Day 5: BUILD TEAM
Today is the first day of construction. We first started with constructing the walls of the eco-shed. To start we cut down materials to create a timber frame structure. We divided ourselves into two teams: one for data measurement and the other for cutting the timber. The two groups worked alternated tasks so that each person could experience the whole building process. During the measuring process we had woodshop staff, Steve and Nick, guide us on how to use different tools. They taught us different techniques for marking measurements with a string line to improve efficiency and accuracy. During the cutting process, the team had more opportunities to practice using the chop saw.
The cut timber cannot be used directly for assembly, it also needs to be treated by soaking each end into the preserving liquid for 10 mins. After that, the timbers were ready to be assembled. During the fitting process, Lad gave us a master class on how to best use a drill. While it appears easy, it was a challenge to get good at using one. With the help of Steve and Nick we were taught how to make the the timber members fit tighter and without gaps. It is also worth talking about that fitting the side walls was a difficult task as it had a sloping frame at the top and required the posts and top frame to be cut at an angle. This needed to be done with a hand saw. With Steve and Nick demonstrating and guiding us, we quickly learnt how to use the hand saw and the tricks to use it.
After a day's work, we completed all the wall framing for the eco-shed. Thanks to Steve and Nick sharing, we also learnt a lot about woodworking in the process. It was a tough process, but everyone in the team was very committed and enthusiastic. There was a sense of pride in each member as they watched the final four sides of the solid and neatly finished frame. Tomorrow we will get a delivery of the rest of our materials and develop the ecoshed much further!

Day 7: BUILD TEAM

Today is the 3rd day of the construction of the eco-shed. Unfortunately, the construction of the shelter had to be cancelled since the City Council did not complete its approval. After discussions with the client, it was decided that the green roof initially planned for the shelter would be adapted to the roof of the eco-shed. The main work done today was the installation of the flooring, the installation of the window frames, the fitting of the walls, the fabrication of the doors, the installation of the air barrier supports and the start of the roof. We had already acquired a good knowledge of timber construction techniques through practice in previous builds, so we were able to carry out the work today with ease. It is worth noting that as the construction of the eco-shed was not carried out on the actual site, we needed to consider the design to allow it to be packed and reassembled. This required us to consider how to position the screws and which ones could be covered up without disassembly and which ones needed to be exposed so that they could be unscrewed. After careful deliberation, we put together the existing walls, which gave us a prototype for the eco-shed.

It was a shame that we couldn't continue with the construction of the shelter, but we were excited and benefited from the work that had been done. Eco-shed made everyone in the BUILD TEAM feel very proud, so much so that we all wanted to take a photo with the eco-shed. A big thanks to John, Steve and Nick for their advice and guidance, which has been crucial in the construction of the eco-shed.

Day 8: BUILD TEAM

Today is the 4th day of the construction of the eco-shed. On the one hand, the original plan was to finish the eco-shed construction today, but installing the cladding boards was more difficult than we had thought. Due to the need for drainage, the joints of the cladding boards on each floor have to be staggered to increase the water resistance of the shed walls. This made the installation more difficult as each layer of the board was of a different module and had to be measured individually before the boards could be cut and installed. On the other hand, the roofing was completed in a step-by-step manner. However, as the shed is not built on site, there is still the need to flat pack and transport the roof, and the roof cannot be assembled in place at present. Likewise, the membrane for the roof has been cut but needs to be installed inside the roof, which will need to be done once the roof is assembled. This means that we will not be able to witness the moment when the eco-shed is fully assembled, which is a great pity.

Today's work was split into two groups, creating a healthy sense of competition. Despite the slight exhaustion, the teamwork became more efficient. Moreover, the work became less tedious, and every member of the team was so engaged that the class seemed to fly by.