Exterior Works Continue...
A few pictures will almost tell the story of what has been happening outside. However first, some jobs have continued inside:
The studio is mostly wired up and tested - only the modular synthesizer has to be synchronised to the system, so that it 'stays in time' with the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). A fair bit of time has been spent setting up the system *properly*, so that from switching on the power to actually enjoying making music is as hassle free as possible. All in, this 'programming' of the system took about a week. But it is done and works perfectly.
Other jobs in the house have been completed: The log stove has been put onto its feet, so now, underneath the stove is a storage area for logs and kindling - vey useful and stops the need for a basket.
Putting the fire onto it's feet was not an easy job as the stove weighs in at 125kg, and was just plain awkward to move to get access to the underside. Rob and Paulo, the landscapers donned their DIY hats for this job, and enlisted the aid of a couple of builders on site to help remove the stove from the pallet and move it into position in the fire surround.
The stove in position on its legs - note the cardboard is left underneath on purpose - should the stove need to be moved for fitting the flue, it is there to protect the tiles and will be removed when work is finished.
Some DVD / CD storage racks arrived earlier in the week requiring assembly: one for downstairs and a couple for CD's in the studio. They look great, keeping in the theme of red (the last red items, be assured!). But Ikea they are not, and the assembly took a fair amount of time to get an acceptable result. Hint: Do not blindly follow instructions for something drop-shipped from China. Essentially, putting the item together as per instructions meant the shelves would not fit... so the first rack had to be taken apart, the shelves fitted before the back panel was pinned in place. All good in the end, and the second and third unit went together much more easily.
Just room for the PS4 Games, and the box set of Monty Python Episodes. What more does a man need? Actually the box set of LotR and The Hobbit, Dune, Blade Runner, THX 1138, Omega Man, and the Matrix Trilogy. That's sorted then. Unfortunately, there was no room near the TV for this without clutterisation, so at the bottom of the stairs it looks sweet and is only half a dozen strides away!
Outside work continued as follows:
Back-filled the retaining walls for the trees; this is a major relief incase of heavy rain or high winds and will stop further soil erosion and the tree roots can expand and strengthen further.
Started and continued to lay the drive in blocks - this will provide a soak-away for water in heavy rain.
Works continued on the side garden area wall, with built in planters and cemented rustic stone wall to provide a strengthened base for the 'Colditz Wall' to next door.
The drive between the house and the log-store and trees. Here you can see that the wall has been back-filled with good quality soil (including some rocks and small rubble), which will be topped off with high quality soil for planting. The drive is permeable so will allow natural drainage.
Paul, with a few rafts of blocks ahead of him. And these things are heavy! The guy is as fit as a butcher's dog for sure.
The drive will extend down towards the field to the wall that is to be built, shown by the rebar uprights. A 3m wide 5 bar gate will allow access to the field by the dirt track. Picture shows the field cut and ready for bailing.
After the tractor team had been, 4 bails stand at the far end of the land. Total time to collect and bail up was about 15 minutes!
The side garden wall is coming together - it takes some imagination, but the high neighbouring wall will be painted white and vines / shrubs etc. will be encouraged to grow up to hide it. The wall being built at the bottom is made from stone excavated from the central area, and cement has been used to form a strong wall, while remaining rustic on the outside. Ferns will be planted in the wall, along with mosses etc. On the top of the stone wall, planters have been built in for the vines and shrubs.
The area will provide space for two large vegetable and herb planters, a water feature and a small BBQ area with some seating. Why here at the side of the house? It gets the sun all day and into the evening, it is sheltered from the prevailing winds and has easy access to the house and patio. I am also hopeful that the water feature will be a self replenishing source of rain water for the vegetables, rather than using 'tap' water... a solar powered pump will keep the water moving... waterfall with rock pool? Nice.
Finally, the space underneath the house has had a concrete foundation floor laid, and is ready for pouring a top skim. Too boring to photograph, but updates will follow once it looks good.
Next Up: Devil Gate Drive
