Construction Begins

The prefabricated shell of the Norris House, which is being built by Clayton Homes' Norris Plant in Bean Station, TN, started its week long trek on the production line today. The masonry group, as well as Joan, Sam, and Samuel, were fortunate enough to watch some of the fascinating work taking place on the factory floor. Brad, our contact and constant reference at Clayton, took us on a tour through the various stages and processes that were all occurring simultaneously.

Here's a list of everything (including elements we are building ourselves) that are currently being prefabricated for the site installation:

-Floor and decking (including electrical and plumbing)
-Window frames
-Hinged roof joists
-Exterior walls
-Dormer
-Cistern enclosure
-Skylight frames

Seeing the house start down the construction line at Clayton was a truly unique experience, because for most of us it is the first project we have designed that has proceeded to construction.

Clayton will be delivering the house in two halves, to be joined on site, as a result of our unique site condition (too small to get a crane). In order for that installation to be successful, the masonry team (myself included) will have to lay the CMU block foundation in respective halves next week, piecing the house together as it lands. J.C. Newman, the master mason who has taken us under his wing the past few weeks, will be on site to ensure everything goes according to plan (and to show off his expert trowel work when necessary).

Here's a link to a recent press release from UT about the New Norris House, and pictures will be posted as soon as I get the camera back from Samuel.