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read original post on Marcin Jakubowski's Site

The instructionals were generated in real-time from picture and step uploads that I posted while building the machine at Nortd Labs.

Here is a sample -

and you can see the others such as OSE Lasersaur Frame by going to the Dozuki page. In particular – you can see the Outer Frame, Frame Table, and Gantry Frame.

You can see some timelapses in our YouTube playlist, such as the Gantry, Table, and Frame:

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There is much to be done on documentation. First, the Lasersaur project has extensive documentation already – including a dozen or so steps for each module – and about as many pictures. We are extending these step instructions to full step-by-step – and have about 200 steps in Dozuki already. There are a couple hundred steps left.

For the ones that exist – one can add CAD pictures to the instructions from the FreeCAD files, where the entire machine is broken into modules found in the IGES files here. From the step instructions, one can generate animated assembly animations – and ultimately – language agnostic instructionals (minimal or no words) – such as this example of the Brick Press frame that we did last year -

So who is up to generating these for the Lasersaur laser cutter? That would help a lot – but would require careful study of both the pictures and the CAD model. To view the FreeCAD model, right click and select Blender view to rotate the image with the middle mouse button, and hit control-B to zoom in to a selected area. From these two,  one can lay out a careful step-by-step language-agnostic instructional, where we are doing these in Google Drawings for easy updates. See protocol here.

If you would like to join us in this design sprint – sign up for the Sprints here, and you will receive an invite to a Google Hangout. We are checking in today at noon, 4 PM, and 8 PM Austria time. We need to finish the build by tomorrow night.

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read original post on Marcin Jakubowski's Site

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(see OSE Lasersaur playlist on YouTube)

We are doing a Build + Documentation sprint – where we will produce an instructional in Dozuki at the same time that we do the build. This process builds on top of what we have demonstrated for the first time over a week ago in the first Design-Build-Documentation Sprint with the Ironworker Machine. This is intended to close the typical documentation blackhole that is common to open hardware projects. Documentation is difficult because it takes both time and insight into the subject matter. Our process – which allows documentation to go up in the cloud at the same time as the build itself – goes like this:

• Time lapse is set up on Android phone, 10s interval, and I begin the build.
• I upload pictures of every single step in realtime. Picture taken with Trovebox App on iPad (NOT with camera app, which requires a separate upload step). This is followed by voice record of step number and short description – uploaded  into Laser Cutter folder on Trovebox with the voice tag. Trovebox app on iPad allows for voice-recording of tag information, so this is quick. Another voice record is used for more detailed step instructions in a web browser using a Google spreadsheet on iPad. This is pretty quick, so allows realtime uploads. Wiki page named Lasersaur Steps is used to display the google spreadsheet. This means that any step notes show up immediately and automatically in the cloud, and that they are voice records so they are quick to input.
• I also upload a few YouTube clips, which upload in the background. However a second smartphone would be useful here (one is used for timelapse).
• A second person creates an instructional on Dozuki either Realtime or in batches if time zones are an issue (we need to plan on batching to address worldwide collaboration in general). Pictures are downloaded from Trovebox and inserted into Dozuki guides – one for each module. The URLs for Trovebox and Dozuki are not real. They are a reference only. For Trovebox, go to Opensourceecology.trovebox.com and click on ALBUMS then click on the Lasersaur album – where all step pictures are in the cloud directly from my upload. For Dozuki, go to opensourceecology.dozuki.com, click on Laser Cutter, go to Modules, and go to whatever module is being documented – such as frame, gantry, laser tube, etc. This is the link to the laser cutter modules – where each one has a Development Page spreadsheet – which can be used to access every piece of information documented for each module.
• A third person inserts text into Dozuki. The text from me – noting more detailed comments and instructions – is updated automatically via voice recording into the google spreadsheet, and is found at opensourceecology.org/wiki/Lasersaur_Steps

