Building on their success in 2010 (pardon the pun), Kāpiti College Year 12 Technology students are gearing up to design and create an EcoHut over the next few weeks.
www.enviroschools.org.nz/in_your_region/wellington/eco-hut-challenge
Their mission is to provide an ecological hut for Andrew Walmsley, a cancer patient and CanTeen member, to use as a creative/meditation space at his home in the Ōtaki Gorge.
“The hut will be made out of willow, collected from a local business in Ōtaki, to create an amazing living structure for Andrew, who is now in remission”, says teacher, Kerie Holmes.
The students are working within a set of parameters: the budget for materials is $100 tops; the floor area must be no more than 3m2, ceiling a maximum of 2m high, and floor no more than 1m off the ground; and all materials must be from natural and sustainable sources.
After researching and designing the hut on paper and screen, the students will create a scale model, which will be on display at the Kāpiti Sustainable Home and Garden Show (26-27 March). Then the final build, expected to take two days, will be carried out on site.
“Students really love to apply their learning and problem-solving skills in a practical and creative way”, says Kerie. “And they get to do something that has meaning and benefit for one of their peers.
“This project is also a fundraiser for CanTeen we would love Kāpiti Coasters to assist by donating at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/ecohut“.
Last year’s students received ‘Outstanding Teamwork’ and ‘Diverse Habitat’ awards, as part of the national EcoHut Challenge, hosted by the Enviroschools Foundation. This year during Terms 2 and 3, Kāpiti College will be the hosts of a regional Challenge for intermediate and secondary schools in the Greater Wellington area.
“Invitations, resources, contacts and workshops for teachers and students will be rolled out in Term 2 watch this space!” enthuses Kerie.
