Hale construction 1

This week at the NTBG [ ntbg.org ] is a special project to construct a "hale" - a Hawaiian style house. Specifically, it will be an open building set in the McBryde garden.

Building with unmilled wood instead of lumber, the structure incorporates all the curves and branches at times of the natural wood. Lengths are measured by string for the most part. Joints are cut mostly by eyeballing the angles, orienting the wood according to its bent shape. Then the pieces are lashed together with nylon cord pieces tied in "shakas" - a kind of figure-8 wrapping on the hand that I learned how to do.

The "hale" is based on traditional designs but we use modern tools and materials: chainsaw, grinder, and nylon cord for lashing. No nails, no level.

The structure is made from ironwood which also isn't traditional, but was brought here by Westerners from Australia. It's like pine but harder and tends to grow fairly straight. The wood is placed on the beach so the saltwater treats it to resist bugs and as fire retardant.

Structural pieces are cut by chainsaw, fitted into place, marked, and adjusted to fit snuggly before lashing them. Working with a large group we have people up in the structure and more on the ground, passing the large pieces of wood up and down. standing on the temporary scaffolding already built in that will be disassembled eventually as the structure is completed.

The work is led by a rambunctious fellow from Maui (brandishing the chainsaw in the photos) with each work day starting with Hawaiian chanting and I believe hula based warmup. The NTBG garden staff turns out along with volunteers; today we had military folks from the PMRF (in Kekaha to the west) facility helping out.

Here are a few photos from Monday that should be self-explanatory from the text above. It's fascinating to work on and watch it come together, but also hard work at times. Today we had hot weather and mid-afternoon a downpour suspended work early.