26-08

Christian and Jeff on the site

2008-10-27T12:47:00.003-07:00

learning and anaylizing suzie's homesite

talking about the site

2008-10-27T12:16:00.008-07:00

little shanette (sp?)

our client is thoroughly connected to their land/site. they dig their fingers into the dirt, crawl around in it... garden

"the real artistic talent is not in the capacity to invent and fabricate, but in seeing the implicit meaning and value of human situations" -- juhani pallasmaa

grub-time after a long day of interviewing:

sean, erika, brian, jason, jeff

nick, eric, justin

mike, tom, christian, cindy

2008-10-27T11:59:00.002-07:00

-Thus begins designbuildBLUFF 2009-

(we're stoked to be serving suzie whitehorse)

"this land of disparate conditions is not just

a setting for my work--

it is part of the work.

in these conditions i do not

see a negative, but instead,

a source of deep possibilites" --marlon blackwell

2008-10-25T18:32:00.002-07:00

today was so draining. there is so much need here in bluff that it's overwhelming. it was a shock-- devastating to see the conditions that the families live in. at the same time, here is the heart/vision of designbuildBLUFF... i am pumped about our discussion tonight in the scorup house. it will be interesting, as all of us have been exposed to the same shocking conditions but we all have viewed it through different eyes.

2008-09-22T15:06:00.002-07:00

Major Donors for Sustenance for Sustainability were:

VCBO Architects

Zions Bank

Charlie & Mary Wintzer

John Cumming

Thank you!!!

2008-09-22T15:01:00.001-07:00

2008-09-22T14:55:00.002-07:00

2008-09-22T14:51:00.001-07:00

More...

2008-09-22T14:32:00.004-07:00

More photos of Sustenance for Sustainability, our First Annual Fundraiser, courtesy of photographer Susan Workman-thanks, Sue!

Thanks again to our sponsors, donors, and to all who attended and volunteered. It was a fabulous, fun event.

2008-09-17T09:39:00.007-07:00

Thanks to all who attended the DesignBuildBLUFF fundraiser.

We raised some money for the next project and everyone had fun.

Thanks especially to all the volunteers and DBB alumni for pitching in to make the event such a great success.

Welcome to the party, may we take your money?

The calm before the storm.

volunteer squad

Lab Dogs, perfect music for a bbq

2008-08-28T13:31:00.004-07:00

DesignBuildBLUFF board of trustees
cordially invites you to a cool evening outside in the mountains
on

9.5.08

FRIDAY, 6PM, 1155 QUARRY MOUNTAIN LANE, PARK CITY, UT

for

a casual fund-raising BBQ,
in which proceeds will help support
DesignBuildBLUFF
and the
Jane Barrett Memorial Scholarship Fund

Libations and Refreshments, BBQ Buffet,
Live Bluegrass Band, Silent and Live Auction

please

RSVP
435.649.7080
email: karena@designbuildbluff.org

One Hundred Dollars Per Person

2008-08-10T16:31:00.004-07:00

We're one intimidating crew.. sadly Casey and I had to leave. Thank you DesignBuildBluff!

Carpet tiles of varying color stacked in the wall for some insulation

We cut the door out then put it back on a track
We used donated translucent 3 form panels on the ceilings of the containers
The baltic birch on the walls is turning out very nice

2008-08-09T19:59:00.002-07:00

We spent a week in Salt lake doing a little prefabrication. Jyana is making a little 3-form detail for the electrical.
We cut over one hundred strips of aluminum to create the caps for the roof on the Bath House and would like to give a big thanks to Sean who runs the Art shop at the U for letting us poach his 4' sheet metal break. We couldn't have done it with out you.
We also prefabricated our sliding doors at the Arch shop, being a shop tech has its benefits. The Machine shop at the U donated the labor to help roll the steel for our curved doors. The final product turned out perfect. Thanks for helping us get things done right.
Jyana is gluing up the the concrete forms for the sills. The first batch has just come out. Pictures to come soon.
A piece of scaffolding that has been leveled and we now have enough sand, gravel and concrete to make the sills.

This is our home made bender in action. The biggest shingle we needed to bend for the roof measures almost 4'x9'.The bender went through many modifications during the construction process and was made entirely of salvaged material. The prefab caps fit perfectly. The roof is almost done just a gutter and a few more caps.One last wall in the project. It is turning out great.

2008-07-30T10:51:00.003-07:00

Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 30, 2008
Susan Grant Lewin Associates
DesignBuildBLUFF University of Utah
School of Architecture+Planning

DesignBuildBLUFF Readies for 2009 Project and Program with Generous Support

DBB received a generous and vital grant from an Anonymous Donor on July 28, 2008 in preparation for the 2009 Project and Program (October 2008-June 2009). The grant is in the amount of $25,000 and is designated for a Navajo home to be built by incoming 2009 DBB students. This grant lays a firm foundation for our upcoming year and is leveraged by these additional generous donors who have also committed their support to our 2009 year:

Enterprise Community Partners, Native American Program-$50,000
Hank Louis-$25,000
The Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund-$15,000
Boeing Company Contributions Program-$5,500
Special People in Need-$2,000

Without this generous support, our Program and Projects could not succeed. We will strive to honor the integrity and values of each of these esteemed donors.

