Auburn University's Rural Studio in western Alabama draws architectural students into the design and construction of homes and public spaces in some of the poorest counties in the United States. They're creating beautiful and economical structures that are unique in the world — and that nurture sustainability of the natural world as of human dignity.

The Rural Studio 20K House is in its fourth generation now. All have been single story and aluminum clad. The current group of students are changing that, and face the challenges of creating a two-story loft.

Produced by Mitch Hanley and Trent Gilliss.