The Build

You know about the project (if you don't - see our last post!).

Zoe and her family spent a considerable amount of time preparing foundations. Time well spent for the long term benefit of the school... and some practical learning for the kids in the process!

Child and adult measuring grass with yellow tape in garden. Another child watches. Background shows trees and a house. Winter clothing worn.

Man kneeling on grass near a wheelbarrow in a garden with a dirt outline. Bare trees and a house are in the background. Overcast sky.

Two people lay black fabric on soil in a park, weighted with grid-patterned tiles. Trees and picnic tables visible in the background.

A girl in a purple hoodie rakes gravel in a garden, surrounded by trees and yellow caution tape, under a sunny sky.

Child raking gravel in a field under clear blue sky. Surrounded by trees, orange cones, caution tape, and gravel bags. Playful mood.

A grassy area with a rectangular gravel patch, bordered by sandbags and caution tape. Trees and a building are in the background. Bright day.

23rd March 2025. The troops had been gathered. The risk assessments written and PPE bought.

We gathered at the school (some of us earlier than others I might add, but there were traffic issues!). The 'lift and shift' team had a much easier time than originally thought, courtesy of the most helpful thinking of the construction team and use of vehicles to move some 300 parts from one side of the school grounds to the other.

Shift complete, it was time to consult the instructions and make sure everyone had an idea of what was needed... loosely speaking of course.

Camouflage cap with a humorous patch that reads "WARNING: I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING", wooden background.

The kids were drafted in for biscuit supervision duties, and appropriate adults were allocated with keeping the build team well watered with tea.

And so the fun began.

Five people assemble wooden beams outdoors, surrounded by green foliage. Some materials and a table with a box are visible nearby.

Four men assemble a wooden structure in a forest setting. They focus on aligning the light-colored wooden panels amidst green foliage.

Four men assemble a wooden structure outdoors. One holds a mallet. Green foliage in background. Tools visible on the grass.

Four men building a wooden structure in a grassy area with trees. One hammers while others assist. Power tools are nearby.

Three people construct a wooden structure in a garden with trees. Tools and wood planks are on the grass. Overcast day.

Three men outdoors, one assembling wooden planks, two smiling. Background has trees and grass. Casual clothing, relaxed mood.

It was going well, but as ever with construction, there were snags... at least everyone was still smiling!

Five men assembling a wooden structure outdoors. Trees and a house in the background. Natural setting.

Two people lean on a wooden fence, surrounded by trees. The mood is relaxed and contemplative, with a black-and-white color scheme.

Four people assemble a wooden structure outdoors. One person in a blue hoodie smiles inside. Trees and greenery in the background.

Group of people building a wooden structure in a grassy area. Trees in the background, tools and planks scattered, collaborative mood.

So, the kids were drafted in to help, and a sterling job they did too!

Children wearing yellow vests build a wooden structure in a forest setting. Some hold tools, one holds a book, and they appear focused.

Snag 1 resolved, the construction team continued on, and the cabin was really starting to take shape. Months of planning and organising were, quite literally, taking shape in front of our eyes, and much quicker than anticipated!

Two men in work clothes construct a light-colored wooden structure outdoors. One uses a mallet. Trees and buildings in the background.

Three men work on assembling a wooden frame outdoors. One holds a beam, another adjusts it, and the third, wearing a camo cap, kneels. Monochrome.

Wooden shed under construction in a grassy backyard. Ladder and tools nearby. Bare trees in background, overcast sky.

Until... the next snag. Supplier booklets consulted (you know it's serious when the folder comes out), and online checks completed, the team continued on.

Six people discussing plans outdoors with others in casual clothing, surrounded by trees. Mood appears focused.

Two men stand outdoors, one pointing at a paper. Background includes greenery and construction materials. One wears a tan hoodie, the other a camo hat.

Four people in discussion at a construction site with wooden walls. One wears a camo cap with a humorous label. Mood is focused.

The allocated tea makers were not run off their feet during the build - but we did establish that there was a lack of communication from the construction team on watering requirements.

Three people in a wooden structure under construction. The woman in blue smiles, a man stands near a ladder, another faces sideways. Relaxed mood.

Two men installing insulation boards in a wooden room. One kneels, the other stands holding a tape measure.

Two people assemble a wooden structure, focusing on the floor. A ladder leans nearby. The setting is a partially built light wood cabin.

Wooden structure under construction on grass, with tools and materials around. Bare trees and buildings in the background. Overcast day.

By the closing of the day, the cabin had been erected, and the roof was on and felted. The kids and adults alike (those that were working!) were exhausted, but the progress made in one day was outstanding.

Child smiling in front of a wooden shed. Two adults work on the roof with trees in the background. Overcast sky, earthy tones.

Young girl in purple hoodie gives thumbs up in front of wooden cabin under construction. Grass and trees visible in the background.

Stay tuned! Coming soon... painting, electrics, flooring and windows & door - not forgetting the furniture assembly of course!

The Build

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