Graduate students participating in Kevin Klinger’s “iMade” immersive learning course have designed and installed a new outdoor space at Muncie’s Maplewood Guest House. The new deck, built during spring semester 2023, offers a space for current residents to enjoy the peaceful shade-covered surroundings.

Maplewood House provides convenient housing for medical students working in East Central Indiana in a three-story Georgian-style mansion originally constructed in 1898 for William C. Ball and his wife. The housing project is a partnership between Indiana University School of Medicine at Muncie and the Ball Brothers Foundation. Maplewood House, on the Minnetrista campus, is operated and managed by Ball State’s David Martin from the Miller College of Business.

By collaborating with Mr. Martin and current residents, graduate students in the R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (ECAP) envisioned a serene environment suitable for studying and hosting various events, taking advantage of an existing maple tree and the shade it provides on the premises. To complete the vision of the decking, lighting and seating were included and additional enhancements made to the walkways.

To bring their vision to life, the students utilized thermally modified Indiana ash wood for the construction of the decking. This high-quality material was generously donated by Ecovantage, a regional industry partner, exclusively for the benefit of the Ball State project.

Read more about the project here.