Building a House from Hurricane Debris and Recycled Materials in North Carolina

Rebuilding After Hurricane Helene

• 🌪️ John Saunby is building a house in Leester (or Lee Chester), North Carolina, using almost entirely recycled materials, including debris from Hurricane Helene.
• 🌉 The hurricane caused significant damage, washing out roads and bridges, making access difficult. John had to cross a creek in his truck, "Butterbean," when the water was low to access materials.

Salvaging Materials from Old Structures

• 🪵 John plans to dismantle an old wormy chestnut barn, using its wood for interior siding, preserving its texture and color.
• 🐴 A mini horse resides in the barn, which will be relocated before dismantling.
• 🕰️ The barn is estimated to be from the 1920s, featuring wide, 14-inch boards and old foundation stones.

Creative Reuse of Debris and Materials

• 🏗️ Much of the framing material, including plywood and foam board insulation, was salvaged from debris left by Hurricane Helene along the river.
• 🏭 Materials from an old cotton mill built in 1898, which was torn down, are also incorporated into the house, including hard rock maple flooring with marks from steel plates used during mechanization.
• 💡 John acquired materials like vapor barriers for a dollar a sheet from online marketplaces, emphasizing his commitment to upcycling and cost-saving.

The Story Behind the Materials

• 🪵 John finds satisfaction in the stories behind each piece of salvaged material, viewing each board as having a life journey.
• 🛠️ He describes the process of cleaning and preparing wood, such as using a wire wheel to highlight texture and color.
• 🏡 The house is being built to last, with minimal maintenance, intended to be John's legacy.
• 🌊 The sheer volume of debris from the hurricane was staggering, with much of it headed for the landfill, highlighting the scale of destruction and the value of salvage.