The Butterfly House

Over the past several days I have focused much of my attention on my Community 1:1 project for the local non-profit Katie’s Krops. To recap, this project entailed designing and building a “butterfly house” which is a safe habitat for Monarch Butterflies. The structure needed to be large enough to serve as an enclosed, screened-in room. Due to the site being located at the Katie’s Krops community garden in Summerville, the logistics of this build meant that the structure needed to be constructed in parts and pieces that could be easily transported. This was understood early in the design phase and the plan was to build the major components in the shop and then take it apart and bring it to the site.

Pre-Design Drawings

It has been a very exciting experience to see my drawings become reality. On the other hand, there have also been some lessons learned about when drawings fall short. I have gained an immense appreciation for how important accurate and detailed drawings are in order to carry out the build of even a simple structure such as this one. In addition, I have also gained an even greater appreciation for the physical demands of actually constructing something. It is often unseen tasks like moving materials from one side of the shop to the other that demand large chunks of time and energy that are difficult to factor into the overall plan.

Making Cuts!

Wall Panels

I have learned so much about using shop equipment, framing systems, small bits of carpentry wisdom, but most importantly, logistics and project management. This project has required me to do many things I have never done before for the first time and truly step out of my comfort zone. I have been tasked with making multiple material purchases so I began to realize the amount of effort that goes into making sure the design is efficient and cost effective and reducing waste as much as possible. I have been tasked with orchestrating the project so that certain components can be completed as soon as materials arrive and what can be completed until other materials arrive. Finally, working with a real client who is counting on you to factor in their needs and see the project through.

My friend and classmate John Whitticar has been a crucial member of the build team for this project and it absolutely could not have been done without him. As you can see, he is the highlight of the images I have taken thus far of the project.

Each wall is made of three smaller panels

John drilling some pockets in the rafters for screws

The Door!

Here I am, installing some roof blocking!

Now that the main components of the structure have been assembled. We have begun the process of taking everything apart. Once complete, we will apply the screen to the Wall Panels and complete the construction for the door, and add rails to the wall panels which were not apart of the original design. We also need to make small edits to the rafters. Sometime early next week we will be transporting the parts and pieces to the site where we will re-assemble everything. Place trim overtop of the screen edges, install the pre-cut bracing. and more. I am very much looking forward to seeing this project realized and being utilized by Katie’s Krops and everyone that will be learning about and helping the Monarchs in this space.