LIVING ROOM WINDOWS

When we asked Phillipe to come to measure up for the living room windows he couldn't stop giggling when he saw the size of the openings - we weren't sure if it was nerves at the prospect of making the biggest windows in his experience.  He hadn't been to visit us since measuring for the windows in the single storey section of the Roundhouse, when we were still in the process of building the vaste living area.

It was touch or go as to whether he could even accommodate the frames in his tiny workshop in Sucre and welding them on site was considered.  But in the end he built them in his workshop and simply cut into his adobe door frame to get them out!

The frames were delivered and installed between the tall stone columns.

Ed spent many hours installing the glass.

It was so good to have the living room sealed off after so long exposed to the elements.  We were now able to complete the installation of the concrete floor.

At the same time Ed installed the 'arrow slit' widows where the office would be on the mezzanine and the kitchen windows above the counter top.

GREAT PROGRESS WITH LIME RENDERING THE GARDEN WALLS

Making lime render is exactly the same process as for making lime wash.  We use fresh lime stones which, when added to water, produce a boiling liquid that gradually settles into a thick paste.  It's a messy process, but the lime render is the perfect protection for our adobe walls, keeping the rain from penetrating but allowing the earth inside to breathe.

David and Carmelo work well as a team and having finished the back wall behind the Roundhouse are now steaming around the inside of the rest of the garden wall. 

STARTING THE KITCHEN

Whilst our workers were occupied with laying foundations on the living room floor we designed the layout for the kitchen area.

 

An area along the wall between the main door and the start of the tall columns was dug out and also the foundation for the island.

Plywood forms were made to pour concrete bases for the kitchen units.

Reinforcing steel was wired together to strengthen the concrete for the island base.

Then the black tinted concrete was poured into the forms.

When the bases were dry we began building up the supporting walls that would support the concrete counter tops. 

Soon the walls were in place, ready for the next stage.

OUR VOLUNTEERS FROM WORKAWAY DO A GREAT JOB

We had Hans and Dorien from Belgium staying with us for a month.  They were really hardworking and below are photos of their work.  We really enjoyed having them to stay.

Hans lime washed the exterior of the Roundhouse and did a fantastic job.

Dorien did an incredible job on starting the mosaic work in the jacuzzi.