More progress!
Well, despite cold cold temperatures (where is global warming when you need it?), the basement walls got both formed and poured. And basement walls we got, pretty good size ones at that.
This picture is taken from the end of the old driveway looking toward the mailbox. The big walls off in the distance are for the front porch, which will have a fieldstone & concrete floor, hence the need for concrete walls.
Unfortunately, the porch walls are pretty tall. As most are aware, we are on the side of a hill. I estimate there is a change of elevation of about 40 feet from the front of the lot to the back. Forty feet is a good amount (about four stories), which explains why I have grown to hate the garbage can as much as I do (even though it does have wheels). So, with the top of the back basement wall set to grade, the top of the front basement wall is more than 9 feet in the air. Tricky, but hills can do that. Perhaps the real trick will be to somehow disguise the fact the front porch will be 9 feet in the air.
And believe it or not, we actually lowered the house about five feet from where it was before.
Oh well, all in a week’s work. The forms were stripped off yesterday and the plumber is coming on Monday to put the sewer lines in place so the basement floor can be poured next. And then framing can start.
4 comments:
I hope you planned a five car garage into this house for all the vehicles you collect.
I say forget the whole disguising thing. Actively pursue the castle theme by adding crenolitions along the top of the house. Go for those good, skinny windows as well.
I agree, the castle theme should be enlarged upon as much as possible. The addition of a moat and a portcullis, and perhaps a water gate, would be nice. Then we can make up this wild mythic history of the place. Say, when Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped from the fields of Culloden, he fled, not to France, but to the wilds north of what is now the ATL, where he built his final redoubt in the fastness of the Blackjack Hills. Then we give tours and charge admission. People will come, Ray.
Looks like the start of a great moat along the back wall, certainly would help draw attention from the 9' high porch.
And it give us all an opportunity to use the word "Portcullis"!
You'd be in fine company:
< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portcullis_House >
< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portcullis >
Have fun,
Alan
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