The 3rd-years have been keeping busy the past few weeks. From important moves made on site, to making first cuts done in the woodshop, and creating their own pigments for History class, there’s something new every day!

Site: Truss-t Us

We have been busy on site as we divided into teams to work on different areas of Mark’s Home. Our first task was verifying that the top plate was level all the way around the house to ensure that our roof trusses would fit properly. Once they were set, we marked the truss layout across the walls. While this was happening, the FORTIFIED team studied the truss installation process, researching the proper brackets, nailing patterns, and bracing strategies so the installation would go smoothly.

We worked hard preparing for truss day. We installed the columns into our footings that support the 28-foot laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams. The specialized column brackets require a high level of precision that can be difficult to achieve on site. Maneuvering the long LVLs along the scaffolding took careful planning and constant communication. Through teamwork and coordination, we were able to successfully complete the marking and drilling needed to get everything ready.

When truss day arrived, we raised the first truss on our own, setting both ends on the walls and swinging the peak into place before bracing it on the west wall of the house. With the help of “Crane Shane” Jackson from Stillwater Machine, we successfully installed all the trusses over the house. The next step is installing the scissor trusses that will span the exterior portion of the home and will continue shaping the roof structure.

Woodshop: Cheers for Chairs!

Once we were trained to use the power tools in the Woodshop, we started planning the design and build of our own cutting boards. Each student was given three pieces of 14-inch long wood and were tasked with creating our own design. We created some nifty cutting boards with unique curves and patterns. This project was a crucial step in learning to work with a variety of the tools in the woodshop. We also have more confidence working in the Woodshop. 

After completing the cutting boards, we started on our first iteration of the chair projects. These first mock-ups are samples of our chairs to help us understand steps in the process. We practiced cutting joints and making special jigs for specific cuts with guidance from Instructor Steve Long. The most intense process we have learned is steam bending wood. The steam bending process makes physically bending the wood possible, and it requires speed, planning, and maybe a little luck!

History: Colorful Weeks

Ahead of our final watercolor drawings, Instructor Hudgens tasked us with creating our very own, homemade watercolors, so we have been doing a lot of “foraging” around Morrisette House. We’re looking for anything from pecan shells to tree bark to local weeds. To help us with this process, we took a pigment workshop class with Aaron Head, local artist and gallery owner. What a privilege!

In this workshop, we first learned how to make our own charcoals using tree limbs that we cut ourselves. Aaron then walked us through the process of creating our own watercolor pigments with items we could find locally. We used things like flowers and onion skins, and we learned what kind of colors we could find in our own backyards. After we collected these samples, Aaron showed us how to boil them and add a thickening agent to help bring the colors out.

Now, we are on the hunt for the perfect pigments. After we find our samples, we grind them, put them in mason jars, and add water for them to saturate. Once our watercolors are finished, we test them on sketches that we make for History class. The watercolors, we have discovered, react in different ways when brushed onto paper or when added on top of a different pigment. This has been a fun challenge to navigate as we prepare for our final drawings. 

We have been on the go in History class! Our first stop was to Gaineswood, a massive Greek Revival mansion in Demopolis. It started as a small wooden cabin and slowly grew with the prestige of the Gaines family, who owned it. The property was used as a plantation, with an observatory located on the very top point of the house for keeping watch over the land. The interior of the house was ornate, with molding taken from Greek inspiration, stained glass created by the famous John Gibson, and interior columns of various orders. Also, two grand skylights lit up the dining and living rooms. The house has been undergoing needed renovations and adjustments because of its impressive age. Instructor Dick Hudgens pointed out where his own renovation teams had already completed preservation work on the house. 

Our next stop was farther than ever before—Tuscaloosa! Not for the Iron Bowl, but to see the Jemison-Van de Graaf Mansion. The mansion, located outside of downtown Tuscaloosa, is a gorgeous Italianate house built in the 1860s. Its grand scale and colorful interior blew us away. This house also has an observatory on the roof, allowing us a birds-eye view of the city! The mansion once belonged to a prominent Alabama senator who used the house to establish his wealth and power. We enjoyed touring in and around the house to sketch a floorplan and an elevation. Dick asked us to add color to our assigned elevation sketches using our homemade pigments. Nothing like traveling into enemy territory to start off our week!

Student Life: Work Hard, Play Hard

After long workdays on site, we have plenty of ways to enjoy our evenings in Hale County. Whether it’s sharing meals, relaxing with movie nights, or heading into town for activities, there is always something to look forward to after a full day of building!

Every week begins with “Pod Dinner” on Monday, where the roommates in each pod take turns cooking for everyone. One pod prepares dinner and dessert for the rest of the group, and it has quickly become a favorite tradition. So far, we’ve had family recipes with homemade cookies and Domino’s Pizza. It’s been a fun way to share a meal and spend time together.

We have also been involved in activities around town. Our social schedule stays busy with Ultimate Frisbee and pickleball games along with bingo and trivia nights at The Stable.

We asked our 3rd-year team to name their favorite song to hear on site. Who’s got the best taste in music?

Bergin: I love to dance to “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse on site.

Sara Kate: To start the day, I like to hear “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John, and later in the afternoon, I like to hear “We Didn’t Start the Fire” Billy Joel!

Ava: What comes to mind is “Drive-By” by Train when we start singing together while we work. Also, “Doses and Mimosas” by Cherub.

Ben: I like to bust a move: “Ain’t Got Rhythm” by Phineas and Ferb!

Barrett: I like to hear “Golden” (with “We’re going up, up, up”) from KPop Demon Hunters

Olivia: I love listening to “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede

Jordan: “We Are Young” by fun.

Kasia: I love when “Hot Wings” (I Wanna Party) from the Rio Soundtrack plays on site!

Emily: “Vienna” by Billy Joel is my favorite!

Bailey: I love when any parts of Pitch Perfect‘s “Riff Off” come on the speaker!

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more updates soon.