Rural Studio Blog

3, 2, 1 Lift Off!

May 26, 2026

As astronauts were headed for the moon, the Smith Park team was also reaching for the stars—if reaching for the stars means pouring concrete and planting trees! The second half of the spring semester was a productive one for Smith Park. We expanded our horizons beyond just trees and concrete to include work on gravel courtyards and chain link screens.

Captivating new images

Get ready to see Smith Park from a new perspective. The park recently had a photoshoot with a drone thanks to Christian Ayala with the Front Porch team. It might not be as impressive as seeing the earth from the far side of the moon, but it feels just as exciting for the team! We’re thrilled to continue tracking the construction process from this bird’s eye view.

Construction progress

The trail is fully excavated! When you take a walk around the park, you can see how all of the pieces of the trail will come together—although the sections of road base look more like a walk on Mars than on Earth.

Over 50% of the of the concrete for the trail is finished. One continuous section of concrete trail surrounds the field and connects to the basketball court. The second section starts at the gravel courtyard by the pavilion and links up to the second bench. For a more detailed look at this process and the tree planting process, check out our last blog.

Tree launch window

How do we decide what trees can be planted and which ones need to wait? The sequencing is important because we need space for large concrete trucks to enter the site without driving over our freshly planted trees. Therefor, in most spaces, we must pour concrete before we can plant trees. The challenge is making progress on the trail quickly enough to plant within the “launch window” or planting season. So far, the weather has been on our side, but we are still racing against the summer heat to get as many planted in this season as possible. Over 50 have been planted so far with the help of our peers. Fellow 5th-year, leftover, and 3rd-year students came out to the park and helped to plant 10 trees in one morning. Thank you to the student organization and all the students who came out to help!

Black gum trees surround the field, and crepe myrtle trees shade the pavilion’s courtyard space. Our “mosaic” plating strategy uses sugar maple, trident maple, and river birch trees to create shady spaces around the park.

Exploring a new frontier

Chain link screens are starting to go up around site. We set the poles for the field backstop with concrete, and we are looking to install the screens in the coming weeks. The chain link screens will be hung vertically (a detail borrowed from Lions Park) to allow for the height of the fence to change. On the field, the sweeping arc of the backstop is taking shape. The next steps will be to attach the top rail that the screens will hang from.

Replacing the southern fence with a shorter one

Work started again on the mock-up at Morrisette finishing out the chain link screen. To give the screens around the basketball court some dynamic movement we changed the shape of the end bays. Instead of setting all of the poles plumb and vertical, the end poles terminate into the ground at an angle, creating a shape similar to a sail. Check out the awesome renderings on the Smith Park webpage for a closer look at the chain link screens! This unique detail at the ground is what we were testing with the mock-up. We are also working through how to cut and secure the chain link screen when it is hung at such a steep angle. The mock-up proved that it is possible to achieve the shape we want and we can further test how to assemble the screen in a way that gives it the most durability.

Design updates from Mission Control

The design for the bathroom is becoming even more refined. After meeting with Rural Studio consultants, Susan Rodriguez and Charlie Lowrey, we made subtle changes to the entry sequence and simplified the roof. We are working through details for the roof fabrication The bathroom site is currently being prepped for plumbing and foundation work. As more details are falling into place, we are now able to further explore the graphic identity of the park.

That’s all for this mission! Report back in T–minus a few months for a progress report from the summer.

Designing Housing That Lives the Auburn Creed

May 14, 2026

Last year Rural Studio was awarded an inaugural Creed Grant through the Auburn Alumni Association. This support is helping to deliver a new housing prototype that brings the Auburn Creed to life through design, research, and service. The Cost-Effective, Resilient, Energy-Efficient, Equitable, and Durable (CREED) House is a high-performance housing project that directly addresses pressing housing challenges faced by many overburdened and underserved working communities across the Southeast and beyond. The CREED House is under construction and being built for our neighbor, Mark.

At its core, the CREED House is a student-led research and development effort grounded in hands-on education and meaningful client engagement. Through the design and construction of this prototype, students are exploring innovative approaches to affordability, energy efficiency, resilience, safety, and healthful living. The project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can respond to climate risks while remaining accessible to the people who need housing the most.

Funding is supporting a number of upgrades to Mark’s new home that significantly increase both resilience and life safety. These include a FEMA-engineered storm shelter, a wired emergency power generator, and construction to meet the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Gold Standard. Together, these systems are designed to protect both the homeowner and the building during high-wind events while also supporting faster recovery in their aftermath.