Reminder: DesignBuildBLUFF’s First Annual Fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, September 5 at 6PM in Park City, at the home of DBB Founder Hank Louis. Watch for your invitation in the mail…

Contact: Karena Rogers, Development & Public Relations
801.349.0145/karena@designbuildbluff.org

2008-07-23T22:25:00.004-07:00

We were fortunate enough to witness and survive an amazing lightning storm Tuesday evening down here in Bluff. This shot was taken by Brad.
This one was captured by Casey up in the cemetary in Bluff.

Our exterior is almost complete

Casey warning treeptop of the impending storm

Half of the roof captured 5 gallons of water in 50 seconds... now we just need something to put it in.
It rained pretty hard

Running the electrical conduit for the Bathhouse

adaptive reuse
The roof of the residence
almost complete

2008-07-23T12:47:00.002-07:00

This is our first window design. We need to make some modifications to get a better seal and efficent operation for opening and closing.
This is an exterior view showing the lean of the window hanging. This can be corrected by altering the hinge placement or adjusting the head and sill for a better seal.
We have interior walls and rough plumbing. The venting has been installed along the ceiling out under the eaves to minimize its presence on the roof line.

2008-07-19T11:23:00.003-07:00

More pleasant times on the roof..

2008-07-16T20:36:00.003-07:00

Today we finished up the shop roof. Thank you Big D construction for helping us out with the excellent roofing materials.

2008-07-15T20:57:00.002-07:00

More pictures from Bluff...
starting to see the roof panels come together...

sills ready for windows...

rolling, rolling, rolling...

framing more curvy walls...

2008-07-15T12:13:00.003-07:00

Save The Date! DesignBuildBLUFF is having its First Annual Fundraiser, and we are combining this effort with the Annual Jane Barrett Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser:

DesignBuildBLUFFBBQ

(sustenance for sutainability/grubbing for green)

Friday, September 5th 6PM
At the home of founder Hank Louis in Park City, UT
Libations & Refreshments
Barbecue Buffet
Live Bluegrass Band-Lab Dogs
Silent & Live Auction

$100 per person

Generous Sponsors:
Zions Bank
Silverstar @ Park City
Commerce CRG

Please watch for your formal invitation in the mail or via email!

2008-07-14T19:07:00.003-07:00

In the past few weeks we have been working on the roof, interior walls and sills for the windows. Things have been moving right along...
Interior walls getting started for electrical and plumbing...

work station in the shade...

This roof is going to be hot!!...

2008-07-14T14:22:00.006-07:00

So the saga continues...

As previously mentioned, Mascoat Products of Houston, Texas has provided one the most important materials to date. This amazing material is Delta T Industrial Coating is just that, simply amazing. The leader in insulation coatings, Mascoat has extensive experience in industrial, marine, automotive and residential industries all over the world. With recent involvement in the shipping container conversion market, Mascoat has successfully manufactured an spray on insulation that out performs similar products with exceptional results. For more information on the remarkable performance of this innovative product, go to http://www.mascoat.com.

In addition to the outstanding insulation material, Mascoat Products has a staff that rivals the quality of their product. Design Build Bluff was first in contact Gary Tucker of Denver, Colorado. Gary had been looking to become a distributor for Mascoat Products and first contacted Michael Stelmach of Mascoat Products to discuss possible involvement with DBB. As a result of Gary's contact with Mr. Stelmach, a conference call was set up and the project was discussed between Mr. Tucker, Mr. Stelmach and DBB. Mascoat Products agreed to donate the necessary material to coat the three shipping containers with Delta T Industrial insulation coating. The enthusiastic response from Mr. Stelmach was extremely exciting.

But it didn't end there...

As we continued to discuss logistics for the project, Mr. Stelmach then put me in touch with the now famous (in Bluff anyway) Chad Davis. Chad is an account specialist that has worked with Mascoat Products for about two years now. As we discussed possible strategies for the product, a sprayer, and himself to get to Bluff (not an easy thing to do coming from Houston!), Chad responded with all the answers. To all of our amazement, Chad booked a flight to Albuquerque, where he had shipped approximately 70 gallons and the gas sprayer to apply the coating. He then rented a truck and drove 5+ hours to Bluff, Utah. In his short stay of 2.5 days, Chad and the DBB crew coated the inside and out of all three containers. With almost instant relief from the unrelenting desert heat, and not to mention a sexy new color scheme to the haggard containers, we knew Chad Davis and Mascoat Products were the real deal!

The only thing more amazing than Chad with his sprayer and Delta T Industrial was the fact that the entire package; travel, time, material, sprayer, accommodations, and especially Chad's charm and wit was donated in it's entirety to Design Build Bluff. The astonishing level of support and commitment from Mascoat Products has not only left one of the most notable impressions to our project, but the an equally notable impression on our experience and the success of Design Build Bluff as a whole. We cannot thank everyone involved enough.

Once again, we would like to graciously thank Michael Stelmach, George More, Chad Davis, and Wil Conner at Mascoat Products, as well as Gary Tucker for finding the right people for the job. And as always, a special thanks to Karena Rogers and the DBB office crew for their persistence in finding the materials and contacts the projects need to succeed. We definitely understand the importance of a quality team, and we have the best!

