Helter Shelter

Watch Video: Starting to build their shelter >

Building a shelter was their first big priority. The conditions on the dump were harsh but tonight they had the luxury of sleeping in a shipping container. But Rob warned ominously that tomorrow the container was to be taken away so there was an urgent need to get their heads down and find materials with which to build.

After being given a detailed briefing on how to deal with some of the health and safety dangers they could face and after being issued with protective clothing, they set off. Armed with protective gloves and sturdy boots, they began clambering over the piles of rubbish like mountain goats as they scavenged for building materials and furniture.

Ian takes charge

Ian, the engineer who'd only recently left the Navy, took charge. Between them they devised a plan to use some scrapped scaffold poles and tarpaulins they'd found in order to create a basic structure. Sasha, who by her own admission has no DIY skills, was taught how to use a hammer for the first time, and Lawrence set his mind to the task of turning the basic hot water tap into a shower. Things seemed to be going well, though Aaron and Sasha felt left out and undervalued.

Watch Video: Starting to build their shelter >

The main structure was constructed by Ian and professional joiner Darren (who was also suffering from a severe bout of hay fever, to add to his hassles), with assistance from Selena and Jermaine. Meanwhile, the others scavenged for furniture and decorated the area outside around the camp fire and completed it with a coffin they'd found (empty!) as their highly bizarre coffee table.

Sleeping like sardines

By the end of the second day they had erected what was basically a glorified tent. The group would be sleeping side by side like sardines on a floor made of pallets. Basic, but it did the job.

Eco-design expert Rob came to inspect the shelter. He praised their hard work, but pointed out that the shelter was very basic. He stressed to them that their challenge had only just begun, and that they should use their time here to create something that would give them a better standard of living.

But the group reassured him that this shelter was only a temporary measure, and that improvements would soon be made. Rob left, and the group settled down for their first night in their new home.

Watch Video: Starting to build their shelter >