Spearfish architects win award for bench design

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) - Theyre used to doing the drawings for projects, but last summer, Spearfish architects Andy and Shauntel Fett had the chance to take a design through the construction process. They created a rammed earth bench that won a merit award from the South Dakota chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for its sustainable design and materials.

We draw it; we dont build it, Shauntel said of what the couple, both of whom work at Williams and Associates, is used to doing. However, both were interested in a building material called rammed earth that they had learned about in architecture school, but they didnt think it was feasible in a cold climate. When Andy was returning from a conference in Denver, however, he saw a rammed earth building in Wyoming, the Black Hills Pioneer (http://bit.ly/1tGOUAX ) reported.

Then we started investigating it more and messing around with it and decided that we wanted to do something with it, he said.

They started researching and designing, using sustainable building methods and materials. One thing that drew them to the method was the fact that it uses less concrete and looks a little more natural, and they thought it would be neat to build something usable near a hiking trail or path in their community.

A bench was an approachable size for just the two of us building something, Shauntel said of their final decision.

They approached Cheryl Johnson, Spearfishs public works administrator, about the possibility of placing the sculptural bench, pro bono, on city land.

I was really encouraged when they brought the idea to us, Johnson said, adding that it gave the city the chance to place a bench in a space it may not normally consider.

The Fetts had prepared a plan and design that they presented, and the conversation turned to placing the bench near the trail to the Thoen Stone monument, above the Lookout Amphitheater on Meier Avenue.

I really think it suits some of the new things this community is out there trying, Johnson said of the bench design, adding that lately, more people are coming forward with unique ideas to complement the community and natural environment.

The city authorized the Fetts to place the bench on the space, and they started the work, putting in many hours every weekend. There is no water or electricity on or near the location, so they had to haul water and do all the work by hand.

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Spearfish architects win award for bench design