Please visit the Mascoat Products website www.mascoat.com to get a better understanding of what exactly the amazing products they manufacture are, how they work, and why they are so important to our design this year. And for proof of the material's performance, schedule a short trip down to Bluff this summer to see the proof for yourself! The coating reduced surface temperatures of the extreme exposed portions of the container from as high as 130+ F to below 100 F! We are all in complete awe of the material. Thanks again Mascoat!

2008-07-10T21:45:00.005-07:00

We were very glad to have Chad Davis from Mascoat with us in Bluff. Chad donated his time and materials to the program. He helped paint the containers inside and out with Mascoat's ceramic based insulative coating. This was a huge relief as it almost instantly dropped the temperature of the skin of the containers over 30 degrees.

Brad helping Chad The containers have new life

We placed donated pieces of 3-form in the West wall and watched them come to life in the evening.

2008-06-25T20:11:00.002-07:00

A few of the summer crew members made it back from a very pleasant trip to Japan and now construction is once again fully underway in Bluff.Monopan with angle iron trim in the shop clerestory
We punctured some holes above the container to allow some light from the West Ben and Jyana working on preperations for windows in the bathhouse
Ben testing the level

An orange window with a 3form panel
tada!
recycled aluminum panels courtesy of 3form help accentuate the ceiling structure
Brad framing and Cesar chopping metal

2008-06-25T18:15:00.002-07:00

2008-06-23T15:53:00.001-07:00

Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 23, 2008
Susan Grant Lewin Associates
DesignBuildBLUFF University of Utah
School of Architecture+Planning

The George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation Grants DesignBuildBLUFF

DesignBuildBLUFF is pleased to announce a generous $30,000 grant from The George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation for the completion of our 2008 Program and Projects, Tositsa and ship/SHOP.

With the Foundation’s assistance, we will move forward with our summer internship in Bluff, completing the much-needed student housing and pre-fab workshop on our Bluff property, which will allow us to return to designing and building more efficient (and simply more!)Navajo homes in 2009 and beyond.

We are especially grateful to The George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation at the end of this, our fiscal 2008 year, as it is the second consecutive year that the Foundation has provided vital conclusion support to the DesignBuildBLUFF Program. Read more about the munificent philanthropy that The George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation provides Utah nonprofits at: www.gsecclesfoundation.org

We are also honored to include Mr. Timothy Louis into our family of supporters this week with a very kind donation of $10,000. Without this generous support, our Program and Projects could not succeed. We will strive to honor the integrity and values of each of these esteemed donors.

Reminder: DesignBuildBLUFF’s First Annual Fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, September 5 at 6PM in Park City, at the home of DBB Founder Hank Louis. Watch for your invitation in the mail…

Contact: Karena Rogers, Development & Public Relations
801.349.0145/karena@designbuildbluff.org

2008-06-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 3, 2008
Susan Grant Lewin Associates
DesignBuildBLUFF University of Utah School of Architecture+Planning
Enterprise Community Partners Pledges to DesignBuildBLUFF

DesignBuildBLUFF is pleased to announce a recent partnership with Enterprise Community Partners (Native American Program) for our 2009 Program and Navajo House Project. Beryl LeCompte, Director of the Native American Program, has pledged $50,000 to our 2009 Navajo House Project. We are thrilled to count an established and revered organization such as ECP among our supporters. With ECP’s assistance, we are planning exciting ongoing collaborations such as: Navajo design/build classes and home ownership/maintenance workshops on our Bluff property. Read more about ECP at: www.enterprisecommunity.org.

We are also honored to include The Raymond Family Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. William Boyd, Mr. H. William Keland, SC Johnson Company, The D. Forrest and Gerda Greene Foundation, Sterling and Shelli Gardner Foundation, Fiji Water, Polshek Partners Architects, and Utah Humanities Council into our family of supporters this spring. Without this generous support, our Program and Projects could not succeed. We will strive to honor the integrity and values of each of these esteemed donors.

Project Update: The 2008 Projects, ship/SHOP (student housing and workshop structure) and Tositsa (bathhouse), are scheduled to be completed August 9, 2008. Student interns staying this summer to complete both projects are Brad Brinton, Cesar Caballero, Jyana Messenger, Ben Butler, Brian Carlisle and Casey Sinner.
Additionally, a universal call for volunteers the week of July 27-August 2 is in effect, if you or anyone you know is interested!

Other News: DesignBuildBLUFF’s First Annual Fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, September 5 at 6PM in Park City, at the home of DBB Founder Hank Louis. More on this HUGE party event later…

Stay informed at our blog: www.designbuildbluff.blogspot.com

Contact: Karena Rogers, Development & Public Relations
801.349.0145/karena@designbuildbluff.org

2008-06-06T09:18:00.016-07:00

DesignBuildBLUFF chosen by Utah Design Arts 2008 for Sweet Caroline and Benally.

DesignArtsUtah08

Projects will be on display at the Rio Grande Depot 300 South 455 West, Salt Lake City, Utah from June 20 - August 2, 2008.

Congratulations to all who have participated in and contributed to the program. All are invited to attend the reception from 6-9pm Friday, June 20.

2008-05-15T11:07:00.001-07:00

2008-05-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

Flexcrete details

2008-05-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Design Build Bluff rocking the night.

