Skin is going on!

22 cans and counting

Look familiar?

Painting!

With CNCing still going on (thanks, Andrew!) Ellis and I are work in on sanding down and painting the wood that is already cut.

Bonus points if you know where we are!

Framing It Out

We are working on cutting down the old wood to reframe the flooring for our new design!

work has BEGUN!

Spring Break finds us poised to begin Construction Documents and a 1-1/2" scale model which will replicate our production process and sequencing.  We've also begun prepping the trailer frame for the necessary modifications (including its new Clemson orange finish).

Thank you, Joy and Ellis, for putting together this great image of the design.

Design Developments

We are working out the details for the re-purposing of the trailer.  There are a few challenges that have emerged in working with the existing trailer, and how we can make it work most efficiently in its second life.

We are proposing repainting the trailer Clemson orange, with plywood interior, and marine grade plywood and corrugated plastic on the exterior.  It's moving along at a good pace exactly as we had hoped.

Currently, we're working on getting the material consumption down (so that we can then cut down the cost) and balancing this out with our aesthetic goals. 

Pounding out the Ideas

Working out the details

After calling it a day on friday, we regrouped and shared some of the design solutions that we've brainstormed over the weekend. The floor plan was fleshed out during our early conversations. With consideration to work flow and the dimensions of utilities, we were able to create a divided program where demonstrations are held on the right and supporting programs on the left.

Floor Plan Sketches - Nick

In the front of the trailer the brewing process will be displayed alongside the serving station.  We are still in debate about the location of the sink and the refrigerator within the space.  In order to resolve this, we will present both scenarios to the client with the pros and cons.

Roofing Detail - Ellis and Joy

The way we clad the structure really depends on how we arrange things on the inside. The main idea is to make something beautiful out of cheap or already available materials. The two long walls will be plywood panels. On the short sides the idea is to use corrugated plastic that is already on the existing metal frame. With an angled roof and these material selections, we want to focus on daylighting and ventilation.

Sink Test - Andrew and Shane

After crunching numbers, we realized that a gravity-fed water system might not be the best solution for the sink. With the our given hight, the faucet would only reach 1.5 psi (not accounting for friction). Since then other solutions have been pursued. The current test is of a pressurized tank system. Pumped by a foot-operated bicycle pump, the tank will be filled with air. When the faucet is turned on, the water will flow out of the tank and into the sink. This rig requires a little bit more activity from the user, but will also provide more water pressure and easier refill when the water runs out. The required activity also makes the process visible and easier to demonstrate as an energy saving process apposed to the 'hidden' gravity sink.

... Be on the look out for updates on the design proposal and fabrication.

We are in the middle of our schematic design period and we had a very productive charrette (part 1) on Friday.  We will follow up with part 2 this morning.  The final floor plan is coming together, as well as the outside envelope.  Nice work, Mobile Lab Team.

ASADA Food Truck

Last Thursday Ellis and I visited ASADA, the first food truck of Greenville, SC.

First off, amazing. Visit.  Everything was fantastic and they are such lovely people, too!  They are opening a sit down style restaurant next month in Pendleton Street in Greenville, so if food trucks aren't your thing, you still have no excuse.

This visit was important because it gave us some insight into what would be important from the food safety and mobility standpoint of a mobile brewing operation.  We learned several very helpful, even crucial things from our behind the scenes exclusive, aside from a generously free lunch.

• Surfaces; essentially all of their surfaces were stainless, for easy cleaning, etc.
• Electric supply.  We realized through talking to them, that none of us have any real qualifications for the electrical aspect of construction, meaning we will require outside help for this component. 
• Secure storage.  This was one thing the team at ASADA told us they would change if they were to do it again.  All the storage that isn't directly bolted to/secured to the truck itself, will get tossed around in transit.  Makes sense when you hear it, but you don't necessarily think if it from the getgo.
• Food safety.  Our visit confirmed our suspicions that there is no way we will be able to get our project upto food safety standards, but that doesn't mean we can't pursue it or have fun with it!

A delicious and informative lunch: what more could we ask for in an afternoon excursion to Greenville?