• We can insert a CAD EQUIVALENT SCREENSHOT CAPTURE from the existing FreeCAD (or Rhino) 3D CAD file found here - the FreeCAD and Rhino files are complete machines – whereas the IGES file is for modules only . Take existing FreeCAD file of Lasersaur, and take screenshots equivalent to the real build pictures that are being inserted in the Dozuki instructional. Upload into the Dozuki instructional right after the picture is uploaded.
• CAD EXPLODER – a person takes the FreeCAD File and creates exploded part diagrams for the whole machine and for each of the modules. determines logical names with assistance from builders and designer. This facilitates naming convention within the Dozuki Instructional guide. Exploded part diagram image is added as an overview step at beginning of Guide or as needed. To do exploded part diagram, it may be simplest to copy a screenshot from CAD, and label within a google doc.
• CAD EXPORTER – a person takes FreeCAD file and converts to Sketchup and STEP file formats for animator. The STEP file contains modules
• GRAPHIC DESIGNER – takes the module, and creates an infographic for the module being developed in GIMP with an artistic title block, using Jean-Baptiste Standards of Style. Uses Background and Title Block template. Infographic is used in Dozuki for each module.
• BLENDER  - an animator produces basic functional animations, such as lid opening, laser beam moving, sparks flying, things being cut, etc – for an eye candy explanation of how the thing works. This animation is exported and uploaded to marcinose YouTube channel.
• BLOGGER – Blogger checks in during key points and reports on process and interviews participants, published at blog.opensourceecology.org daily for each of the five days – this is innovation worth documenting carefully. various assets generated through build/doc sprint are showcased in blog to explain the method.

• OPENSHOT – a person takes the footage uploaded to OSE YouTube (marcinose channel), including overall time lapse, and creates video of the build, also documenting how a build/doc sprint is working. GIMP template file for Title page and credits. Open soundtrack library is used for sound.
• OPENSHOT/MOZILLA POPCORN MAKER- once a guide is finished, it is played as a video – simply the successive steps in sequence are edited into a video using OpenShot. Mozilla Popcorn Maker is used to overlay step instructions in the video.
• ASSEMBLY ANIMATOR – this person takes the finished instructional and then takes the CAD file – and disassembles it in the sequence corresponding to the reverse order of the instructional, while capturing the screenshots. See notes on this here.

You can join us at this hangout from Monday through Friday.

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read original post on Marcin Jakubowski's Site

We have built the first prototype of the Microhouse at Factor e Farm, and we would like to build more of these as we build out our infrastructure in 2014. We are increasing our capacity to host people, such as university student internships and Dedicated Project Visits (DPVs). It is easy to recruit DPVs for the summer, but we also think that we can keep the house full year round.

Since it will be winter here for the next 4 months, we will take up the next build at Factor e Farm around April 1. For now, we would like to continue building microhouse. We are interested in developing a workshop model for their construction, based on the Permaculture Design Course model, where workshop participants pay for a hands-on, educational experience. As such, we are seeking a host for our first Microhouse Build Workshop – for a tentative date of January 15, 2014. The host is the person at whose property the Microhouse will be built. If you want a copy of the Microhouse or a modified version, please get in touch with me at architecture at opensourceecology.org. Here is the announcement – please circulate.

Announcing OSE’s First Microhouse Building Workshop – Call for a Host.

Open Source Ecology is seeking hosts for Microhouse Building Workshops during 2014. Are you interested in creating your own sustainable, tiny home that can be expanded in the future? Would you like to get a jumpstart on the construction to speed up the process? Are you hard-working and dedicated but maybe lack extensive building experience? If any of these describe your situation, then you may be an ideal host for a Microhouse Building Workshop.

During our 7-day Microhouse 101 workshop, our Architectural Lead and Construction Manager will guide you and a team of workshop participants through the basic build of the Microhouse. At the workshop’s conclusion, most of the work on your Microhouse will be finished! We leave the finish work in your hands… but we can also encourage and help build the excitement and connections for some of the workshop participants to stay on-board with you to help complete the finish details. This is not an uncommon arrangement for natural building workshops.

Here are the details about what qualities are required of a Microhouse Building Workshop host:

• Accepts that the plans that we create will be open source.
• Open to having the process documented openly and shared with the greater public for educational purposes. We can maintain privacy regarding location.
• Owns the property where the Microhouse will be constructed.
• Physically capable of working on the Microhouse or financially capable of hiring someone to work on the Microhouse (in order to finish whatever work remains at workshop’s end).
• Financially capable of purchasing all materials and consumables for the Microhouse before workshop commences, paying mobilization costs for machines, and hosting/feeding workshop attendees. If extra design services are desired or required, host agrees to pay design fees before workshop commences.
• Willingness to buy (or have someone else buy for them) all the necessary materials and have them delivered to the work site.
• A covered space to store rain-sensitive build materials.
• Access to water and electricity.
• Access to suitable soil on site, or if suitable soil is not found, host must have it delivered
• Owner and OSE will reach agreement on how many tools to have on-hand to cover all the tools listed on Microhouse Tools Checklist.
• Land must be able to support camping for up to twenty people. Must have toilet facilities for attendees (can be port-a-john style or simple, bucket-style composting toilet). Ideal to have shower facilities, as well, or a place on the land with privacy where people can use bag-style solar showers.
• Owner must demonstrate active support in navigating building code requirements, if any. It is possible that the Microhouse could fall under “accessory structure” designation, and due to its size not require a permit.
• Owner agrees to help promote workshop in local area both to find workshop participants and to ensure success on “visitor’s day,” the second-to-last day of the workshop when people from local area and region are invited to come tour the build.
• Owner understands that even though the goal is to quickly build the Microhouse, that the workshop is an educational event, as well, and that at times, construction may slow a bit in order to meet educational goals.
• Ideally, host will have been through an OSE workshop or similar workshop so that the owner understands more completely what they are agreeing to.
• Have a positive attitude and be capable of dealing with potentially stressful or conflict situations