Students have been working diligently to build Mark’s Home. A new group of 3rd-year architecture students moves to Rural Studio each semester and picks up where the last group left off. The first group worked with Mark to determine the best location for the house on his property and prepared the site for construction. The next group finalized the floor plan, developed the foundation details, and completed the excavation and pouring of the footings. Another group of students worked to lay the foundation, install plumbing, and pour the slab with the help of local contractors.

The foundation is a critical component of the FORTIFIED Home Gold Standard. A professional engineer designed the continuous load path, and it was the students’ responsibility to install and secure the connectors that tie the foundation to the walls and ultimately to the roof—ensuring the house performs as a single, unified structure under stress.

FORTIFIED Home Gold Standard

Meeting the FORTIFIED Home Gold Standard has shaped nearly every aspect of the home’s design and construction. This voluntary standard focuses on strengthening the most vulnerable parts of a house—particularly the roof—to better withstand high winds and severe weather.

For Mark’s Home, this has meant carefully detailing the roof assembly with multiple layers of protection. A generous donation of ZIP System wall and roof sheathing from Huber made it possible to incorporate a continuous air and moisture barrier, which is essential to the system’s performance. The roof sheathing has been nailed at four inches on center along each truss, dramatically increasing its resistance to uplift forces during storms.

Although no house can be completely storm proof, the goal of the FORTIFIED standard is durability and recoverability. Building to this standard reduces the likelihood of catastrophic failure and slows water intrusion if damage does occur; these measures help ensure that homeowners can return to their homes more quickly and with fewer losses after a storm.

FEMA Safe Room

One of the most important life-safety features supported by the grant is a FEMA-engineered safe room integrated directly into the home. In a region where tornadoes and severe storms are a real and recurring threat, this space provides a place of refuge designed to withstand extreme wind events and flying debris.

Unlike a typical interior room, the safe room is constructed with reinforced CMU walls (thanks to Alabama Concrete Industries Association and Oldcastle Brick), a hardened concrete roof system, and a dedicated structural design that meets FEMA guidelines. Its placement within the house ensures that Mark can access it quickly and safely when severe weather approaches.

This addition reflects a broader commitment of the CREED House to not only protect property, but to prioritize human safety above all else.

Emergency Power and Resilience

The home will also include a wired-in emergency generator with integrated circuits, allowing essential systems to remain operational during power outages. In rural areas, where outages can last for extended periods after storms, maintaining power is critical for safety, comfort, and health.

The system is designed to automatically support key functions such as refrigeration, lighting, and operation of select outlets, reducing disruption to daily life and enabling Mark to remain in his home even when surrounding infrastructure is compromised. This layer of resilience ensures that the house continues to serve its purpose not just in ideal conditions, but when it is needed most.

Designing for Life, Now and in the Future

Beyond resilience and performance, the design of Mark’s Home is deeply rooted in supporting his daily life, interests, and long-term needs. The layout reflects an understanding of how he lives now, while also anticipating how those needs may evolve over time.

The home is organized to provide ease of movement, clear circulation, and strong connections between interior and exterior spaces. Spaces for hobbies and day-to-day activities are intentionally integrated, allowing Mark to continue the routines and passions that define his lifestyle. At the same time, the design incorporates strategies for aging in place, including accessible entry points, a single-story layout, and rooms sized to accommodate future mobility needs.

Natural light, views to the landscape, and a sense of openness contribute to a home that is not only functional, but uplifting—supporting both physical and emotional well-being.

Construction Progress

This semester’s progress included final touches on the safe room, window and door installation, and erection of the roof structure over the house and workshop.

Overall, the roof has been the most complex component of the house, and the students who built it worked tirelessly to complete it. As we move into summer this year, 2026, the roof sheathing is complete, a FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor is ready to install the final roofing system, the interior walls are in place and ready for the electrician, and the house is prepared for the next group of students to continue construction in the fall.

With each semester, Mark’s Home continues to take shape—not just as a building, but as a living demonstration of how the Auburn Creed can be expressed through architecture that serves, protects, and endures.

Students holding wood headers on their shoulders

Four Peas In A Pod

April 19, 2026

Welcome back! We’ve been busy…like, ‘there’s more than just a concrete slab’ busy.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Pod

Mid-February, we were finished taping the slab. Fast forward to the end of March, and the structure is up!

CLT walls are up. Stiffeners are in. Stick-frame walls are framed. The CLT roof is set. And yes, plenty of bracing to make sure it all stays that way.

Seeing the pod come together at full scale has been a big moment. What started as drawings is now a space we can walk through, giving us a clearer understanding of how our design choices play out in real life.