2008-05-12T10:47:00.003-07:00

We got a lucky break on May 7. We were able to go see WILCO and Retribution Gospel Choir in Grand Junction. Five of us got comped in as "workers" to the sold out show at the Avalon theater. It was a fantastic rock and roll adventure. We were able to watch both bands from the side of the stage and hang out behind the scenes. It was a fun treat at the end of a busy semester. Thanks to Alan and Retribution Gospel Choir for getting us in and rocking the hell out of the joint.

2008-05-11T08:05:00.022-07:00

thanks to Monopan and Bringard Mill and Molding for their

help with getting us such great materials.

2008-05-04T09:41:00.003-07:00

The First Bath House Movie.....

2008-04-29T22:10:00.004-07:00

Leslee and April are working on a window sill detail

A floating roof for the bath house... And a big thanks to Lynn at Wasatch Steel. We couldn't have done it with out you.

A curved wall meets a slanted roof making some complex compound cuts and a beautiful detail...

2008-04-29T21:48:00.003-07:00

the shop roof has arrived! Treetop is not always a murderer
lookout below
Cesar, wise in his use of a hard hat

Jyanna, throwin up a curved wall
April and Leslee preparing for windows
"I dunno boss..."
pretty cross-braces
Casey nibbling at some aluminium

2008-04-24T13:48:00.002-07:00

The facade for the residence

"hmmm... how do YOU think Treetop got up there?"
Chris defending against the evils of water
Our building is an open book

2008-04-22T12:47:00.002-07:00

We are proud and excited to announce that DesignBuildBLUFF has won the AIA Utah 2008 Sustainable Design Merit Award for the Benally!

The CA+P, University of Utah, and Benally students should be very proud of this accomplishment. The awards ceremony is Tuesday April 29 at the Salt Lake Sustainable Building Conference, Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W 3100 S, at 4PM with a reception to follow. Everyone is invited!

Go to http://www.saltlakesbc.com/ to register if you’d like to attend. Benally students, we’d love to have at least one of you attend this, if possible. Please let me know. Thanks to everyone who helped on this project and made this award possible!

2008-04-20T11:28:00.010-07:00

Jyana is taking a few numbers and turning them into a work of art. Such concentration...
Vida was on site today taking part in all of the fun.

The Bath House had some extra "man" power this week with Chris, Cesar, and Eric guest staring.
We were also fortunate to have some high school students to volunteer. They were a great help with trenching, plastering and sanding. Thanks for coming down!

Eric, Leslee and April are discussing the finer points of wall construction

2008-04-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jeremy and Chris, we have 20 gallons of Supertherm on the way to insulate ship/SHOP! Chris and I had a great conversation with Gary Tucker, the owner of Supertherm this morning and they are generously donating their product. We have some very specific follow-up studies that we need to compile for this company, which I will detail to you all later. This is a fabulous product that is perfectly suited to the mission of DBB, as Supertherm is perceived as a “space-age” product and is attracting world-wide attention for its unique sound dampening and insulating factors. We hope to assist Supertherm, and DBB, with our post-application studies.

Thanks again to the fabulous 2008 team, who prove more and more impressive each time I speak with them and see what they are accomplishing. It is truly exciting.

2008-04-16T13:42:00.004-07:00

Following is an essay from Daryl Barrett, DBB Board Chair and mother to Jane Barrett, passionate pioneer who helped Hank make the Bluff dream come true. Daryl writes her musings after the Board Retreat that took place on March 29 in Bluff. Enjoy!

Reflections on the Bluff Experience
May, 2008
Daryl Barrett, DesignBuildBLUFF Chair

This is our third trip to Bluff to visit the DesignBuildBLUFF program, and with each trip Steve and I fall more in love with the mission of building better architects, the DBB program, its effects on all that come in contact with it, and the physical area that is unique and beautiful beyond belief. They are all intertwined. Each year, we gain a deeper understanding of our daughter Jane’s passion and are proud to be part of the program.

As we arrived we were struck with the magnitude of the project this year. Two unique structures on the Bluff campus that will enable the CA+P’s ability to expand this opportunity to more students, an important point that the National Accreditation committee concluded last year as well as evidenced by the high student demand and satisfaction with the program. It was wonderful to see the students working on both projects. They are both fascinating and will make a wonderful contribution to the Bluff Campus. With growth come unique opportunities and challenges for the Director, the staff, the Board, and the College. Our challenge is to facilitate the ongoing support for the program, and I commit as Board Chair to continue the work.

This year we were excited to share the Bluff experience with new Board member, Vicky Hoagland, and her husband John. Sydney Fonnesbeck from the Community Development Corporation and her husband Chris also attended, as well as Brent and Susan Cameron and Mike Burtleson, all friends of the program. Faculty and staff from the CA+P came, some returning because they are hooked (like us!), and some for the first time. We also enjoyed meeting several members of the Bluff community who joined our tour and many more who came to the Saturday night celebration, including Board member Bill Davis, his wife Debbie, and Caroline Lameman. Bill and Caroline, you both definitely keep us in touch with the community of Bluff and we thank you for that! Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and contribution to the success of the program

Visiting the finished homes on the reservation is truly a highlight. This year we enjoyed the hospitality of Caroline and Audrey Lameman, 2006 recipients, and Dora and Baxter Benally, 2007 recipients, as they treated us with unique and tasty Navajo food samplings. It was also heartwarming to see them comfortably settled in their homes. The love of their homes was evident in the placement of furniture, pictures and accessories to make their space uniquely their own; the pride of home ownership was truly felt. With Dora and Baxter having just moved into their home in September, it was a treat for them, and all of us, to have all of the 2007 students involved with the design and building of their home come back to visit and revel in a job well done. I particularly enjoyed witnessing their love affair with the family and with the space they so painstakingly and tenderly created. While I’m sure that all homes are appreciated, there is a difference in those that are loved and nurtured and those that just provide shelter. You feel the spirit as you enter, the homes radiate back the love and nurturing; it’s like a dance and it is felt in these two homes. From my understanding, these two families were very much involved in working with the students in the design/build of their homes; this all being part of the healthy learning process the program offers.

