Reclaimed to Remarkable:Building a Sustainable Campus at Shop Class,LLC

Shop Class
Jun 13
2 min read

Sustainability and innovation are key to addressing environmental challenges, and rising materials costs. Shop Class, LLC stands out as a hub of creativity and hands-on practical learning. It is much more than a construction school; it serves as a vibrant maker space, dedicated to sustainable practices through the clever use of repurposed materials. Here, ideas transform into tangible projects, showcasing the potential of reclaimed resources.

Our mission at Shop Class, LLC is to raise the standard of residential construction by providing hands-on training in building for the homeowner and the professional, with focus on sustainability, utilizing repurposed materials. We equip individuals with the skills to build with integrity and inspire workers to become confident, capable entrepreneurs. In this series of posts, we explore the transformative journey of crafting the Shop Class campus using reclaimed materials, highlighting how this initiative ignites creativity and champions eco positive practices.

Creating a Monolythic Slab From Plastic Soda Crates

Sourcing reclaimed materials was not just a task but an adventure for the Shop Class team. They dedicated hours to salvaging wood, metal, and other resources from local sites, including the back alley of our favorite conveniece store. Here we found wood pallets used to create storage bins for our wood supply and planters and plastic for monolithic slabs. The picture below really illustrates what I am referring to, but let’s dive a bit deeper into this innovative and sustainable approach to concrete.

What is a monolythic slab you ask? Traditionally it is one slab of concrete that rests on gravel and is reinforced around the edges, all poured in a traditionally with a single pour of concrete. Here, our ‘concrete’ is quite unique. It is a more thin, inexpensive way to create a slab. Here we have dug a six inch hole, filled it with gravel, and then secured the plastic bottle crate upside down over the gravel. This structure supports heavy equipment, distributing the weight evenly. It will be used to create terraces and pathways throughout campus. The bricks and metal are there securing the crates while they settle into the gravel, and the level to illustrate to you that they must be level.

Innovative Education Meets Sustainability

Education at Shop Class goes beyond teaching practical skills; it reshapes how learners think about their roles as builders and creators. Students participate in a thoughtful curriculum that emphasizes sustainable building practices.

Classes focus not only on hands-on work but also on critical thinking regarding design

choices. Participants explore how to maximize the potential of reclaimed materials, often reducing waste significantly. For instance, students might take on a project that utilizes 80% repurposed items, bridging the gap between creativity and sustainability.

The campus hosts workshops and classes that invite individuals from various backgrounds to engage in hands-on experiences.

Through classes in woodworking, metalworking, pottery and sustainable design, attendees learn vital skills.The experience of creating something beautiful out of discarded materials energizes participants, reinforcing the message that waste can be transformed into value.