What does it take to construct a Viking longboat or a stone tower like those that dotted the landscape of Medieval Europe? THE BIG BUILD looks to the past for challenges and tackles the ultimate “how to” projects. Host and contractor Nick Mystrom enlists experts from some of construction’s most esoteric fields as he puts his hands on history.
WriterJoanne Fish
The Castle Tower
Nov 21, 2005
The Big Build's host, Nick Mystrom, lands in Northern Idaho to erect a 2-story medieval castle tower. Nick and CastleMagic builder Roger DeClements have two weeks to turn the earth's materials of stone, wood, and a bit of modern reinforcements such as steel to build a 24 foot tower (weather permitting). Will Nick be able to relax and gaze upon the stars from atop the tower before "reveal" day? Will Northern Idaho's weather cooperate? And will Nick finally be able to present the tower on reveal day?
Viking Longboat
Nov 22, 2005
Nick and the team create an exact replica of an 1,100-year-old ship using traditional materials and techniques.
The Fort
Nov 23, 2005
Lewis and Clark, racing Oregon's winter chill, built the 50 foot square Fort Clatsop, a double structure shelter with seven rooms, a sentry box, and a parade ground, in just 15 days. THE BIG BUILD's version is scaled down, but so is the timetable. Working in a dense patch of Kansas woodlands, John McPherson, a specialist in log structures, directs the team as they dig fire pits, raise raw wood walls, and fashion doors from rawhide. The end result may not be pretty, but it would keep the winter at bay.
The Speakeasy
Nov 24, 2005
Nick and the team fashion a jazz-era watering hole beneath the suburban home of two Chicago police officers. The ultimate hands-on blend of history and engineering. Hosted by contractor and former pro football player Nick Mystrom. Master builder Frank Sullivan transforms a basement room into a ‘20s hideaway.
Lighthouse
Nov 25, 2005
The BIG BUILD team reconstructs a historic lighthouse on the shores of Lake Erie. Explore the inner workings of a classic lighthouse as it gets a new lease on life. The ultimate hands-on blend of history and engineering. Hosted by contractor and former pro football player Nick Mystrom.