The students also have a unique home in Bluff, the historic Al Scorup home, the Unit and the surrounding area. While the current students are working on the expansion of the campus, it is my hope they also take pride in these dwellings and give them the loving attention witnessed with Caroline and Dora and Baxter; that is- the placement of things, taking care of and cleaning the space, enjoying the space, and making it uniquely their own while sharing it with others. It is a dance, a love affair, and I believe it transcends to the projects they are working on. Thanks to those of you who felt that connection to the Scorup house and assisted with getting the space ready for our wonderful celebration on Saturday night.

Putting together a weekend to highlight the program for new Board members, faculty members, and friends that we want to teach the program to is no simple task. I can’t thank you enough, Karena, (Development Director and a hundred other hats), your husband Adam and family as well, for all your efforts in planning this event, particularly in the wake of unique family responsibilities. You do an incredible job for DBB and its viable future. We have some wonderful donor friends due to your efforts and look forward to joining you in building that list.

Hank, you are not only working so well with the students to widen their vision of architecture, team work, problem solving and social responsibility, but you are sharing your vision with new friends of the program. This is a critical element in our sustainability. Much of your time is used in this way and it’s definitely making a difference in the visibility and viability of the program.

Mitch, the day-to-day site management of the program falls on you, a giant task and responsibility. Not only are you an eloquent spokesman for DBB, but you also have the ongoing responsibility as trouble-shooter for all the finished projects, meeting timelines, managing students, and all the other jobs for the completion of the yearly projects. You provide an exceptional advantage to DBB. Having the program in Bluff, but a lot of the operation in Salt Lake and Park City, has its challenges. Our ongoing communication with you is critical and I commit to do more to keep you in the loop by providing Board minutes and other information to assure we’re all on the some page. As we visited, you committed to do the same. We now have a better sense of the important issues the program faces in Bluff. A monthly report from you to the Board would be a benefit to the program.

Anjee, DBB would never have survived the early years without you (and still cannot). It is evident that you put your heart and soul into the program, from managing the finances to procuring materials, this program is a success because of your dedication.

Eric and Jesse, we thank you for your exhaustive commitment and invaluable teaching. And for holding down the fort! It takes many hands and minds to have accomplished what this wonderful project has done to date, and yours especially.

DBB would not be possible without the College of Architecture+Planning and the students participating in the program. Of course, that’s what it’s all about! Brenda, Brad and Patrick, faculty and staff that serve on our board and/or have taken the time to visit the program and who have actively participated in the DBB vision, we look forward to a healthy and sustainable future with you all.

We invite you to share your own reflections of the Bluff experience, how to build on it and how to make it even better! Send your comments to: darylbarrett@msn.com

With love,
Daryl

2008-04-15T08:05:00.004-07:00

The roof construction comes together. The math theory rules

Jyana, April and Leslee are adding a lime white wash to brighten things up

Jyana and Laura look happy about how things are comming together

2008-04-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Cesar got a noteworthy haircut... timeless.

2008-04-09T18:36:00.004-07:00

We got things dried in just in time...

some posts popping up

a proud moment when the roof is draining...

hail

almost ready for the finish work...

Hank grinding down a door handle

yeah...

self-tapping screws... so necessary

doors frames that you can read...
making the shipping container doors operable from both sides...

2008-04-09T18:20:00.005-07:00

Bathhouse : projected goal for April 19, 2008

2008-04-08T19:56:00.003-07:00

Brad is flashing in the roof on the housing to make things water tight...
Jeremy is cutting a few holes to let a little light in.

Things are comming together nicely...
We are installing the columns to help align the knife plate bond beam connection.

2008-04-08T19:45:00.002-07:00

Mixing mud is a daily routine...
The blocks get set with thinset mortar and cracks are packed later with cement lime and sand
Today we had a new forman on the site giving the work a suprise inspection

2008-04-07T14:55:00.004-07:00

We're opening an amazon a-store for books. This means DBB will get a referral fee for any book purchased through amazon if you use our portal to purchase it.
Let everyone know.
If you need to buy books from amazon anyway, go through our portal and DBB will get a cut:

http://astore.amazon.com/deor-20/

Thanks.

2008-04-07T13:59:00.006-07:00

broken bottles for concrete aggregate

2008-04-05T09:28:00.004-07:00

This is a mountain of lumber being delivered courtsy of Burton Lumber and Big-D Construction. Thanks for helping us make this project possible.

A big thanks to Metal Supermarket for the steel and help in fabrication. Richard you rock!

