Build Together in Monument Valley! DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff 2025 Project Kicks Off!
This summer, the DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff 2025 project has kicked off with great enthusiasm in the magnificent landscape of Monument Valley! The journey for 11 students began with a visit to the Studio 23 project (completed in 2010) and the planting of apple trees, supported by the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project. After 15 years, the students inspected the building, which showed various signs of wear, and repaired what they could. They also had the valuable opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from residents who have lived there for 15 years.
Upon their first visit to the site where the new house will be built, the students experienced and learned about the wind patterns, plant conditions, and the breathtaking scenery. We are very excited to see how these experiences will be incorporated into this year’s project!
Since the kickoff in May, their eyes have only grown brighter. In June, with the cooperation of Chris Hofheins, they participated in a specialized structural study session, discussing safe and constructible structures for the local community while deeply learning about the basic structure of a house.
During their midterm presentation, they successfully presented their basic design to the client. And now, they have moved on to the detailed design phase.
In class, each student’s vision clashes, leading to lively and passionate discussions. We are truly excited to see what dreams and creations these future architects will bring to the land of Monument Valley!
Would you like to experience the joy of “building” in Monument Valley?
Construction will finally begin in September! Would you like to join us, sweat alongside us, and share the joy of creating something together in the breathtaking scenery of Monument Valley? You can participate for just a few hours, a weekend, or several weeks, whatever suits your schedule. No prior construction experience is required; passion is all we need!
[Fall Construction Work Schedule]
- September 3rd – September 20th: Foundation Work
- September 30th – October 18th: Structure Work
- October 28th – November 22nd: Exterior and Interior Finish
- December 2nd – December 19th: Cabinet, Plaster, Landscaping, and Desk Work
- December 20th: Open House (1 PM – 3 PM at the site around Monument Valley)
We are also accepting donations of building materials to support the project. If you are interested, or if you have construction materials you can offer, please feel free to contact Hiroko Yamamoto at hiroko@arch.utah.edu.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to become a part of the DesignBuildUTAH team and carve a new page in the history of Monument Valley! We look forward to hearing from you!