The
Work
inBeauty
By Be Sargent
Murals
They are used on all Gallup’s Habitat for Humanity houses. ICFs use less concrete than a typical concrete or block wall, and have a much higher insulation value than a normal stick-framed wall, making the foundation the most insulated part of the structure. No-maintenance, recycled plastic will be used to cover the floor of the deck around two sides of the building. Specifics of the design include rain screen technology. The premise is that water is going to get behind your exterior finish, so siding is installed offset from the walls allowing water to drain away and let them dry. The unique butterfly roof has two functions, beyond looking cool. Photovoltaic panels can be installed without a racking system and water can be easily harvested. The “summer office” cost much less than comparable structures on Modern Shed. The students were able to put all their skills to use, learn new ones and also learn about the latest sustainable construction practices.
T
his scene in the middle of the left panel of Work of Strength is of Chris Chavez’s class called Layout and Framing. (Chris in green, pointing.)
The project to build a “modern shed” (http://modern-shed.com/ home.aspx), was designed to give students the opportunity to work with new materials and procedures. They had to solve the problem How green is Gallup for buying building materials? The students were allowed only two Internet purchases. In the end only the recycled denim insulation came from out of town. The students looked for recyclability and low impact on the environment. Steel studs were used because steel is normally 75 percent recycled. Insulated concrete forms (ICF) for the foundation walls are sold here in town. Like big Styrofoam Lego blocks, you glue them together and fill them with concrete.
8
gallupjourney@yahoo.com
Here is Chris with the shed today . . . Chris Chavez started part-time teaching at UNM-G in 1985 and has been full time since 1990. The curriculum became green about seven years ago. His curriculum has components of Math and English and students can get an associates degree in Construction Technology in 4 to 5 semesters.