2008-04-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Framing the west container

2008-04-03T20:43:00.001-07:00

2008-04-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

2008-04-03T19:49:00.005-07:00

2008-04-03T13:53:00.006-07:00

2008-04-02T23:26:00.003-07:00

2008-04-02T22:38:00.003-07:00

2008-04-02T10:59:00.002-07:00

This is a link to the newest press for DBB-ArchRecord2 article by Murrye Bernard. Check it out!

http://archrecord.construction.com/archrecord2/work/0804/DesignBuildBLUFF.asp

2008-04-01T20:45:00.008-07:00

Special guest appearance from a former Bluff blogger! This past weekend, a crew of former Bluffers drove down to give some major critiques on this year's projects. (Actually, it was more for fun than anything else, and to join in the fun and festivities of the annual DesignBuildBluff board retreat.) In fact, nearly all of last year's DesignBuildBluff team was able to make it down south to soak up the sun, visit Dora and Baxter Benally and other DesignBuildBluff home owners, and basically have a blast doing anything but school work. :) This year's projects, which include a bathhouse, shop facilities, and student residences on the Scorup House property, are coming along nicely, as you can see from the past few months' blog entries. The challenge will be completing the projects! Way to go, DesignBuildBluff team 2008! The shipping containers look wicked awesome, as do the hand carved Flexcrete blocks that comprise the bathhouse walls. These projects will look pretty sick when they're completed! Three cheers for Bluff!

Roof crew looks like they've got things under control.

The beauty of the bathhouse. The Flexcrete walls are nearly complete!
And who are these handsome fellows?
The view from one of the windows of the bathhouse.
The shop/residence conglomeration. It's coming right along!
Tex, up close and personal.
Eric, as photographed from the stealth position of a sniper.

What a lovely view the shop will have of the Scorup House!

Undulating Flexcrete creates a water-like effect. Perfect aesthetic for a bathhouse.

You can't work ALL the time in Bluff! The Bluffers take a break for a hike!

Faux-gan pride! It's just like a life-sized model!

The bluffs of Bluff.

What a good-looking crew! DesignBuildBluff for life! We're rather fond of the home we built for the Benally family.
Check out Dora's desk niche!
And the hallway! The home is actually being lived in! It's fantastic! It's so amazing to see a project go from a hole in the ground to this, a home that's loved and lived in!
Wind chimes.
Dora's kitchen window.

2008-03-28T13:23:00.003-07:00

supervising

2008-03-28T13:09:00.004-07:00

luke, i am your father . . .

cutting u-blocks for the bond beam

and making some serious dust

precision drafting

(fill in your own caption here)

2008-03-27T18:47:00.008-07:00

adaptive reuse scupper

beam pocket part 1

beam pocket part 2

crack packing corps outer course

crack packing corps inner course

beam saw satisfaction

2008-03-27T13:49:00.008-07:00

Laura shows off what a afternoon nap can do

2008-03-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

2008-03-26T14:19:00.002-07:00

bathhouse wall keeping growing

2008-03-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

2008-03-26T14:15:00.001-07:00

beatboys with skills

2008-03-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

bedroom bathed in light

2008-03-26T14:08:00.003-07:00

start of the new crown

2008-03-14T22:23:00.003-07:00

The roof on the residence is coming along quite nicely, we will also be framing a walkable deck on the parapets
The bathhouse is using sawzall cut flexcrete for its exterior wall... looking awesome.

2008-03-11T22:18:00.002-07:00

just a little house cleaning

Where's my gun! (nail gun)

adding shear
ahh...
much better the first course
one block at a time...
If the top of wall is 10 feet with a double top plate... that means I need to subtract 4 and 1/2 inches for 9 foot 7 1/2 inch king stud... I wonder what the trimmer size is...
I wish Cesar would hurry with that king stud...

2008-03-10T22:06:00.002-07:00

hola mi nombre Brian!
y mi amigo, Casey con fuego! Tenemos muy divertido!
y Cesar, esta a la casa blanca, por su madre!
y ese tambien!
escelara de luz!

2008-03-01T21:28:00.006-07:00

Thank you Harris Rebar
the perfect storm..
ruins up Comb Ridge, courtesy of Ben
TENACITY

placing Tex2
Mitch, assuring job site zafety
crouching tiger, hidden Kentaro
sledge-hammered!

Mitch, rigging up a come-along for the final container placement
a machine that mixes concrete for you.. fascinating!
the bathhouse, almost ready for concrete

the containers are finally all in place

our secret weapon

2008-02-27T22:09:00.006-07:00

Today we decided if the Egyptians could build pyramids, and whoever did stonehenge could do that.. then we could move our shipping containers into place. With the help of fulcrums, levers, Isaac Newton, Brad, and our horse Mumzie, we parked this 5000 lbs container precisely where we wanted it.. upside down.

Ben, Kentaro, and Dave owning the concrete mixer

The bathhouse crew making quick work of the hot tub slab

WILLPOWER Ancient Egypt aint got nothin on us
An unexpected delivery from up north

Brad, yelling about Gallileo and physics or something Jeremy, not quite understanding Brad.. phase 1 of the bathouse slab, poured to perfection
the view future students will enjoy from their beds

turning tex into xet, or maybe xaf, its hard to tell

2008-02-25T21:54:00.005-07:00

Quite a lot has gone on since our last post.. We poured our hearts and souls into our concrete... Hopefully that doesn't ruin the mixture. Here is the residence.Here Brad and Casey with yoda are preparing the shop slab to be poured.

