The project that taught me a building is more than the sum of its materials

Last summer, I spent four weeks immersed in a site in Indonesia, an experience I could’ve only dreamed of when I started university.

Supported by funding from the ICE QUEST Kenneth Watson Travel Award, I joined the architecture firm CAUKIN Studio and the charity STF UIN Jakarta to build a guesthouse for the local community centre.

The Centre for Rural Community Development and Social Entrepreneurship (CERCONDESCO) works to bring cultures together and improve access to education for surrounding communities.

The new guesthouse would allow CERCONDESCO to host more activities and reach those in rural communities.

When I heard about the purpose of the build, I knew I wanted to be a part of this project. Education is something I value a lot, and I’ve always wanted to visit Indonesia!

Education through construction

In contributing to the project, I learnt a huge range of skills that I never would’ve been exposed to at university. I worked with a range of materials and vernacular (local) construction techniques, such as:

• bricklaying and blockwork
• cutting
• fabricating and treating timber
• rendering
• concrete mixing
• tiling

However, it was the collaborative nature of the project that taught me the most.

I joined CAUKIN’s team, which was made up of a mix of architecture students and practicing architects from a range of countries and backgrounds. I was the only engineering student!

We worked alongside Indonesian volunteers from a university in Jakarta, and the local skilled tradesmen, too.

This diversity meant we all learned a huge amount from each other, with my bond with the others only growing throughout the project.

Bonding despite language barriers

It was a challenge to overcome language barriers with the local builders and volunteers. But with the help of translation apps and lots of hand gestures, we all managed to make it work.

There were lots of laughs involved in this process, and it was so rewarding when we could successfully communicate. Especially when I bonded with one of the local guys over our mutual love of Guns N’ Roses!

Adapting to local weather conditions

Dealing with the heat was very difficult.

I hand-mixed concrete, dug trenches and shifted concrete pavers all under a baking sun in temperatures up to 35°C – a big change from the UK weather I was used to.

But all the participants were in the same boat, and our shared values and desire to positively contribute meant we all shared the workload.

With the additional boost from lots of sports drinks from the local Indomart, and the 2000s club hits playing on the speakers, we all pulled through the long days onsite!

Learning from the locals

I also learned a huge amount from the small team of local tradesmen. They had mastered the difficult techniques of rendering, tiling and woodworking. They were also incredibly patient when helping me improve these skills.

More importantly, they approached the build with an attitude that every problem was solvable and that we should all worry less – and they always did have a solution!

As I often tend to overthink and overstress, I hope to channel this more positive approach in all my future work.

Immersing myself in the culture

I think the progress we made onsite could largely be attributed to a mutual respect and camaraderie between us.

Us students spent evenings and weekends playing cards and games, learning about each other’s life stories, and exploring West Java.

Living in a small village meant we had constant interaction with the Indonesian locals, from the friendly waves on the walk to site, to dancing and playing football together on Indonesian Independence Day.

I was able to learn about Indonesian music, culture, and best of all, the delicious food!

What was particularly enchanting was just the friendliness and openness of everyone there.

Coming from a headphones-on-in-the-bus culture in the UK, it was so warming to receive unconditional hospitality and kindness from everyone we met.

The project’s impact

To put it simply: I loved every minute of the experience.

I’ve formed so many friendships with the other incredible volunteers, and I got an insight into Javanese culture.

It was hard work, but going in solo and coming out with lasting friendships and a finished project has had a profound impact on me.

The final guesthouse is now complete and already serving the community.

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