The last of the main frames of the building was lifted into place last week, that doesn’t mean we haven’t still got a long way to go, but it does mean we are moving properly onto the next phase.
It was the frame for the outer edge of the last of the verandahs. It was constructed on the framing bed at the back of the basecamp over the past week or so. It had to be shifted from there round to the opposite side of the building and stood up on its padstones, another job for the telehandler. It was a bit more tricky this time as there is scaffolding in place for the roof which needed to be driven around (you can just make out the edge of it to the left of the telehandler in the picture above).
Once it had been lifted up it was driven around to the front of the building. This is always a bit tense, the frame is designed to stand upright in the building, and when it is being moved the pressure is running the wrong way through the frame. The timbers are pretty hefty though and the jointing has been expertly done, so each frame has fealt solid on the move.
After sneaking it past the scaffolding the frame was spun round and raised upright.
Have just seen the face I was pulling from the cab of the telehandler, not exactly sure what that expression means, but hopefully I was concentrating.
It was then a question of driving the frame in and dropping it off on its padstones.
Last minute tweaking of position and lining up was done by Dylan with the comedy hammer.
The joists are now being put in for the verandah floor on this side of the building, when these are in place the full footprint of the build will have appeared on site. Dylan told me how he particularly likes the curved appearance of the final frame, he said it hugs the building. Using roundwood for the main structure of the building has been a real eye opener. The character of the wood leads the eye and gives a soft, natural feel. It makes the building sit well within the wooded landscape here at Swan Barn Farm and gives a built record of the management of the woods.
Thanks for all of the updates David. Really looking forward to helping out as part of the working holiday taking place August bank holiday week. See you soon, Lesley
Thanks Lesley, unfortunately I will be away on holiday that week, I hope you have a good time when you are here though. The building is at a fascinatng stage at the moment.
Dave