House for a Clerk of Works

  A clerk of works from New York goes to work to check on the site that has been undergoing construction for a few days. The contractor has specified a list of tasks to be completed before sending him to this part of town near Blacksburg VA. His priority is to make sure the construction meets local requirements such that the materials used are sustainability sourced and buildings are properly sealed up to minimize the overall building carbon footprint. The company he works for is a vehement advocate for fighting climate change and for upholding the Green Building guidelines. This job took up the majority of his day, and he only got time to himself to enjoy the quietness of the countryside around noon and late evening for about one hour. 

 

During his time of leisure, he likes to take a calming walk nearby in the abundance of greenery. He goes to the shallow hill sometimes if he feels especially energetic. Above the foothill are poplar trees where he can see the piles of construction materials and a few crawler cranes. He likes to envision the finished look of that shed and its friendly presence will glow in the surrounding nature. 

 

The next day, he got a call from the contractor telling him that the company who owns the shed that’s being constructed wanted to add another building next to it, to be used as an office. They needed to do a new environmental analysis for the soil and make sure it has the capacity to withstand new construction. Spring is sounding its bells and his affection for a small town lifestyle grows by the day. He made the decision to take the inspection job and to stay longer. Besides working on the site work, he began designing and planning for a house not far from the shed and the new office buildings. It will be temporary dwelling for clerks of works in the surrounding municipality, but with a capacity of ten individuals, he thinks out loud.