OSE will Provide:

• Open source brick press, soil pulverizer, and tractor for the build as part of its field-testing and data collection on the performance of its open source equipment. (Owner pays for shipping of equipment.)
• Phone support before and after the workshop to ensure successful completion of Microhouse.
• One site visit prior to workshop to help client choose final site, to make sure facilities and tools are appropriate, and to assess scope of project
• Interface with local code officials to gain approval as needed.
• Lead the construction of the Microhouse during the workshop.
• Strike the appropriate balance between education and rapid construction. 

Process of Host Selection:

• Initial contact between OSE and potential host, including submission of site pictures+video,  and a video conference call. 
• Potential host emails architecture@opensourceecology.org with initial inquiry
• Video conference call is set up
• We recommend that the potential host submits a 1-minute Video of Interest (uploaded to a public video sharing site) introducing themselves, why they are interested in building the house, and what they intend to get out of the experience. Including some video footage of the property where the house will be sited is encouraged.
• If initial conversations are positive, then we move on to writing up a formal contract.
• Video conference call is used to ensure good fit between needs of host and OSEs mission to provide educational experience and to field test open source equipment and architecture.
• Purpose of media is the ensure site suitability via photos and video of site provided by potential host.
• Site visit by OSE staff for final assurance that site and facilities are suitable – contract signed during this visit, and materials payment made. Discuss any changes to the Microhouse needed or desired by client. We offer our support for the build of existing Microhouse plans. Any additional design work agreed to by OSE and host will be billed at $35/hr.
• Design and planning work takes place by Architectural Lead/Construction Manager in parallel with host preparations for workshop.
• Host preparations: clear site, install foundation, prepare shower/toilet/cooking facilities
• Promotions/Recruitment of Particpants for Workshop – OSE will use any and all channels available for marketing and promotions and expects that host will do the same. Having a full roster of participants is in everyone’s best interest.

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read original post on Chris Reinhart's Site

We did this with a build-documentation sprint on the Ironworker 3, where we disassembled a machine, uploaded pictures to Trovebox, and created an assembly instructional on Dozuki - where the instructional ended up online at the end of the same day. Further, we uploaded 7 clips of video footage, and next day, this video popped up via remote edit by Rob, our Documenation Manager:

There were four people involved throughout the whole process, two at Factor e Farm with the ironworker, and two remotely connected using Google Hangout:

1. Dan Benamy was at Factor e Farm, doing the disassembly and calling out the parts and instruction for each step.
2. Jean-Baptiste Vervaeck joined from Chile. He was listening for the parts and assembly instructions and putting them into steps in three Dozuki guides - click on the bottom and top frame sections, and the overall machine. He’d call out the step number (eg, “This is step 5″).
3. Marcin Jakubowski was also at Factor e Farm, taking pictures and videos with an iPad, and emailing them in real time to Rob. He’d put the step number as the subject of the email.
4. Rob  Kirk was taking those emails, uploading the pictures to Dozuki, cropping them, and inserting them into the guide. He was usually one step behind Jean because the process took some time, so the two of them didn’t conflict with each other. At the end, he uploaded all the pictures to Trovebox, which is our central repository for photos.

See other data on blade gap and its correction.

Modular Construction and Scalability

Further – we have proven that our Modular Components – tubing and plates plus bolts - like simplified but lifesize Lego Technik – are capable of producing semi-precision machines that withstand 120 tons of force at the cutting edge of the ironworker. The ironworker machine exerts 120 tons on the cutting edge of the cutting blade. This indicates that we will be able to build frames for CNC Torch and Router tables, and even heavy-duty precision gantry CNC mills. We are considering hydraulic power + Arduinos as the low cost controls for the latter.

