One More Foot

Another foot of height has been added all around the cottage.

Ah, something new. Notice the two new window frames. They are not yet installed but the wall is levelled and ready for installation during the next work period.

This is the view out of the front windows.

The sitting alcove is starting to get cozy.

This is the view out of the west alcove window. The camera distorts the image somewhat as the horizon appears significantly larger in person.

The kitchen area received some electrical boxes and a telephone cable.

This is the view out of the kitchen window.

I am very satisfied with the week's progress even though it was a short work week of only five days.

Half Way

A very good work week has seen one foot of height added all the way around the cottage, front window frames installed, and the south side brought up to height with the rest of the walls. The walls are now half way to the six foot milestone at which time focus will turn toward the roof.

The walls have reached "smile height". Working next to them makes me smile. It is hard to believe that the walls are shoulder high in some places.

In the coming week preparations need to be made for the remaining windows. There are four more windows to install. They will not be large windows but will be positioned for light and most importantly, ventilation. One opening window will be installed on the west wall, and one on the north wall. There will be a window over the sink and another on the east wall near the existing window frames. These will be just frameless panes of glass inserted into the cob wall.

Supports for the kitchen counter have been installed as has a pipe to supply water for the sink. This sink will be in the corner, although it is more of a rounded curve than a corner.

Solar gain appears good. This is mid day on November 9. The sunshine is able to reach half the floor in the cottage. I did make a mistake siting the building however as the building becomes shaded by 2:30 in the afternoon.

I was mixing a batch of cob and had to stop to take this picture, finding myself in disbelief that the building is growing as it is. Two short months ago when looking in this direction one had to imagine seeing a building. Now there is a building there. Amazing.

It Looks Like a Cottage

The south window frames have been installed and they have completely transformed the appearance of the building. It looks and feels completely different both inside and out. Edit 11/04/2013: Some newer photos have been added at the end of this post.

It's possible to get a sense of the view that will be visible out of the windows.

Now instead of being asked "What are you building?" I'm expecting to be asked "What kind of building is it?"