What is Shack-A-Thon?

Founded in 1998, Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh Shack-A-Thon is an annual fundraising tradition at NC State University that supports the construction of affordable housing each spring semester. During the event, student organizations design, build, and live in temporary shacks for a week while competing to raise money through themed fundraising activities connected to their organizations.

This year, the Department of Forest Biomaterials participated in Shack-A-Thon through the efforts of the Sustainable Materials and Technology Student Association (SMTSA). Beyond supporting a meaningful cause, the experience gave students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a hands-on, real-world setting directly related to their field of study. The process was divided into three key phases: design, procurement, and construction.

Design

During the design phase, led by Catherine Kirch, the team brainstormed ideas for a shack that would better fit the way participants actually use the space throughout the week. While many traditional shacks prioritize enclosed living areas, the team recognized that most of the event is spent outdoors interacting with visitors and fellow students.

This inspired Justyn Wallace to develop the initial concept for the final structure. His open-air design created a more collaborative and welcoming environment while also incorporating a shade awning to provide protection from the elements. They then refined the design and engineering details, producing CAD models in SolidWorks that could later be used by the construction team.

Procurement

The next phase focused on procurement and outreach. The team connected with potential donors and industry partners to present the project vision, explain funding needs, and demonstrate how the design could safely and successfully become a reality.

Working alongside Brittany Hayes, the effort was led by Jack Zimmerman, who coordinated logistics and transportation planning with organizations already connected to the Sustainable Materials and Technology program. Industry partners including Huber Engineered Woods, Columbia Forest Products, and Weyerhaeuser helped support the project. While Ernest Foster helped coordinate the flatbed pickup of materials, alumni Kyle Kapp helped install Huber Engineered Woods Zip System.

Zimmerman stated, “I have seen students become deeply involved with this project. What began as a small idea grew into a full-scale logistical undertaking that involved real funding and donor support. Throughout the process, we worked hard to impress our donors while never losing sight of the primary goal—raising money for Habitat for Humanity.”

Construction

The final phase was construction, led by Spencer Humble. During this stage, their digital design transformed into a physical structure through hands-on collaboration and problem-solving. Much like a real construction site, the build process required constant communication between the design and construction teams to adapt to challenges as they arose.

Impact and Future Plans

This year’s Shack-A-Thon raised more than $67,000 through the combined efforts of all participating student organizations, all in support of affordable housing. For the Department of Forest Biomaterials, the project also served as a powerful demonstration of the multidisciplinary nature of the Sustainable Materials and Technology program, showcasing the strong collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners.

One of the shack’s most innovative features is its modular design, allowing it to be deconstructed, stored, and rebuilt for future Shack-A-Thon events. With a solid foundation now in place, our future students will have the opportunity to expand upon the structure and contribute their own creative ideas and improvements. Looking ahead, incoming SMTSA president Oscar Cleaveland is excited about what comes next, saying, “There’s much more to come from SMTSA and our shack!”