Habitat for Humanity

Alternative Uses for Building Materials

Project partner: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Project Description

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore receives donations in the form of building materials from various sources each day. Currently, the ReStore does not turn away any donated building materials. Because of this policy, there is a build-up of unpopular materials in the store that takes up space. Students will find out which materials are less popular and engineer alternative uses for these materials. Using the materials from the ReStore and a minimum amount of new materials, students will design do-it-yourself kits for various useful items.

Two different items were created by students for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Each item used common materials found at the ReStore and the students also listed instructions available for ReStore customers.

The first design created by students, pictured to the left, is a coat rack/glove storage box. It incorporates one kitchen cabinet door with a small cabinet panel, several cabinet door handles as hooks and some decorative lamp shades to be used as bowls or flower pots.

The second design created by students, shown to the left, is a recreational table. It is built from an interior door and several pieces of scrap wood.

Here's what a student had to say about working with Habitat for Humanity:

"I had a very good experience with this course because I had an awesome group to work with. I liked that what we were doing was applicable to the real world and for the purpose of helping someone."
-- Krystal Diebold