Turf Inspection

Progress:

• Installed mounting clips under seat for rope lighting.
• Seeded areas around perimeter almost fully mature.

Materials:

• Received 70' Agilight rope lighting and (210) 2" mounting clips.

N, S, E, W

Progress:

• Installed compass points discussed in previous post into proper locations around the perimeter of the structure. Special thanks to Paul Anderson from the Science Dept. for his assistance in providing an accurate compass and reminding us to correct for local magnetic variation of 14 degrees East.

Instant Gratification

Progress:

• Laid sod on interior.

Materials:

• 600 sq. ft sod.

Costs:

• Daily Total - $108
• Project Total - $6625.20

Compass Points

Materials:

• Took delivery of donated photoluminous ceramic letters to be placed into seating surface to provide geographic orientation for the structure. - $0 (priceless)

Notes:

• As noted in the introduction, the goal of this project was to construct a functional and interesting sculptural element for the campus. The poured concrete surface of the seat provided an opportunity to incorporate a unique design element which would add some decorative value to the structure. Since the Outdoor Classroom is anticipated to be utilized occasionally by our College Astronomy program, a feature which would connect to that curriculum was considered. The idea of having this element lighted for nighttime use was also contemplated. A somewhat random search of the internet using keywords such as glowing, tiles, and compass points, uncovered a company called Curtisium, which manufactures photoluminescent "glow-in-the-dark" products of many types. An email inquiry revealed that Curtisium was located throughout Europe, and did not presently have ready distribution in the United States. An email correspondence ensued between myself and one of the principals of this company, a very generous individual named Michael Harrop. After explaining the nature of our interest in his product, and learning of the obstacles to purchasing them through conventional channels, he graciously made arrangements to send the ceramic compass points to us free of charge (including overseas shipping!) from one of their production facilities in Turkey. Recieving them today was very exciting. Curtisium's unique process for embedding the phosphorescent material into the ceramic works even better than described on their web site: www.curtisium.com. They should make an outstanding addition to our project. Thank you again Mr. Harrop and Curtisium!

Completion of Seat

Progress:

• Poured remainder of seating surface.
• Raked and seeded exterior mound.

Materials:

• (4) 93lb. bags Portland cement - $40
• (2) day rental of concrete mixer- $150

Costs:

• Daily Total: $190
• Project Total: $6517.20
  

Have A Seat!

Progress:

• Set capstones on lower (inside) wall which will form part of seating surface.

Materials:

• 2 yards R.C.A. - $24.00
• 100 lbs. landscaper mix grass seed - $140
• 50 lbs. starter fertilizer - $88.80

Costs:

• Daily Total: $252.80
• Project Total: $6327.20

Taking Shape

Progress:

• Finalized grading around perimeter of structure.
• Leveled interior floor.

Materials:

• 68 pieces Coventry Universal cap stones for seating surface ($649.40)

Costs:

• Daily Total = $649.40
• Project Total = $6074.40

Backfill

Progress:

Outside of retaining wall built up nearly to capstone with fill and tapered out gradually. Overlayed with top soil for future plantings.

Last Course

Progress:

• Installed final course of stretcher block on outside retaining wall.

Final Materials Delivery

Materials:

• Picked up all necessary (hopefully) remaining blocks for completion of project.
• 60 pieces - Vertica Wall stretcher block ($441)
• 96 pieces - Coventry 3" Universal cap ($916.80)
• 6 pieces - Vertica Wall corner block ($50.70)

Costs:

• Daily Total = $1408.50
• Project Total = $5425.00

Full Height

Progress:

• Infilled block cavities and stabilized outer wall with gravel stone.
• Picked up 1 pallet (48 pieces) of previously ordered Vertica Wall at Bisset. Remainder on back order.
• Set complete 4th course (and partial final course) for outer wall.

Material:

• 3 yards large gravel stone from EW's South Fork Mason Supply ($112.50).

Costs:

• Daily Total = $112.50
• Project Total = $4016.50

Need More Block

Materials

• Ordered additional 100 sq. ft. of Vertica stretcher block ($735) from Bisset. To be delivered ASAP.

Costs

• Daily Total = $735
• Project Total = $3904.23

Inner Wall Completed

Progress

• Completed inner retaining wall, continued outer wall - depleted block inventory.

Rising Up

Progress:

• Final leveling of base with concrete sand.
• Installed first two courses of outer retaining wall block and entry wings.

Notes:

• Once again provided with much appreciated (and needed) assist from Master Mason Freddy.

Wall Block Received

Progress:

• Received (partial) delivery of retaining wall block

Material:

• Ordered lighting and speakers ($536.00)

Costs:

• Daily Total = $536.00
• Project Total = $3169.23

Drain Line Installed

Progress:

• Routed 4" P.V.C. drain piping from center of structure under footing to outside of (future) retaining wall - capped at both ends.

Planning Drainage Installation

Materials

• Purchased drainage structure materials ($76.53)

Costs

• Daily Total = $76.53
• Project Total = $2633.23

Footing Completed

PROGRESS:

• Backfilled footing trenches with recycled concrete rubble
• Compacted footing material
• Leveled footings using borrowed laser level

MATERIALS:

• Placed partial order of retaining wall material ($2297.90)
• Rental of tamper ($64.80)

NOTE:

• Special technical assistance from volunteer mason (Lou's Brother-in-law Freddy) much appreciated!

COSTS:

• Daily total = $2362.70
• Project total = $2556.70

Groundbreaking!

PROGRESS:

• Finalized structural dimensions
• Hand-digging of footings

MATERIALS:

• 8 yards crushed concrete ($144)
• 1 yard concrete sand ($50)

COSTS:

• Daily total = $194
• Project total = $194

Introduction

OVERVIEW:
This Blog is to document the development of the Outdoor Classroom project on the Eastern Campus of Suffolk County Community College - located in Riverhead, NY. The Outdoor Classroom is intended to serve as a flexible and functional space for academic programs, performances and other activities, as well as to be an attractive sculptural element of the campus landscape.


DESIGN:
The design of The Outdoor Classroom is essentially two concentric retaining walls of 24' and 27' diameters respectively. A capstone on the lower wall (18" high) provides student seating. The taller (48") outer wall serves as the seat back. The instructor will lecture from the center of the circle which is open at one end for access. The outer wall will slope away gradually and be seeded with grass, as will the interior of the dugout area. The design concept model is shown above.

Materials for the project will consist of:

• Vertica wall* stretchers, caps and corner stones for the retaining walls
• 18"x18" pewter Devon Stone* blocks for the seating surface

* Manufactured by E.P. Henry Corp.: http://www.ephenry.com/

BUDGET:

The preliminary budget estimate for complete construction of The Outdoor Classroom is on the order of $6500. This cost is almost entirely related to the material costs identified above, as the bulk of the installation labor will be provided by SCCC Plant Operations staff and volunteers. Partial funding for construction of the Outdoor Classroom was provided by the Suffolk County Community College Foundation in the form of a Mini-Grant award under the Striving for Excellence program. Additional donations toward the cost of the project are being sought.