October 27, 2022 - Build platform near completion
Build Platform almost complete
The retension walls are about 1 meter thick. The "holes" are where the reinforced concrete pillars will be. The "left" side, already done, is the bedroom, bath, and walk-in closet.
Working on the final retaining wall on the kitchen & living area side
Then clean fill and compacting until flat and stable like the sections already completed.
Looking down from the upper garden at the top of the garden steps
The path on this side of the house is the secondary entrance from the garage & parking area
Looks like a lot of steps and it is, but there is good news about that
I'm having them use ~6 inch steps (15cm) everywhere rather than US standard of 7.5 inches
The back extension is for the rear entrance, laundry area, and pantry
The exterior door will be at the far-end from this view. Walking towards me in this view, a small
washtub, the wash & dryer, and the door to
kitchen area on the left, inside wall.
The pantry & kitchen storage, walk-in closet size, at
this near end.
All the rocks for the retaining walls are from the site excavation.
What wasn't already the right size required, was busted up with a sledge hammer.
Then it's a
matter of choosing the right rock for the job.
That's still a lot of rocks! Good news is, they were "free"
At the end, it'll be beautious when they are cleaned and the "pointing" work is done.
Here's the final artist's rendering...
...OK, maybe not quite like that
Status as of October 27
Things are taking shape...the house "build platform" is near completion so that the foundation can be laid on top of it and actually get the house proper started. The re-bar has been purchased and next week it will be getting formed for use in the reinforced concrete columns.
A couple extra people will be added next week to start on the lower level two rooms that will be part of this first phase; the installation/utility room and the office/hobby room next to it. The lower level won't have a raised "build platform" like the house, just a normal (for this area) foundation. The stairway to the "bridge" linking the house ground level and the lower level roof patio (mirador) will be built along the back walls of those two rooms.
The previously named workshop, I'm going to start calling the hobby room or office, because I don't plan on doing 'dirty-deeds' in it like a wood shop, metal working, etc. My hobbies are going to be mainly electronics and IOT devices; at least that's my thinking so far. And I'll probably use the room as an office until I really "retire." If I'm doing messy stuff, I'll do it outside, or in the garage area.
The rest of the lower level plans will be finished after the house is completed enough to move in, get settled, and as time and money allows.