A staircase between the road and the field at the YMCA camp Keanae.
The inspiration for this came out of last years Source event. Last year we built a walkway down a short hill. The walkway covered a slippery sloppy mess which can get dangerous at times. We laid down some plywood, staked it into place with rebar, and covered it with old carpet. We even lit it up at night with a blue rope light. This turned out to be a huge safety bonus… solid and lit.
After the event we tore it out, leaving me feeling a bit funny about the next weekends’ visitors and how they would address the safety issue. After talking to Andi, the caretaker, she said no one had done anything like that. Ever. OoooK…
So, lets build a staircase.
The idea is to construct a permanent staircase. Promoting safety and stewardship to our YMCA host space and all their future guests.
The Vision:
I would like to create an installation lasting 50-100 years. Consisting of 9, 12″ terraced, steps. Where each retaining wall (stair riser) will be made of cast concrete and rebar, carved with a prayer or story of Kaenea. I would like to fill each terraced riser with dirt and cover it in grass or moss. I also see source symbols (12″ x 4″deep), also cast concrete, as stepping stones spaced throughout the grassy steps. And in the front carve a Source logo as a composite image over the entire staircase.
(pics: The field looking uphill to the road, and top view)
Expanding above…
After installing the terraces I would like to install a covered roof and light it with a solar powered, 12 volt, battery system. For the frame of the roof I see carved wood poles with a geodesic design for the trusses. Over that I would like to create a “living” skin. or growing a roof.
This is what I have so far…all comments and ideas are welcome. Blessings,
Marvin
Phase I:
So we broke ground in mid-February of ‘09. We moved almost 3 tons of aggregate and cement mix to get started. We were able to get the first 2 terraces installed on the steepest section of the hill. We were very fortunate because it rained like crazy for a week and a half. Guests of Keanae were very pleased to have the project moving forward.
Phase II:
So I wasn’t able to make it out again until mid-October of ‘09. This time I brought out 1 more ton of aggregate. There was many volunteers that weekend from the “Island Fellowship”. An awesome bunch of Highschool kids with great attitudes and work ethics. On the this trip we were able to get three more steps installed. I can’t thank the crew of guys who helped me enough. you guys rock!
Hard to see on the picture. Darn shadows! It really does look super cool.
