Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (June 24/05) - Most of the time, turning in a crap project can mean a failing grade, but for students in Gordon Church's carpentry class, this idea took on an entirely different meaning.

SHSS carpentry students Paul Rivard (top), Billy Joss (inside outhouse) and Greg Elias (adding a coat of paint) are pleased with their outhouse creation.

"It's basically a test to see what they've learned," said Church of the outhouse assignment his students were finishing up Monday morning. "Design and style is important as well as trying to use as much scrounged-up wood. It's the fine art of making something out of nothing."

The class of 17 was broken up into groups of two and three and after their outhouses are graded - on planning, creative design and roofing - they will be put on sale. Proceeds will go towards supplies for next year's class with a little put aside for the school's budding carpenters. Already three have been pre-sold for between $400 and $500.

"That amount (students can pocket) will depend on how much scrap lumber students used for their projects," added Church.

How creative?

So how creative can one get with a basic outhouse?

For Samuel Lennie, it was a matter of going with his instincts rather than following a standard.

"Our roof is a little bit different," he said of his group's 10 foot-plus outhouse that would be roomy enough even for 7' 1", 330lbs basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal. "We didn't follow any plans and did all our own measurements because we wanted to see if we could do it on our own."

Carpentry student Paul Rivard says he wanted to put a wooden urinal in his group's outhouse but was voted down.

"These guys didn't want it," he said.

Perhaps because of the absorbent nature of wood?

"Well, there was going to be a faucet leading outside."

Students Greg Elias and Billy Joss didn't seem so convinced that it wouldn't stink.

The outhouses will be on display outside the shop class on Firth Street until the end of the month and those interested in purchasing one can contact Church at Samuel Hearne secondary school.

"We'll screw the doors shut so nobody can use them," quipped Church.