Lodge Reconstruction

Problem

Following a catastrophic fire that destroyed Northeastern University’s lodge in the White Mountains, the outing club and university management embarked on a student-led redevelopment effort. A temporary yurt would be constructed to solve the immediate need for shelter, and designs for a more permanent lodge would be developed in the future. Some of the challenges to overcome included group organization, instruction, and management; inclement weather, and less-than-ideal ground conditions. My role was as the leader of the base foundation and timber-frame structural design and construction. Following construction of the base, I played a key role in the overall construction of the final yurt system.

Actions

• Create a lasting structure design that would serve as a base for both the temporary yurt and the permanent lodge built in the future

• Learn and teach students the basics of concrete foundation work and timber framing

• Organize and manage a group of 20+ college students

• Dig holes and pour concrete for platform footers

• Prepare wood and construct timber-frame platform

Results

After battling the cold temperatures of January to finish the framing on time, I was able to successfully lead the team to build a functional timber-frame platform. This provided a level base upon which a yurt was built a few weeks after completion. The platform and yurt provided shelter to many students and alumni for many years, and the current students are currently replacing the yurt with the permanent final structure on top of my original foundation.