Build Out Rules and Regulations

Size of Structure

  • Maximum structure size = 10ft L x 10ft W x 8ft H

  • Your Structure must be built with a minimum of 1,000 cans

  • Keep your structure within your taped-off space


Team Size

  • Any number of people can assist in the design and planning of the structure.

  • On the day of the build, 15 people maximum may attend the build.

  • Only 5 people will be permitted to build at one time in the 10 x 10 area.

  • Teams may swap out members working on the building of the structure. Others may assist in organizing cans, cutting foam core, and other building assistance outside of the 10 x 10 area.

  • Teams shall observe safety precautions to prevent personal injury and property damage.


Build-Out Time (on Build Day)

  • Maximum build-out time = six (6) hours

  • No build-out should exceed 6 hours. 

Awards

These same Rules and Regulations are given to the panel of Jurors (“Jury”). All building materials and methods observed at the build-out will be conveyed to the Jury. The Jury will interpret the Rules and Regulations in making their determinations. Awards will be given in the following categories: 

  • Best Meal

  • Structural Ingenuity

  • Best Original Design

  • Most Cans

  • Best Use of Labels

  • People’s Choice

Acquisition of Canned Goods

  • Participating firms/teams are responsible for obtaining their own supply of canned goods. 

  • Many teams are able to complete their structures thanks to the generosity of their sponsors. 

    • Firms may solicit canned goods and/or financial donations from manufacturers, consultants, vendors, contractors, or conduct employee food drives. 

    • Things to remember regarding sponsors for CANstruction:

    • They are not donating money directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. There is not a “Tax ID” number. 

    • When soliciting sponsorships, write a letter and include a sketch of your idea. 

    • Remember that the Sponsor Name will be listed on your sign next to your project. 

  • Canstruction doesn't directly provide a tax deduction form for your team's can donations in the same way they might for monetary donations. However, because Canstruction is a 501(c)(3) organization, your in-kind contributions of cans are tax deductible according to IRS regulations. You will need to adhere to the IRS guidelines for non-cash charitable contributions to claim the deduction. 


    Non-Permissible Items

  • NO glass containers or alcoholic beverages

  • NO junk food (e.g. candy, chips, etc) or pet food

  • NO opened, exposed, or expired food/beverage

  • NO covered, removed, or altered can/product labels

  • NO empty cans or plastic bottles/containers

  • Nutritious food is preferred, and junk food is discouraged. The labels must remain visible for the build and intact after deconstruction. Because the sculptures need to be designed, it is encouraged for each team to have at least one member who is a design and construction professional. Structures must be completely self-supporting with a ¼” thick maximum leveling material. All other structural support options that provide easy de-mounting is permitted provided the labels and food containers are NOT damaged.

Permissible Items

  • Full, unopened, canned food of all sizes with labels intact/unaltered

  • Full, unopened, beverage cans of all sizes with labels intact (no alcoholic beverages)

  • Full, unopened, plastic bottles/containers of food/beverage with labels intact/unaltered

  • Use of boxes, bags, and packets of food is acceptable, however, cans must be used for the majority of the structure


Labels and Props:

  • Labels must remain intact and visible on all cans.


Building Materials:

Non-Permissible Items

  • NO wood or metal beams, struts, steel tubes, or bracing materials

  • NO leveling materials (templates) greater than 1/4" thick (6mm)

  • NO sheet metal, steel plates, fiberock, or glass

  • NO permanent adhesives or bonding process (soldering, etc)


Permissible Items (provided they do not damage cans or labels)

  • Velcro, magnets, zip ties, tape, silicone

  • Rubber bands, nylon string, wire mesh, or wire

  • Wood or steel rods, PVC pipe, threaded metal rods

  • Leveling materials (templates) not greater than 1/4" thick (examples of approved leveling materials are: cardboard, foam core, masonite, MDF, plywood, fiberglass)


Structural Support

Structures MUST be supported internally and externally by canned food and/or beverage cans between leveling materials.


Labels and Props

  • Labels must remain intact and visible on all cans.

  • Signage and props are limited—designs should rely primarily on the cans themselves. Judges will disqualify entries that use excessive props.

  • Lighting and electronic devices are acceptable, but limited based on location No spinning or strobe lighting may be used.

Build Day Rules and Reminders:

  • Consider bringing the following items:

    • Leveling devices

    • Ladder (if needed)

    • Clear tape

    • Scissors

    • Knifes

    • Hand truck

  • Canstruction Orlando will photograph the structures based on the National criteria. These photographs are taken without signage and stanchions on the day of the build.

  • At the end of the day, please take home what you brought in.

Judging 

  • Judging is done anonymously. 

  • Team members cannot be on location at the time of the judging. 

  • Hosts should maintain a respectful distance while the Jury is viewing and discussing the structures. In other words, no eavesdropping. 

  • No signage or logos displayed until the Jury has left the location. 

Design Submission

All Teams are required to submit their design concept and sculpture information to OrlandoCANstruction@gmail.com by September 12th 2025.

Design Submission:  This is a written statement explaining your team’s approach to this year’s “Cantastic Tales” Stories that Feed Hope theme. The Design Submission should include:

  • Sculpture Title, which is a catch phrase related to the “Cantastic Tales” theme.

  • Design Statement that elaborates on your thought processes behind your sculpture title and design. 

  • Total estimated number of cans needed for your sculpture.

  • List of all of the food products you are using in the sculpture and explain why and how you are using them.

  • Sketch of your design that visually shows the sculpture’s design intent. This can be a simple hand-drawn sketch or a fully developed 3D computer-generated model image. Though the hand-drawn sketch is acceptable, teams will need to develop a computer model to accurately determine the amount of food products needed for your grocery list.

Signage Requirements

  • 24” x 36” size (landscape or portrait)

  • 2” x 2” minimum sponsor logos (Download available soon)

  • 25 MB maximum file size

  • PDF file format

  • Incorporate sculpture theme/ title

Can-Can Awards Celebration

Each year Canstruction Orlando holds an awards celebration to thank all of our teams for their hard work throughout the year. Details and date for the celebration is TBD, so stay tuned!