Completion of the Structure

The shade structure is complete! But the momentum of this project continues... The next step is the introduction of various elements, including work surfaces already in the works by the next wave of Cal Poly students!

Attaching the Shade Sails

The shade sails were custom made to fit, making this one of the simplest parts of the whole construction process. The hardware includes stainless steel turnbuckles for tensioning, carabiners for attachment to the metal ring, and stainless steel rings at the corner of each sail for added reinforcement.

Installing the Branches

What a puzzle!

Once we had the vertical bamboo and the metal ring in place, it was time to start assembling and installing the branches. We quickly discovered that the branches had to be installed in a very specific order. Once properly installed, the branches worked as added structural support to the column as a whole.

Plugging the Branches + Capping the Bamboo

In order to prevent water and humidity from collecting inside the hollows of the bamboo, we needed to cover the bamboo end openings. To do this, we created galvanized metal caps out of altered candle holders for the vertical bamboo members, and used wood putty to plug the bamboo "branches."

Final Connection Details

Concrete Pour

Here are a couple of photos of our recent pour!  Each column footing has a unique patterning of leaf imprints- we created these by glueing real leaves to foam sheets and glueing these to the inside surface of the sonotubes (cardboard tube formwork).

Frog Rescue Team

Jes saving some frogs from a Pompeii-like fate.

We poured the column foundations today. Pictures soon to come!

Bamboo Beautification

Tired of dull, unprotected bamboo?

Our sanding days are nearly over, and we have started experimenting with various finishes for our bamboo. The factors we are considering include protection from the elements, easy application, low maintenance, and a natural aesthetic. As of now, we are most impressed by a clear Polyurethane water based finish (pictured). As can be seen in the two treated poles on the outsides, the finish not only creates a protective layer, but also brings out the natural texture and colors of the bamboo.

There's a lot of bamboo finishing work coming up, so let us know if you're interested in helping out during this phase!

Grounbreaking For Real!

This Saturday we drilled holes for the foundations for the six 'tree-columns.'  A small but powerful 'bobcat' skid steer tractor drilled the holes as if the ground were butter instead of compacted gravel and dirt.  We also removed the fence, which will be replaced with a standing height planting bed.  Thanks to Cindy Edwards for coordinating the dig!

Stay tuned for news about pouring foundations.  We have some figuring to do with the bamboo before we can get a good pour plan!

Grounbreaking!

We celebrated groundbreaking with the students of Bishop's Peak/Teach.  Sandy and Dan gave great speeches, and the kids expressed their excitement about the outdoor classroom that will grow over the summer!

Buying Bamboo

This weekend I journeyed to Jungle Supply Company in Newcastle to get the Tre-Gai bamboo!  What a cool place: beyond the bamboo nursery, Tim, the owner, has built an enchanted bamboo forest, complete with tree-houses, towers, suspension bridges, climbing nets, and even an underground cave!

This weekend (06/05-06) we will be sanding the bamboo- it's going to be quite a job.  If anyone has a sander they can lend and/or wants to help out, let me know! jesipet444@yahoo.com

CPK FUNdraiser for the Garden Annex

Don't forget to come to CPK tonight for some superyummy California Pizza! A WHOPPING 20% of your ticket total goes to our Ourdoor Classroom project, so splurge on some appetizers. Added bonus: no dishes to do!

Not only is it a great fundraiser for our school, but it's a fun social event too. Kids love to see their schoolmates outside of school. Why not sit together and enjoy a family dinner with your friends? They are asking that you present the flyer when you order, so if you've lost yours, make sure to get another one at school or when you get there. And share them with friends that don't go to our school - we still get the $$.

Coming Soon

Don't panic.  This site isn't ready yet.  But it will be soon!  :-)