Our results with the ironworker machine also indicate that we can scale our small scale, 54 hp tractors to bulldozers and other large machines, while allowing a single person to build up these machines using a small overhead crane like was used above. Thus, the reality of the lifesize erector set – made of a minimum number of  components, is coming to reality. Add metal melting and hot rolling to this, and we’re much closer than we think to a universal capacity for building modern civilization from scrap metal.

Further Notes On Documentation Process

We tried using the Trovebox app to upload the pictures straight there, but it wound up being more clumsy and it was much easier to email them and put them on Trovebox at the end.

Even though we were disassembling the machine, we wrote the steps and took pictures as though we were assembling it, since we wanted to create an assembly guide. Once we finished a first draft of text and added all the pictures, we reversed the order of the steps, and voilà, an assembly guide!

We also had some design work going on during part of this process. TODO people names helped work on some open design problems by discussing them in the hangout, commenting on issues in GitHub, and working on the wiki. So this was really a design-build-documentation sprint!

In theory it’d be better to finish all the design before starting the build. In practice we often have overlap, either because it’s a small problem that we’re confident we can figure out during the build, because we hit unexpected problems, or because we get antsy and head out to the shop a little sooner than we should

There’s was plenty more to do if we had more remote collaborators who were interested. Other steps include:

• creating infographics (like TODO),
• updating engineering plans with any changes made along the way (like range of motion drawings and 3d models),
• writing the users manual, and
• editing video.

Dan is working on a program which reads the assembly guides and generates a bill of materials (an overall parts list) based on specially formatted parts listings in each stuff. If that works well, we’ll have created the bill of materials too, in the same sprint.

The next step is to use the new guides to reassemble the ironworker. This will give us an opportunity to fill in a few missing pictures and improve each step’s instructions as we do them. By creating the guide during the disassembly, we make efficient use of the disassembly and reassembly by getting 2 opportunities to take pictures and making 2 passes over the text to get it perfect!

This was an amazing way to enable remote and distributed contribution! These tools and this process let many people all work in parallel and help us develop the global village construction set as quickly as possible.

We’d like to thank the Shuttleworth Foundation for funding this work, the volunteers who contribute their time and expertise, and the makers of all these wonderful free tools which allow us to collaborate in this amazing way.

If this sounds interesting, get involved!

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read original post on Dan's Site

The Microhouse 1.0 build has been a huge success. We have proved that the concept is sound – inexperienced builders can come together and use OSE machines and processes to quickly erect fully-functional, cost-sensitive, and beautiful architecture. All they need is the plan for how to do it and guidance from someone who has done it before.

Microhouse 1.0

Now that we have been through the prototype process and found it to be largely effective, we can easily harvest the low-hanging fruit and optimize the next build. The workflow of parallel processing prefab panels while brick walls are being stacked offers the opportunity to accomplish in a one-week time period what often takes two weeks or more during natural building workshops.

We have many exciting projects to get underway in 2014.

Workshops

We will be offering hands-on educational workshops to the public, hosted at Factor e Farm and other locations around the country, where participants can learn how to build their own Microhouses.

Microhouse Design Competition

We will also be developing and releasing a prototype version of a Microhouse Design Competition for interdisciplinary teams of architects, landscape architects, and planners. This competition will fuel innovation in future Microhouse iterations and breathe enormous wind into the sails of the Microhouse as an open source project. It will hold a unique appeal for designers, too, as part of the prize is that the winners will get to see their design come to life and even help build it.

Microhouse Iterations

In addition to the ideas generated from the design competition, we will continue to drive the evolution of the project in-house, with several branches of direction for the Microhouse:

1. Living Building Challenge Certified Model – a micro house that would meet the most stringent and visionary set of sustainability metrics that have been established.
2. Third-World Model – a model designed to be constructed in places without access to all the things we take for granted here, like power tools, building supply stores, dimensional lumber, and so on.
3. Code-approved Model – envisioning what the Microhouse would look like if it were to be built according to code.

Collaboration with John Motloch’s “Sustinable Land Systems” Course

We will be collaborating with professor of Landscape Architecture John Motloch’s upper-level Sustainable Land Systems course to develop a Master Site Plan for Factor e Farm. A master plan is a tool that captures the values and goals of the organization into a plan for the built environment. The plan then guides future decision making but is flexible enough to allow for adaptation. This master plan will inform and help direct decisions for the upcoming 2014 building season.

