A New Norris House

Things are beginning to take shape, and long-awaited moments are being realized.

The house officially has three installed windows! Earlier in the day, a few of the openings underwent some prep work including trimming of the exterior rigid insulation and flashing installments. By the end of the day, three windows were in place.

House Norris is also very close to being able to wear its beautiful siding for the late fall season. Some of our team members have been working very precisely on mounting the furring strips for the siding which has been in the priming process for many hours back at the architecture building.

The site has also been seeing a few new working faces. Some electrical work was done today, and the backyard portion of the site is in the process of being graded.

It is this interaction with the other non-student participants that I feel may be somewhat overlooked. The amount we learn from them is incredible, even if it's just knowing that and why they are there with us. We may not have worked with the plumbers or electricians directly, but seeing them on site for a few days reminds us that this work is also a necessary part of the building (and design) process. Those with whom we DO interact are teaching us more that we might have expected. Albert from our general contractor, Johnson and Gallion, has really surprised us with the amount of effort put into teaching us. We are grateful for his explanations and demonstrations on both the small scale (how to set up a roof angle with the speed square or putting tape on his safety glasses when not in use to protect them from being scratched) and the larger scale (how to install a door or window). Oftentimes we find ourselves in awe of these professionals' skills (like using a circular saw with just one hand!). This more practical learning, I think, is just as important and enjoyable.