We have some exciting updates on the 2024 UMass DesignBuild project! Our team of dedicated students has been making tremendous progress on the “8th Sister,” turning our plans into reality with hard work and dedication. This week has been particularly exciting as we’ve tackled several challenging components of the build, all while dealing with tough weather.
The week started off with completing the framing of interior partitions and finalizing small but important details on the final layout of the house.
Students also made great progress with the roof. Our primary air barrier, 1/2″ Taped Zip Sheathing was installed on the trusses, then a layer of 3″repurposed polyisocynaurate (zero carbon accounting), followed by 2 layers of 1.5″ Steico Wood Fiber (low carbon) Insulation, next the roof deck ( 5/8″ taped Zip Sheathing) and finally, a full covering of Ice & Water Shield. This was a crucial step, allowing the 8th Sister to be “dried in” and protected against the elements. Final roofing work will happen with the installation of the ventilated drip edge and the rolled roofing installation — as soon as next week.
In addition to Rothoblaas Smart Membrane, Clima Control 80 on the interior walls, we began putting up the Rothoblaas Transpir Adhesive 260, a self-adhesive Weather Resistant Barrier that we detailed as an air barrier. This was a new product for our faculty, but proved excellent for executing the connection with the Roof’s Air Barrier.protecting the home and ensuring its durability.
Finally, we ended the week with rough plumbing, we had the professionals, Ed, Kyle, and Noah from John Thomas Plumbing and Heating, take the lead and assisted as we were asked to. It was very interesting to see the installation of what will become the invisible elements of a home’s plumbing and mechanical systems and how they are assembled.
The progress made this week and the drive the students have shown was outstanding. Thanks to our collaboration with OneHolyoke CDC, our beautiful and sustainable “8th Sister” home will soon be another affordable housing option in Holyoke, MA.
If you’re in Amherst, we’d love for you to stop by the build site and say ‘hi’. We’re always excited to share our work with the community. You can find us at the corner of Olympia Drive and East Pleasant Street. You can put on a Hardhat and Safety Vest and see what we are doing up close!