Infrastructure Upgrades

We will be building out new infrastructure in the form of more Microhouses – both as a means of expanding OSE’s capacity to host talent on-site and also as a means of experimenting and refining the Microhouse concept. In addition to the new infrastructure, we will also be renovating existing infrastructure. The HabLab, as well as the earth bag and cob wood structures will all be receiving upgrades. Mid-range plans for upgrading infrastructure not part of round 1 will also be made.

Structural Straw Brick and Straw Board Products

We will be prototyping three things – straw brick/board, a process to make it, and a machine to make them with. We will immediately begin incorporating the straw brick and board into the Microhouse. The possibilities for wall systems with both insulative and thermally massive materials are far more compelling than a material with just one characteristic or the other.

I am very excited by what the next year holds for creating beautiful and sustainable infrastructure at FeF, expanding OSE’s educational outreach, creating new building materials for the GVCS with different thermal properties, and nurturing the fledgeling Microhouse into long-term collaborations so that it can spread its wings and take flight.

Chris Reinhart

Architectural Lead and Construction Manager

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read original post on Marcin Jakubowski's Site

An idea for a small, energy-efficient, low-cost sustainable house

that could be built using OSE machines

became a carefully laid out plan, devised in modules.

With the help of energetic and dedicated volunteers,

2513 pressed-earth bricks and a mere six days later,

(as you can see for yourself—just watch those walls grow!)

the MicroHouse has become a success story. We need to finish the roof and the interior now. Here, we tackle the exterior plastering…

More to follow and much to finish, but right now, it’s hands to work! For a day-by-day account of the action—pictures, plans, schematics, and videos included—see Chris Reinhart’s log. Even as he has helped to nurture the MicroHouse project along from planning to execution, Chris has done a terrific job of documenting many, many details of interest to anyone taking a serious look at the MicroHouse.

As we say goodbye to Chris, promising to put the finishing touches on the MicroHouse, we’d like to extend our thanks and our enthusiastic applause! The same goes for all of our other MicroHouse volunteers—John Motloch, Seth Jenkins, Thomas Devick, Noah Devick, Rob Beddingfield, James Wise, Catherine Austin Fitts, Cody Harrison, Dan Benamy, and DPV Lucas Werner. Lucas topped off his work on the LifeTrac 6 by putting it to work pulverizing soil for the CEB Press, in order to make the bricks for the MicroHouse. The new CEB Press, for which we owe DPV James Slade much credit, has been key to the success of the MicroHouse build. It turns out excellent bricks, which can be lifted straight off the production line and put into place on a wall.

Stay tuned for more about the MicroHouse!

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read original post on Lisa's Site

With the kickoff for the MicroHouse build only four days away (Sept. 28), preparations are in high gear. Chris Reinhart has put together materials lists for each module (see log), with diagrams. Gravel arrived on September 23, and Marcin Jakubowski has been hard at work compressing bricks, getting ahead in case of rain on Saturday.

Now you don’t see it, but soon you will! On Saturday, a swarm of volunteers will converge at the Factor e Farm to build the first MicroHouse.

We are happy to report that the MicroHouse will be profiled in Dr. George Elvin‘s upcoming book on post-petroleum design. By sharing its carefully documented open source design, we hope to enable people anywhere and everywhere to build economical, comfortable, energy-efficient housing!

The LifeTrac 6 Rolls into Action

The LifeTrac 6 build is complete. Product Lead Gary DeMercurio reports that the new tractor has tested well:

It needs some minor adjustments and some finishing touches…, but lift height is almost 10 feet; dump height looks really good from what we can tell; it turns very easily, brakes work, etc., etc., etc! Overall, it looks great, performs well (so far), looks MUCH more polished than LT5, has a smaller footprint overall, and seems to be a great success.

Thanks for the support these last two weeks — we couldn’t have done it without the team effort! Special thanks of course to Lucas Warner, Rob Kirk, and Emmett McGregor. There were many, MANY nights of 1-3 am, 16+ hours days non stop! Not bad for having an average of 2.5 people through the build. A little less than 7 days total for less than 3 people is pretty darn good! Special thanks to Marcin for knocking out the Hydraulic schematic and the wheel mounts. Thanks to Audrey and Katie for the bolt replacement and the hydraulics.

James Wise works on the LifeTrac 6 as Emmett McGregor documents the process on film.