This is from the balloon festival where some lucky souls were fortunate enough to hitchhike a flight across town.
Jeremy and Chris doing what they do best..
All the ladies rocking a trench for the future cistern overflow

Overalls?

Laying the electrical conduit. Luckily we had Johnny on the backhoe.. an artist in the ways of digging.
Formwork for Tositsa, which means water vessel in Navajo (the bathhouse)
In your face concrete action
TEAMWORK

A very important part of site clean up.
tex here will be going in the residence with his identical twin.. also called texLaura is in the hot tub.

DETERMINATION

2008-02-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been ones full of surprises. We have been laboring to get the bath-house portion of our project going but have almost each day had a new revelation as to how and why the location we've chosen wont work. We've had every problem from septic issues to sight-line issues to the latest powerline issue. Needless to say the bath-house is still in limbo but we are hopeful to begin it within the next week.
Our biggest and most pleasant surprise has been the new addition of yet at another animal around the house. After finishing our lunch on Thurs. we were heading back out to our job site when Mitch noticed a small fuzzy mass huddled amidst a bunch of boots on the back porch.

This little bundle turned out to be a small puppy that we are guessing to be about eight weeks old. She instantly melted our hearts and has become our house mascot (and site distraction). We have nick-named her Annie after the famous orphan and are currently debating amoungst ourselves who will eventually get to claim her as their own.

All in all we've had a fun few days and continue to work hard at getting the most out of our experience down here. Our progress on the shop/residences has encouraged those of us who thought there was no end to the digging, and for the rest of us we're happy to have the option of doing a variety of tasks at any given moment. As always we are warking hard and loving life here in Bluff. Go school!

2008-02-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

This month has started off pretty great for us Bluffies. We've finally gotten away from our laptops (mostly) and begun the actual construction on this year's projects. After digging for a whole week we started off this week at full force once again and ready to move on to something a little easier on our backs. Though we were releived to have a break from the digging (mostly) we are fast discovering that each job on the site comes with its own particular ... challenges. There is always something to keep us busy, which with fourteen total people can be a job in itself, and ever the next problem to solve. We are all enjoying ourselves despite (or pehaps because of) the numerous chances we've had to put our brains and our bodies to more work than most of us have seen for many years. Such is the 'plight' of life in Bluff and we love it!

2008-01-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

After weeks of what seemed like undless "lap-topping" we finally made it down to Bluff, Ut. Unfortunately, we soon found out that our drawings and designs still needed quite a bit of work so our first two weeks down here just ended up being more drafting, creating our own "Lap-top City" on the dining room table. These weeks were not completely hopeless, however. We found ways to entertain ourselves including the annual Bluff International Baloon Festival, where all who wanted got a chance to help set up the balloons and some of us were even lucky enough to bum a ride. We've also had mini adventures including cleaning out the sheds, digging up the septic system and thawing the frozen pipes. At last, week three rolled around and we were able to begin the physical work on our projects for this year.

We broke ground on our Shop on Monday and continued digging the trenches for the foundation for the next few days, hacking and squelching our way through the goopy mud and the frozen clay. We were occasionally required to return to our lap-tops to trudge through the last bit of drafting, but we have been able to get out for a few hours everyday to chip away at the frozen ground in an attempt to get some work done. Our site eventually began to resemble a contruction site rather than a gigantic bog and those of us who stayed at it until about 5:30 were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset.

Whether drafting, digging or dinking around, we're allenjoying our time down here and have to keep pinching ourselves: "this is school?" We'll take it!

Anyone need a stud with a pick-ax?

All wrapped up for the night.

What a mess!

2007-10-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

A little blast from the past.......

2007-09-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

2007-08-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Atsushi Yamamoto made a movie clip out of still pictures he took of our progress over the course of the semester. It's a must see.

http://students.arch.utah.edu/yamamotoa/dbb_2007_flash_movie.html

2007-08-12T23:07:00.000-07:00

The firepit.

Probably the best place to have a barbeque ever.

2007-08-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Monsoon season has caused our house to begin rusting.

And it's amazing.

A lot of plumbing work has been done to get the solar hot water system going.

And what is that shining on the roof and soaking up energy from the sun?

Solar hot water panels. Just a little more plumbing work to finish them.

The crew.

2007-07-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

Annie came to visit.

A special clear window treatment was put on the windows in the bathroom and some in the bedroom to protect them from shattering. Below the first window of tint intended for privacy in the shower was applied.

Eric has had many compliments on his cabinets from visitors.

2007-07-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Night shots of the house.

2007-07-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Custom desk designed and built by Ryan. A Baxter favorite.

A design build bluff first - running water!

The final look of the shower.

Shelves at the entry of the house made of 3form panels and pipe clamps.

Today we stained all the concrete.

The stove has been converted to propane by our mechanic Atsushi.

Was it really that long ago we set 6,000 pressed blocks?

Ryan taking a breather and preparing to leave the Benally house.

That's right, we've cleaned up and headed out. Soon the Benally's will be able to move into their new house. We have a few things to finish up, but the house is practically finished.

2007-07-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

Guest Blog: Atsushi Yamamoto.

The sun shines bright outsize and the counter top reflects comfortable light.

