Finished roof - view from east

Finished roof - view from east
Originally uploaded by Strawbale house Carterton

Some tangible results this week: a completed roof. The builders made lot of progress, despite at times horrible weather. We are very pleased with the result.We also found a home for the polystyrene waste from the roof. It can all go to PolyPalace in Poirirua were it will be recycled into underfloor board insulation. Pretty neat as we had only a small amount of waste until know. With the polystyrene being recycled we are keeping it that way. Not sure what will happen next week but we are getting pretty close to the bales now.

West facing roof

West facing roof
Originally uploaded by Strawbale house Carterton

The last two weeks have been a bit of a challenge. Soon after the arrival of the roof panels (two weeks ago), the builder with help of the manufacturer of the roof panels started installation. However, after a couple of hours they discovered the panels didn't fit and couldn't be made to fit. Apparantly, something had gone wrong during production resulting in the top layer being 1 cm to wide. As a consequence the insulation and bottom layer didn't connect with the next roof panel.
The supplier of the roof responded very well and arrangement for supply of a new roof. The builder also arranged for compensation from the supplier for all additional cost resulting from this.
Although we came to a good arrangement we "lost" a week and with the weather pretty crappy not a lot of progress until early this week.
It was also a logistical challenge (on our driveway) to get the big crane in again and the truck to pick the faulty panels and drop off the new ones. The neighbours must have had an entertaining week.
At the end, the real work started again on Wednesday with putting the roof panels over the carport and bedrooms. The roof supplier provided support for the installation. Yesterday the builders started with the west facing part of the roof.

roof panels arrive

roof panels arrive
Originally uploaded by Strawbale house Carterton

Another milestone this week with the arrival of the roof panels. The roof panels are of a "sandwich" construction. The outside steel layer, insulation layer and inner ceiling all in a single package. The total thickness is approximate 15 centimeter. The insulation material is polystyreen. Not that "natural" but sometimes a few concessions are necessary. The panels are tailor made and 11 meter or 4.5 meter. It was a bit of a challenge for the truck driver to get his unit down the driveway. Lifting the panels of the truck also required a special framework to make sure the panels didn't brake up in mid-air.

The builders also progressed with placement of the rafters and the framework for the deck. The macrocarpa beams are starting to smell nice too.

ridgebeam

ridgebeam
Originally uploaded by Strawbale house Carterton

Friday, we reached the highest point with the building. A big crane was hired to lift and place the steel beam spanning the lounge area. The macrocarpa beams for the other parts were also lifted in place. The macrocarpa stud in the kitchen was also placed.

A nice winter day

A nice winter day
Originally uploaded by Strawbale house Carterton

This week some steady progress. The weather has been kind to us and the builders and as a result the framing has gone up for the second floor. It is starting to feel like a house and we are getting a feel for the dimensions. Fingers crossed the weather keeps up and the builders can start with the apex. The ridge beams (see last weeks update) are ready and we are looking forward having them on site.

Macrocarpa beams

Macrocarpa beams
Originally uploaded by Strawbale house Carterton

Yesterday was an exciting day as we went to see our macrocarpa timber beams being sawn. It is one of our objectives to source as much as possible materials locally and it is pretty cool to have a sawmill 500 metres "down the road" (Ticehurst).
The macrocarpa beams are used for the apex and other parts of the roof structure. The same timber is also used for external posts for the verandah/deck. The macrocarpa will not require chemical treatment and the finish will be natural oils.

More framing

More framing
Originally uploaded by Strawbale house Carterton

We are back in business. After last week's storm the builders made some good progress. The blog is less frequently updated because it is getting wintery and now arriving home from work in the dark. No good for taking pictures. Anyway, internal framing completed and the loft is in. Quite nice to have a look around from the second floor although it will be a different look and feel after the roof goes on.