Ian Midgley Tells His Story

In a recent edition of the Financial Chronicle, filmmaker Ian Midgley tells the story of his quest for the visionary spark that can change passive observers into active worldchangers. Ian’s quest has culminated, of course, in the making of The Spark, a film featuring the work of Our School at Blair Grocery and Open Source Ecology. Don’t miss his firsthand account! (See Part I and Part II.)

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read original post on Lisa's Site

MicroHouse Build

The MicroHouse foundation is ready for the build September 28-Oct. 4! See  Chris Reinhart’s Log for details on design, progress, and plans for the build. Consider volunteering! Chris has all the details.

One LifeTrac Leads to Another

LifeTrac 5 tractor went to work at Our School at Blair Grocery in New Orleans, tearing up brush and moving dirt. This video, edited by remote editor Owen Smithyman using Latakoo, tells the story:

What we learned from building and testing the LifeTrac 5 has already been incorporated into the design for the LifeTrac 6, and, as of last Friday, the LifeTrac 6 build was underway.

DPV Lucas Warner, LifeTrac 6 product facilitator and long-time OSE supporter, and volunteer James Wise are analyzing the range of motion of the LifeTrac 6 loader arms.

During the 6-in-60 Campaign, a delay in the arrival of steel thwarted our tight production schedule. No more. Steel has been sourced and picked up. Jason Fuston, a local machinist, is helping us knock out some final steel cuts. To find a machinist located just 8 miles from FeF is a huge logistics improvement.

Documentation

Last week we welcomed  new DPV Emmett McGregor. Emmett will work closely with Rob Kirk, OSE’s Documentation Manager, to capture photos and video of the LifeTrac 6 prototype build, the MicroHouse build, and the work that is done on the Ironworker and Backhoe in October.

Emmett McGregor, Documentation DPV

Meanwhile, the labor-intensive process of producing great documentation for the 50 machines of the Global Village Construction Set continues. Documentation Manager Rob Kirk is pleased about how the Latakoo platform enables remote collaboration. Remote Editor Owen Smithyman, he reports, “was able to take a bunch of raw cell phone video and turn it into a good looking story about the first tests of LifeTrac 5 working at Our School at Blair Grocery in New Orleans” (the video linked above).

At the heart of OSE’s documentation mission, OSE Dozuki site development is in full swing. You can see a wireframe for how our documentation is organized – with machines broken down into modules. Creating great documentation takes time and exacting effort, but it is a crucial tool for making the machines of the Global Village Construction Set a reality, as important as steel and CNC torch tables.

In addition, we’ve established a new Photo archive at Trovebox. We will be uploading our photos to the site and organizing them into Albums. Users can view the photos and even download full resolutions versions. We’re still in the early stages here but this will be a great resource for us and for friends of OSE.

An Invitation to Get Involved 

From Audrey Rampone, OSE’s Technical Community Manager, comes this challenge and ever-open invitation: Be the change … Volunteer with OSE! OSE is seeking volunteers to support design and prototyping efforts for LifeTrac 6, the MicroHouse, the Iron Worker and the Backhoe. Dedicated Project Visit and Work Day opportunities are available. Please contact Audrey for details at TechCommunity@opensourceecology.org.

In addition, OSE is continuing to work with volunteers from around the world via Design Sprints.  Design Sprints allow you to volunteer with OSE from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world. To participate in Design Sprints, please complete the Tech Team Culturing Survey.

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read original post on Lisa's Site

From Chris, our construction manager:

During the last few days of September and the first week of October we will be constructing a prototype house, using prototype machines, and using a prototype process: swarming construction. Numerous volunteers, with various skill levels, will be refining a method of parallel processing to construct modular components of a house that can be quickly assembled to create a beautiful, durable, and sustainable dwelling for a couple: the Microhouse.

The build processes will proceed from an instruction manual, currently being designed, that will open the doors of creating one’s own shelter to almost anyone.

Every step of the process will be rigorously documented. As components are built, the instruction manual will be marked up with times for each step and notes for how both the process and the manual can be improved. At the end of each work day, debriefing sessions will capture lessons learned to refine the process. As the next day’s work proceeds, while some volunteers are building in the field, others will be revising the manual to reflect the lessons learned the day before. In this way, the learning will be captured as it happens. At the end of the build week, the product we will deliver is far more than a house, it is a process that makes building more accessible to everyone.

We are preparing now. We framed some sample modular carpentry, got the brick press out and installed new controllers, got the brick press-soil pulverizer-Power  Cube out, and we are planning the workflow. You can follow Chris Reinhart’s work – he is our designer and construction manager. See our last post to see how the design is evolving.

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read original post on Marcin Jakubowski's Site