The CLT Core House team had just begun their journey to build the core mock-up. Bright-eyed and eager to prove their design’s worth, they got to work. Despite the heat, it was exciting for them to be working outside.
They exclaimed, “Finally, we can get our hands dirty!” Though they, like many before them, were about to see an entirely new side of design, one that would transform their drawings into reality and expose the previously missed shortcomings. A humble lesson for all, and perhaps the most potent. Yet the team treated these lessons as opportunities, not an embarrassments, and were pleased to embrace them.
How optimistic! How youthful!
The act of, as it were, “mocking up” a design is a pivotal moment for any builder, green or experienced alike. It forced the CLT Core House team to reckon with the stutters in their meticulous design process. No matter how long the process took, they learned new lessons. One would think that after the third consecutive day of sanding wood, they might have stopped to question the process. Alas, they powered through for the fourth, and yes, fifth day of sanding.
How determined! How youthful!
Once the students realized that sanding one spot means sanding all spots, they came to their senses and scrapped the sanding altogether.
Do not fear, dear reader: not all lessons were born of mistakes. Many a wise word was gained from consults versed in all manners of design. Among these travelers came Joe Burns of Chicago, the city of winds, to aid our CLT Core House team in structural matters. He continually adds merit to their work, ensuring that their uncommon use of shiplap as both a ceiling and structural member effectively transfers shear loads from walls to the central core as intended.
Many more came bearing gifts of knowledge and advice. Jonas Weber of David Baker Architects, defender of tile, Kiel Moe and Jacob Mans of various wooded landscapes, and lady Adele Schirmer of all things civil (engineering) have helped to refine the details of the cores themselves and the performance of the house. The CLT Core House team is so appreciative of this aid, not forgetting the many more who have helped take this project to where it is.
How Fortunate!
Soon they will endeavor to build on a full scale. They do seem to feel as though they are ready…
How Ambitious! How Youthful!