C.B. cleans up a gap in the adobe wall.

Adobe wall was thinly coated with a stain by Ryan. And the walls turned to be a little bit darker.
Lindsay skillfully removes the cover.

2007-07-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

About a week ago we had a writer visit. She mentioned that the house was much more round in shape than depicted in the blog. Hopefully the first few pictures in this post will help clear that up. This house has a lot of curves.

The house Baxter grew up in is also in this photo.

Here's a few angles of the house that haven't shown up much on the blog.

Remnants of the shade structure from the dedication party.

We recently had visitors from Dwell magazine visit us in bluff. They're working on a story about the Rosie Joe house for their November 'off the grid' issue. Thanks to James, Dan, and Chia.

2007-07-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Lindsay inspects her baby - the bathroom vanity - after the forms were removed.

The most recent addition to the house, a 3form window sill in the shower. Waterproofing never looked so good.

Finish electrical work has been started - as well as plumbing. Exciting pictures of plumbing to come in the near future...and you thought that wasn't possible.

Many small jobs have been completed such as handles for the counters. Also the concrete countertops have been sealed and waxed.

A view from the living room.

2007-06-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ryan is older.

More shots of the countertop.

Almost perfect.

Plywood on the mechanical closet completes the hallway.

Lindsay single-handedly built the vanity in the bathroom and formed it to be poured. Also...

It's been poured.

Bathroom from the hall.

The flagstone floor has been grouted.

The ceiling in the shower is up.

3form panels - gorgeous

Stove installed.

And when we aren't working - the swimming hole

2007-06-24T20:30:00.001-07:00

The countertops have been poured!

Some people underestimate the span of an inch and a half of concrete.

Shredded rope was added to the mix to stregthen the concrete due to such a thin pour.

Ryan framed the closet for our mechanical systems.

And yet more work got completed as we figured out a pattern of flagstone for the shower. We also set them with a thinset mix. In a couple days the floor will be ready for grout. If we're lucky it just might drain.

2007-06-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Returning to bluff after a couple weeks of vacation we found that Mitch had been working hard. He built shelving and prepared all the countertops for pouring - hopefully tomorrow.

Two weeks away was enough time for our ceder planks to shrink. There are now 'reveals' where the wood was once tightly fit.

Today plywood walls were completed.

We had a mortar bed built up and sloped to the drain when we left and today we installed the red pan. Another thin layer of mortar and then flagstone will finish off the shower floor.

At the beginning of the project a gigantic mound of dirt sat in the foreground of this picture. Now it has been graded and the house has been connected to a water line near the mission. The septic system has also been done.

2007-06-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

The caps are on.
We decided to bring the outside inside for the bathroom - Lindsay and Ryan just finished the cedar wall behind her.
Shelves above the bathroom sink with a 3-form panel behind.
Mitch is preparing the kitchen counter so we can lay some concrete. The cutting board will be set in the concrete.

2007-06-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

Summer crew started off with a field trip to Canyon De Chelly.

2007-06-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here's your favorite former blogger, back for a quick blog stint. I missed posting stuff during
my 3 week hiatus in distant countries. Coming back for today's house dedication renewed my love of the Benally home, which is simply the most beautiful home ever built under the DesignBuildBluff name.

Dora and Baxter planned a top-notch celebration of their home, their gratitude, their loved ones, and their friends. Dawn greeted them with a traditional Navajo blessing on the home, performed by Baxter's nephew. The afternoon brought Father Ian's blessing on the home and the family. Ceremonies aside, Dora and Baxter turned into party animals as they introduced the afternoon's celebratory entertainment. We discovered the range of Dora and Baxter's musical tastes, as they showcased everything from Navajo songs and dances to heavy metal rock anthems and raps.

Father Ian blesses all.
Dora and Baxter's granddaughter belts it.
"Silhouettes of a Melody"
Hank's thank-you.
Dora and Baxter dance it up.
C.B. and Monica make some mean competition for the Dora and Baxter dance-off.
The chefs make use of our rusty metal grates (think soffit images) to grill some beef. Mmmm. Rusty meat. ;) Actually, the food was delicious.
Awwww. The whole gang.
Our house takes the cake!

2007-05-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

We've done some work. We're gonna do some more. In the rush to complete tasks before the dedication (saturday) I haven't taken pictures of everything that's been done. Here's a sample though.

2007-05-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Some old news, we finished our tire wall to the entrance of the house.

Also Mitch graded the site.
Recently we finished the plywood in the trombe wall area and one of the bedrooms.

Door hanging crew. Before the memorial weekend celebration - and subsequent hangover period - Mark Haslam built this shelf for us. Soon it will be set into a sheathed wall. Thanks Mark.

2007-05-27T21:19:00.001-07:00

The latest DBB house still looks good in strong daylight. I think the higher contrast shadows that we didn't have yesterday helps the texture stand out.
Another update from Caroline's House...
Carl, John, Matt, and Tristan installed a hand water pump for the cistern at Caroline's house. She is still without electricity so a generous donation of the pump by Mark and Libby Haslam really helps them out. Caroline and Audrey can now easily access the full cistern to help water their new plants and other needs.

2007-05-27T10:43:00.001-07:00

Three of the four generations of Bluffers came down for the Memorial Day weekend. Suffice to say, Swindel started this morning off with a PBR.