

What does it take to construct a Viking longboat or a stone tower like those that dotted the landscape of Medieval Europe? THE BIG BUILD looks to the past for challenges and tackles the ultimate “how to” projects. Host and contractor Nick Mystrom enlists experts from some of construction’s most esoteric fields as he puts his hands on history.
The Big Build's host, Nick Mystrom, lands in Northern Idaho to erect a 2-story medieval castle tower. Nick and CastleMagic builder Roger DeClements have two weeks to turn the earth's materials of stone, wood, and a bit of modern reinforcements such as steel to build a 24 foot tower (weather permitting). Will Nick be able to relax and gaze upon the stars from atop the tower before "reveal" day? Will Northern Idaho's weather cooperate? And will Nick finally be able to present the tower on reveal day?
Aired: 11/21/2005Nick and the team create an exact replica of an 1,100-year-old ship using traditional materials and techniques.