Day Three: Raise the Roof!

We returned to the construction site this morning to find the skeleton of the four framed walls, just as we left them yesterday, with cloudy Romanian skies shining through. Today was the day our triplex truly began to take shape; when we left, the frames were covered with plywood and a layer of insulation, and all 25 trusses were in place on the roof.


As a group we enjoyed learning new skills of plywood cutting, scaffolding building, truss lifting, cement mixing and insulating. By the end of the day we were tired, covered in cement, and ready to enjoy an evening in Oradea with Vali and Marianna, two of the young women who will be living in the apartments.

The triplex as we found it this morning, with four framed walls and completed trusses.

Phil, one of our fearless leaders, is completely thrilled to be working on the project!

Laura and Lena pose in front, while Laura and Daniel measure plywood behind them

Handing the trusses up took about 13 people each time. Lifted together, they're not so heavy!

Laura uses her baking skills to operate the giant cement mixer.

Camille learns to spread cement onto Styrofoam insulation

The triplex with completed plywood walls, some insulation, and part of a roof.

Finishing the plywood, we hammer from all directions.

Back (left to right): Adrian, Mr. Peters, Ms. Dahlstrom, Marianna, Michael, Mr. Jay, Vali, Camille
Front ((left to right): Laura G., Fabienne, Andrej, Kevin, Joseph, Jason, Megan  

With nearly complete roof and insulated walls. We left just tim time to avoid the fierce-looking clouds!