Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Sealing and Scaffolding



The exterior stucco was sealed with this, non-toxic, water-based concrete sealer. The color was not effected at all.











The interior scaffolding to apply a rough coat of stucco to even out the surface, before the final color is applied.

















A portion of the lath in the module that is divided into two rooms, bath and entryway. The ductwork is for the air handler portion of the ductless, mini-split (heat pump)system.














A view from the south of the rear of the house, the scaffolding was for the application of the sealers. I just planted an edible fig plant in the right foreground.











The tub is getting closer to done. I just have some more grouting to do.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Cap on Parapet



I am experimenting with plants that may be able to live on the roof, without much attention. I have planted; perennial peanut, several varieties of Alternantera, lantana, native love grass, fakahatchee grass, dwarf Mexican petunia, flax lily, Asian jasmine (variegated and green), honeysuckle vine, juniper, rosemary, and lavender. These have all survived several weeks, though I am watering them until they are established.
















The front with stucco and cap on parapet. This is the final color. It is 1/2 lb. Irish green pigment per sack of gray stucco. I wanted a very subtle green, that would look like a natural stone color.













Antigone found a sub's lunch leftover. She is not so interested in the white bread as the thin slice of ham stuck to the other side.


















The cap at the back of the house, this photo does not show the finished stucco yet.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Exterior Stucco, Tub and Rooftop



I have begun to plant some ground cover on the house. I am choosing xeric plants that should not need much water after being established.












Here is the concrete block garden tub after being coated with stucco.













I am covering the tub in broken tile.


















This stucco coat is the under coat for the finish which will be similar in color, once the metal cap is installed, the final coat will be put on. The stucco is pigmented, and will not be painted.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Foam Insulation Prior to Stucco


The front of the house has been papered and lathed for the stucco. This went atop a layer of 2" EPS foam.











The back of the house with the 2" foam applied.

















The front with the foam. The only part of the roof left to finish is the right corner where the ramp must be closed off before we can spread all the topsoil. Then the galvalume cap will be installed at the top of the parapet (cement blocks are holding the membrane in place in the photo).











The module that is divided into two rooms and a bath. The ceilings will go up to the dome except in the closets and bathroom.















We had some extra fill so the excavator has made some privacy mounds for landscaping.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Framing and Windows Installed



The framing for the curved, descending wall for the master bath shower. This will be lathed then stucco applied before I tile the inside and out. I designed the shower this way to maximize the light into the bath from the window in the shower.


















One of the 3 panel sliding doors and the master bath window.













The floor pour went well.













The framers are doing a great job framing the domed areas.












Here you can see the vent openings brought out to the side of the building just outside the membrane area.






















The pole installed at the side of the mound on the south side of the house for the solar pv panel.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Finishing The Waterproofing and Pouring the Floor



The membrane is the final waterproofing layer before the fill and topsoil is put on top of the house.
















A galvalume cap will hold the membrane on at the parapet wall.
















This is the garage, but all the interior spaces were covered with plastic sheeting and felt at the wall so that when the floor is poured it will "float" and not adhere to the footer or walls.











This pavement I found at the Sunoco station down the road, I will use it for a garage pad and walkway to the front and door to garage.

Monday, April 21, 2008

More Waterproofing and Covering the House


Here is some of the fill that will go on top of the house.

















A ramp up to the roof on the north side.












The ramp on the south side











Beginning the waterproofing process; bentonite, plastic, fill.