Deborah’s Home

At the same time, the house project has been moving along. We have a new site and a new client, just five minutes down the road from campus: close enough to feel familiar, different enough to require some real adjustments.

We revisited the design to better respond to the site, while keeping the core ideas intact. Along the way, we had a strong round of consultant input that helped sharpen the project.

Andrew Berman with Andrew Berman Architects pushed us to rethink the wall system, encouraging us to test a single CLT panel instead of stacking two, simplifying the build and speeding up construction. Katrina Van Valkenburgh with CHS Solutions, Mike Newman with SHED Studio, and Pete Landon with LBBA helped us tighten the plan by maximizing shared spaces and being more intentional about where stick framing does the work. Amanda Loper with David Baker Architects worked with us on refining the entry sequence, double-height space, floor plan, and window placement.

Right before Spring Break, we had our first big test—Executive Review One. The question was simple: Are we ready to build this?

Drawing up some window elevations for executive review.

Overall, it went well. We got strong feedback on our exterior cladding, floor plan, detailing, and interior strategies. Enough validation to keep moving, and enough critique to know exactly what needs more work. Thanks to Justin Miller, Rusty Smith, Emily McGlohn, John Marusich, Steven Long, and Andrew Freear!

Now things are getting more specific. We are digging into mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (a.k.a. MEP) systems, material specifications, and the actual sequence of construction. Less guessing, more decision-making.

Well, this pod isn’t gonna build itself! Catch ya next post!

Tags: rs3rdyears

Moving On Up!

April 15, 2026

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.

Checking to make sure our column is plumb

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.

Getting Into the Weeds

April 13, 2026

The First Congregational Church Hall team has been hard at work!

A church Hall Team members woorks on correcting a building plan.

The Church Hall Team presents by powerpoint to Andrew Berman.

We had an insightful meeting with Andrew Berman, Founder of Andrew Berman Architect. He guided us to critique and define the look of the hall from the outside, as well as to refine a universal point of entry into the First Congregational Church’s front door. With Andrew’s comments in mind, we marched forward with a clear organizational strategy for the look and layout of the building.

2x6 Decking is held up behind a pieece of 3x12 Glue-Laminated Timber.

Two members of the Church Hall Team workshop with Pete Landon and Mike Newman.

The following week, we met with Mike Newman, Architect and Co-founder of SHED Studio in Chicago, Pete Landon, founder and Principal Architect of LBBA, and Katrina Van Valkenburgh, Managing Director of Corporation for Supportive Housing, Central Region, in Chicago. Mike, Pete, and Katrina further guided the organization of the interior of the church hall with further suggestions of adequate materiality.

We had the opportunity to show the First Congregational Church Hall design to all the members of the LOEB Fellowship from Harvard University! The LOEB Fellows gave useful advice on the presentation of the project. Later that same week, we met with much of the congregation for the first time. Updated interior and courtyard perspectives highlighted the big moments of the project. The congregation shared insights on both building layout and universal-access connection between the First Congregational Church and the new Church Hall.

The First Congregational Church Hall Team poses for a photo with their clients.

After meeting with the congregation, we checked in with landscape architect Mary Margaret Jones with Hargreaves Jones. Mary gave her advice on the new schemes and on viable plants for both the courtyard and surrounding site. Then, we got into the dirt and talked about site grading and watershed.

The First Congregational Church Hall team had our first executive review of the semester. We received feedback from Rural Studio faculty and teaching staff, of course, but also from Rusty Smith, Associate Director of Rural Studio and lead of the Front Porch Initiative, and Justin Miller, Head of Auburn University CADC’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. We showcased the design and received valuable feedback on key building details and eventual construction sequencing.

Photos of materials are strewn about, sitting on top of pieces of decking and glue-laminated timber.

The Church Hall team meets and workshops with Amanda Loper.

After Spring Break, we were able to meet once more with Amanda Loper, Principal Architect with David Baker Architects. Amanda shared her thoughts on honing the plan layout as well as on refining the universal access route to the front door of the church. Amanda also gave incredible guidance on drawing inspiration from local environments and conditions for source materials.

Two members of the Church Hall team pass the story-pole to be used with the transit in surveying the site.

Two Church Hall team members use a tape measure to mark out 10x10 squares on the site.

Since Amanda’s visit, we have been working on a new site survey of the church grounds. This refined survey will allow us to make more precise earthwork calculations and inform decisions on foundation details. So, back to the drawing board we go!

The First Congregational Church Hall Team's faces superimposed onto four cartoon flowers.

See you next time! Happy Spring!

Tags: church, community, timber