Construction Updates Archives - Whidbey Institute

A Rooted Roof: Volunteers install living roof on Commons porch

By Marnie Jackson
Photos courtesy Floyd|Snider

As I approached the Commons building on a recent morning, one thing stood out . . . the vibrancy of the living porch roof, still thick and green even under a coating of fresh snow. The sedum mix has been growing in place on the roof since it was installed during an Autumn 2021 workshop, and seems to be thriving despite this cold snap. Fulfilling its promise to add beauty, mitigate runoff, and support pollinator habitat, the living roof is a great addition to our new gathering space. Read More →

March 18, 2022

Caretaker Cabin—first wall is up!

The first wall is up on our Caretaker Cabin! The crew is making amazing process despite the cold, wet weather. We hope to have the Cabin fully funded AND fully constructed in time for a September move-in date. Please consider making a gift to support this project.

March 2, 2020

Caretaker Cabin Floor

Our Caretaker Cabin subfloor is nearly complete! Construction will continue weekdays through the coming months. The cabin measures about 20×20′, and will feature a front porch and siding from onsite trees milled locally by Live Edge Woodworks. Read More →

February 27, 2020

Heron Relocation

Heron moved about 100 feet in order to make space for the Cabin Village Commons. While the relocation was done more out of necessity than for beauty, we think it looks absolutely beautiful in its new spot!

Below, the site for the future Cabin Village Commons is being prepared. The concrete pad at the left of the image is the former Garbanzo outdoor kitchen site.

February 27, 2020

Caretaker Cabin next steps: concrete and framing

Site preparation for the Caretaker Cabin is complete and tomorrow, the concrete pumper trucks arrive. We expect crews to complete the concrete pour in one day, and by Monday floor framing will begin. Framing will continue weekdays through the winter and spring.

We are so grateful for the care and prudence with which which the Caretaker Cabin and Commons sites were prepared. We want to send a huge thank you to the crews from JD Wallace (site preparation), Jade Craftsman Builders (general contracting), and Live Edge Woodworks (milling) who have been incredibly light on the land and forest.

If you have questions about the project or wish to make a donation toward Caretaker Cabin completion, please reach out! We would love to hear from you.

February 19, 2020

Moving Heron

Heron moved this week, making room for Cabin Village Commons construction. Once our smallest guest cabin, Heron will serve as a temporary job shed for the crews during the coming year. In the long run, we’re not sure if Heron will be remodeled for future guest use or repurposed as an outbuilding—we do know, however, that it looks adorable in its new spot next to Madrone Meadow!

February 12, 2020

The Change to Come

On Friday morning, the Whidbey Institute staff and board awoke to this photo in our email inboxes, along with this tender note from our colleague Thomas, Resident Caretaker:

I’m sitting here in this sweet, tiny, temporary home at 4 am listening to a steady rain pouring down. As far as I know I am the only human on the land in this moment. Goodness, I am wide awake.

On Sunday the machines arrive to assist in the next phase of our transformation. It’s truly happening: this growth, vital to our development, in service to the coming generations seeking resources, connection, nourishment, and resolve. Growth that will allow us to help evolve a wiser and more loving culture. We are doing this thing together. Read More →

February 8, 2020

The Commons | July/August 2019 Newsletter

This issue includes content from Jeremy Lent, Sarah Goettsch, and more! Click here to view the issue and read on.

“In the traditional sense of the commons, the basic practice of life together is the practice of dialogue . . . talking through the things that are most essential.” —Sharon Daloz Parks