A doghouse built by Bobcats for a famous beagle beat out a fairytale structure hammered together by Bears.
UC Merced's student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers took part in the annual Timber-Strong Design Build competition in April, going up against UC Berkeley in a day-long contest at nearby Lake Yosemite.
Working in teams, students were challenged to design, construct and evaluate a two-story light wood-framed structure that balances sustainability, architectural appeal and structural performance.
And there were more challenges, said Eduardo Savala Alvarez, one of the project managers. He and fellow student Estheyci Gutierrez Hernandez taught their team how to use a computer-aided design program, conducted safety trainings, and provided lessons in using construction tools and 3-D modeling as well as budgeting and construction drawings. They met weekly to learn and prepare.
That led to the April 25 showdown with Berkeley.
"The team was only allowed to be within an 18-by-18-foot square, which made this build even more difficult, as one step outside that space would result in a pointdeduction," Savala Alvarez said.
The UC Merced team split into groups of five for each floor. Cesar Ruiz, Jazlyn Alejandrino, Abigail Garguilo, Cristina Guevara and Evelin Becerra worked on the first floor. The second-story team was Aseem Anwar, Daniel Rodriguez, Nicholas Zhen, Yazmin Hernandez and Ezequiel Castellanos. And Cesar Yepez, De'Jon Session, Ricardo Ornelas, Cesar Ruiz and Savala Alvarez handled the roof.
Each of the sub teams had two designated drillers while the rest of the team members helped support the walls or ran around getting materials.
"Our UC Merced Bobcats went with a Snoopy house design while UC Berkeley went with Jack and the Beanstalk," Savala Alvarez said.
The Merced Irrigation District provided the venue and logistical assistance, said civil and environmental Professor Siddaiah Yarra, the chapter's adviser.
"This competition marks the start of many Timber Strong projects to come for the ASCE Student Chapter," Savala Alvarez said.
This marked UC Merced's second time participating in the competition. However, during its first appearance in 2025, the event was organized under the Civil Engineering Student Association (CESA), with teams formed internally within the Civil Engineering program at UC Merced.
"Beyond the outcome, the event provided a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen their teamwork, problem-solving and practical skills," Yarra said. TheAssociated Students of UC Merced and civil and environmental engineering faculty supported the competition, and Yarra said department Chair Professor Marc Beutel contributed financial support and encouragement.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was seeing strong community support, including families in attendance," Yarra said. "Parents cheering for their teams created an encouraging and vibrant atmosphere, making the experience even more meaningful for our students."
