The old south window is gone, as well as the foundation below it and the cob bench as well. So now the two structures are officially connected!!! The feeling of the space has now completely changed, with the original room and the addition one large room. It feels so big and open, and its exciting to be able to now visualize what the completed space will feel like. I imagine sitting at the (future) table, drinking coffee, the wood stove warming our home and our bodies, Leo running around…
There is still so much more to do, but its looking so nice…
Here’s a photo of the preparation for the sub floor. Mike and Greg used chunks of urbanite and old bricks, and then gravel on top of that. After some tamping the base is ready for the sub floor mix! The mix they used for the sub floor was 4 parts sand to 1 1/4 parts clay slip, made from the local clay subsoil.
sub floor!:
I brought Leo out again for an afternoon, so he could help out mixing the sub floor. Thanks for your help Leo!:
Sweet
Hi Danielle, we are new to your blog and read your entire story already twice. Its our dream as well to live in a self build small cob house. Living in Holland however doesn’t make things easy, a piece of ground is here far too expensive so we can perhaps only build when we would move to a different country like France or Germany. All the best from us. Jan and Maud Zandvoort. Noordwijk. Holland
Your home is looking really nice! I’m really liking the expansion a lot.
I bet that will be really cozy in the winter if you have it done by then.
Loved reading your whole blog today. Great photos too, It is very inspiring. All the help you received has been amazing too. You did so much on it alone, as well.
I am going to get some of the books you said you loved and start there. I’m in central Texas, so building here is possible for almost the entire year. My mom owns a couple of unrestricted acres. I can start by practicing on small structures around her place. Only thing is that the soil is rocky and sandy loam. Will need to get clay delivered somehow…
I want to go to a workshop now!
i like what you have here, I did a concrete/mortar job for a clients straw bale shed, and am studying more about rocket mass heaters and efficiency since I live in the mountains at 7000 feet – Blessings, David
Hey Danielle, it’s Hope. Not sure if you remember me, I was a wwoofer at Circle Acres in summer ’10 (yikes, it’s been a while). Anyway, I follow your blog from time to time, and I just wanted to say the house looks amazing! I remember when it was just a bit of dry-stacked urbanite. So incredible. Wishing you lots of happiness. 🙂
Hope!!!! Of course I remember you! I think about you at times and wonder how you are and what you’re doing. I somehow didn’t see your comment until tonight! Hope you are well, I want to send you an email soon and hear about what you’re up to.
much love, Danielle