Each year, U graduate students from the University of Utah College of Architecture + Planning design and build an architectural project to benefit the Navajo Nation in the southern Utah Tribal area. Known as DesignBuildBLUFF, the program immerses students in hands on cross-cultural experiences. The students recently completed Cedar Hall, an 850-square-foot structure with an open floor plan, white walls for multi-use, rain water collection and a soon to be installed solar energy system. A custom spiral staircase with salvaged wooden steps leads visitors up to the roof deck to view the PV solar panel array (to be installed in fall 2016) as well as a sightline to the Twin Rocks, the landmark of the town. Approximately 70 percent of the framing is recycled material that came from a deconstructed house in Park City, Utah. Other salvaged elements were upcycled into windows and furniture. Program Director Jose Galarza is available to discuss the program and the partnership with the Navajo community of San Juan County.

801-581-7045 | galarza@arch.utah.edu