A very old and unique method of construction is being used to build something special in the Merrill school forest.

Volunteers are using cordwood construction to erect an educational center that students will benefit from for many years.

Students in the Merrill Area Public School District have a hands-on way to learn about the environment....studying at their school forest.

"Merrill has the jewel of the district, which is our forest and our students come out here and have regular instruction," said Carole Wittstarck, co-assistant superintendent.

Now students along with Merrill community members are coming together to build the Cordwood Educational Center.

"Cordwood is a method of building with log ends, maybe 16 inch log ends, putting a mortar matrix between them, and then insulating the center," said Richard Flatau, project manager.

They are using a rubble trench foundation, the same used by architect Frank Lloyd Wright when he built homes throughout Wisconsin.

The destination for children will be a perfect spot for them to warm up between long hikes, eat lunch, and learn in the classroom-like setting.

The center is designed to use as many recycled materials as possible, including colored bottle ends, which will go in between the walls and let bright light inside, making the building even more unique.

"The art classes at the high school are actually making the design for the bottle ends," said Flatau.

The cordwood consultant says all the timber for the building was harvested on site, and the community donated the rest of the materials....many of which are green.

Flatau says the entire project is costing the district nothing.

"We did not want to have the school district decide between a teacher adn this building. From the very start we decided that this would be built with private donations," he said.

There are 15 days set aside for volunteers to help....beginning on Sept. 5th. Organizers hope to have the project completed by early October.

Source: wsaw.com