I delayed writing this blog by a couple of days because this week promised to be really exciting for us, and we haven't been disappointed!
On Monday the main structure of our house arrived! I stayed on site for the morning to see what was going to happen, meet the Border Oak site team who will be putting our frame up and project manager. The Oak Frame arrived first followed by 2 packs of our softwood panels that will make up the ground floor all ready to be erected!
It's surprising how small it looks on the back of a delivery lorry, but as it is unpacked and starts to go up you really get a sense of how it will come together. Bit by bit, piece by piece. Like a big jigsaw, with very heavy pieces!
Shortly after this I left site for the rest of the day, but we returned at the end of the day to a pleasant surprise - the first part of the oak frame was up and in position. The only problem was it was dark so we couldn't have a proper look. Needless to say I woke VERY early and took the following snap just before 7am... I had waited until there was enough light to get a reasonable pic.
We knew today was going to be full on! Not only were we filming for Building the Dream with Lee from True North, but also we were hoping that a large part of the frame would be put up and we would be around to see it happen. We also had a meeting to finalise some choices on the colour of the windows and doors, door furniture and roof tiles. To start the day off the weather was fantastic, sunshine and blue sky - in November!
When Lee arrived we presented him with his chamois (left from last visit) and a Parrot. Not a live one of course, but we felt it a vital addition to help us with concentration...Today's filming was good fun and we both felt much more relaxed with the camera around. I'm sure Dave helped with that.
Everything seemed to be moving forwards quite swiftly, but while the Oak frame was being put into position we came across a slight problem with the positioning of one of the beams on the front bay window section. It was causing a slight problem with the rear of the frame being lined up, but after a bit of re-measuring and discussion it was easily resolved onsite without too much of an issue; so onwards we moved.
We wrapped up the filming for the day after around 4 hours on site - it seemed to fly by. It's great to see the house taking shape, with a real feel for size and volume (thanks for that word Merry). The Oak looks very substantial and sturdy and is a very tactile product and I couldn't resist having a stroke.
To finish our day off, I've confirmed details and booked Boyd Scaffolding for next week in preparation for the roof joinery the week after next.
Thanks for reading!
Tim
On Monday the main structure of our house arrived! I stayed on site for the morning to see what was going to happen, meet the Border Oak site team who will be putting our frame up and project manager. The Oak Frame arrived first followed by 2 packs of our softwood panels that will make up the ground floor all ready to be erected!
Border Oak Frame being delivered
Oak frame ready to be unpacked and assembled
2nd delivery of Monday, 2 packs of softwood panels
It's surprising how small it looks on the back of a delivery lorry, but as it is unpacked and starts to go up you really get a sense of how it will come together. Bit by bit, piece by piece. Like a big jigsaw, with very heavy pieces!
Miserable weather, but the first part of the frame is assembled prior to being put together. This is the glazed section above the french doors on the front of the house
Shortly after this I left site for the rest of the day, but we returned at the end of the day to a pleasant surprise - the first part of the oak frame was up and in position. The only problem was it was dark so we couldn't have a proper look. Needless to say I woke VERY early and took the following snap just before 7am... I had waited until there was enough light to get a reasonable pic.
Main section of the Oak Frame in position at the end of Day 1 for Border Oak on Site
We knew today was going to be full on! Not only were we filming for Building the Dream with Lee from True North, but also we were hoping that a large part of the frame would be put up and we would be around to see it happen. We also had a meeting to finalise some choices on the colour of the windows and doors, door furniture and roof tiles. To start the day off the weather was fantastic, sunshine and blue sky - in November!
The rear porch being hoisted into position and yes that is blue sky in November!
Lee photo bombing, albeit he probably didn't know!
When Lee arrived we presented him with his chamois (left from last visit) and a Parrot. Not a live one of course, but we felt it a vital addition to help us with concentration...Today's filming was good fun and we both felt much more relaxed with the camera around. I'm sure Dave helped with that.
Everything seemed to be moving forwards quite swiftly, but while the Oak frame was being put into position we came across a slight problem with the positioning of one of the beams on the front bay window section. It was causing a slight problem with the rear of the frame being lined up, but after a bit of re-measuring and discussion it was easily resolved onsite without too much of an issue; so onwards we moved.
The Oak Frame up in it's full form.
View from the front
We wrapped up the filming for the day after around 4 hours on site - it seemed to fly by. It's great to see the house taking shape, with a real feel for size and volume (thanks for that word Merry). The Oak looks very substantial and sturdy and is a very tactile product and I couldn't resist having a stroke.
To finish our day off, I've confirmed details and booked Boyd Scaffolding for next week in preparation for the roof joinery the week after next.
Thanks for reading!
Tim
If you ever need my extensive architectural based vocabulary again just give me a shout!
ReplyDeletemx
Yes definitely will Merry! Just the word I was looking for!
ReplyDelete