Monday 16 August 2010

Progress Report.

Yes, I know it looks like a pile of concrete blocks at the moment. But, believe me, it will look great when finished. I've just put in the front step, and did you notice the arrow-slit?

My next serious job is the ceiling. In the next few days I'll visit my nearest saw mill and order one 4 metre, 20 by 20 cm, beam, and about twenty 2 metre, 10 by 10 cm, joists . The big beam goes across the middle, and the smaller joists span out either side. Then it's a matter of ensuring at least three rainless days to put on the plasterboard (or whatever) ceiling, and put up the woodwork for the roof. Then when all is covered with a special reinforced plastic, I'll be able to breathe a little easier before tackling the laths and tiles. I have yet to order the tiles (he's on holiday), but 'my man' assures me that he can make them within a week or so. They'll all be hand made.

In some ways I see this as my 'tomb stone'; proof that I existed (other than my paintings). And, as with all follies, it's going to be here a long time, so it has to be right. The plants are also very important; we know there will be Wisteria, and a Vine, but I shall need to consult widely (I know very little about such things) . I'm hoping that at least 60% of the surface will be covered in creeping flowering greenery.

We have guests for a couple of weeks, so I'm going to take a rest from building. Time for some skin to grow back on my hands.

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12 comments:

  1. Someone just said that it doesn't look square. It IS square; it's 4 by 4 metres.

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  2. I like the arrow slits. (Are you expecting invaders?) What style will the roof be?

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  3. It'll be about 2 metres high, flat tiled, pointed, and with a single terracotta pinacle (yet to be made). The arrow slit faces due east, so on sunny mornings it casts a bright cross on the opposite interior wall. A wee bonus.

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  4. Ah, I get it. You are a closet Christian after all, and this is your private chapel, no? What are the planning laws like in your bit of France? Do you give the Mayor a back-hander... or are YOU the Mayor?

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  5. It's an upside-down cross Tom. As for planning laws, we visited the 'Mayor's Parlour' and were assured that as it's less than 20 sq metres, no planning permission is required! Strangely nothing is ever mentioned about upwards. Presumably we could have built it 20 stories high.

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  6. Don't forget the chimney (see my latest 'Lifestyle' post...)

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  7. This is really exciting! Can't wait to see the finished project.

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  8. Lots of hard work there! It's gonna be cool . . . Can't wait to see it when it's done!

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  9. Hi Cro,over here on many walls they grow a creeper and the leaves change colour with the seasons,on a very old church i pass each day on my mail run it is the lovelist sight in the Autumn as the leaves are almost red, in summer a lush deep green,it is a small leafed creeper and i can just see something like this on your walls,there is also a small leafed Ivy that would be lovely,i saw this in Uk when i was there so it is a worldly plant. It is going to look great,bet your back is aching as well as the skinless hands.Carole

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  10. oh s o happy to see a picture! It's wonderful (so far) can't wait to see the finished project! I love seeing how things are made, its all such a mystery to me.enjoy your company!

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  11. Carole (or anyone). I'm hoping for the best of all worlds. Creepers that flower, don't head off under the tiles, are frost hardy, are evergreen, and beautiful. If you know of such plants, I'd love to have their names!!!!

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