Some cutting-edge architects go out on a limb when they hire an eccentric wood artisan for their showcase project: a library full of environmental implications. How do you make build 'green' on a shoestring? Part how-to, part reality show where sparks fly, 'Up From Ashes' shows how to make the best of an ecological crisis: the region's ash trees killed by an invasion of Chinese beetles are re-used in sustainable, creative ways to teach us all a lesson the fragility of our natural world.

KDN Films captured each step of the construction combining both primitive and modern construction methods. Viewers are treated to a behind the scenes view of the drawing board designs, deadlines and 1-ton draft horses harvesting the lumber. Up From Ashes audience members also experience the anxiety of the development team when design and structure challenges arise.