Working with Habitat for Humanity deconstructing homes is just the first step for students in a new interdisciplinary course offered this Fall by the Department of Wood and Paper Science at NC State. The main objective of WPS491/"Wood as A Sustainable Material" is to introduce the ideas and concepts of sustainability as it relates to wood and wood products manufacturing, including using waste wood for value added products and energy.
As part of their coursework the students tour historic homes and green buildings and collaborate with Habitat for Humanity to deconstruct homes. The deconstructed wood (lumber) is brought to the Hodges Wood Products Lab at NC State where the students develop value-added products, like mouldings, from the wood. Once produced to Habitat's specifications, the value-added projects will be used on Habitat homes under construction.
According to course professor Sudipta Dasmohapatra, the students will gain a broad perspective of sustainability and green principles; become familar with various applications of wood as a sustainable and renewable material; learn about wood construction and deconstruction concepts like moisture retention, drying, nailing and finishing; and develop an understanding of life cycle analysis and certification – all while providing a service to the community.