07/09/2021
NBAU Blog Takeover – Week 10

Self Reflection

 

As the programme comes to an end it is a bittersweet moment knowing that half the team has left and that most of us won’t be able to participate in the final touches of the build. However, when I look back on the 11 weeks (including set up), it has been such an amazing experience. Since completing my part 1 in the peak of the pandemic, an opportunity like this to get out there and be hands on with architecture and to see how everything translates from paper to real life, especially with such a supportive group of people, has been a lovely experience which has effected what I think architecture is and what role I want to play. To be actively involved with every element of this build is an opportunity that I’m very thankful for and hope that programs like this continue to prosper and hopefully someday be implemented in the education system.

-Gracious

Week 10 – Windows, decking, counter battens

23/08/2021 – 27/08/2021

Monday & Tuesday-23/08/21 – 24/08/21

With 7 students and 2 studio bark members left we worked in small groups of 2 with some working on the roof doing the butane membrane, the second layer of waterproofing and attaching the horizontal battens and medite. Other groups worked on levelling the ground on the south elevation where the entrance is to start the decking. There was also work on the decking.

 

We were also visited by one of our mentors – Jamie who taught us how to mastic the windows.

 

Wednesday – 25/08/21

Today, a small team went around the building sealing the membrane above the windows with membrane tape which was the last step before we could start counter battening – fixing horizontal battens to the external walls which the cladding will be fixed to. This creates an air gap between the membrane and the cladding.

 

With the foundation of the entrance deck completed, 2 students started putting joists where the decking will continue.

 

The roof team had a few tasks including counter battening, parapet capping membrane and setting out where the cladding will sit on the top counter batten.

 

Having shown interest in interior design, I went to the client’s house to measure all the furniture that they will be moving with, and I am currently in the process of working with them to find a suitable layout and colour palette to compliment the plywood walls.

Thursday – 25/08/21

All day was full of cutting the cladding to the right length on the chop saw and then chamfering one side to allow for drainage between the cladding and the counter battens.

 

We also continued to mastic the windows, place sleepers in trenches, mark up the courtyard and fix counter battens.

 

Friday – 27/08/21

We continued with decking and counter battening which Matt, Kyle and Jay opted to finish after 13 hours the south elevation therefore completing the goal for this week.

 

Overall a productive week!

 

A note from Studio Bark

No Building As Usual is an ambitious student build project running for 10 weeks over the summer of 2021. The programme addresses the climate emergency, diversity in the built environment professions, and the need for cross-industry collaboration.

Many thanks to blog and NBAU project collaborator NMITE

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