Hands-on experience can be a most practical learning tool, as 47 high school students in San Jose, California, learned over a 14-month period.
Photo: Glowing with sunlight diffused through its taut umbrella cap, airy garden pavilion defines seating area near retaining wall wedged into steep Los Angeles canyonAt the gazebo's base, they bolted fourturned wood columns to metal L-brackets set in the corners of a concrete slab. For further stability, L-brackets connect the back columns to the retaining wall.To hold the duct length firmly in place,metal straps pop-riveted to the duct are nailed to the roof and ceiling framing. Outside, the duct rises a few inches above the surface of the roof to create a curb which is sealed with asphalt emulsion. Capping the shaft is a round piece of 1/4-inch-thick clear acrylic held in place with a thick bead of silicone caulk.The project drew many willing participants. Citation Builders sold a corner lot in a planned development area at the builder's cost. The Santa Clara Building Trades Council not only endorsed the project, but provided apprentice program assistance in the fields of plastering, gypsum-board taping, and bricklaying. Energy consultants donated their services, and plumbing, lumber, and electric companies pitched in with building materials. Predictably, construction took longer than with professional builders. "We took our time to teach the kids how to do it right," says Carl Hefner, supervising instructor from CCOC. He and other teachers patiently checked, praised, or corrected each phase. Building inspectors then double-checked and approved the work.Photo: Up on top, silicone caulk holds flat acryliccap to duct; asphalt emulsion seals roof. Inside powder room, open-ended sheetmetal shaft makes natural downlight
The program is intended to be self-perpetuating; money raised by the sale of the house will go to buy land and services for the next project.
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