With great pleasure, I am handing this blog over to Whistlewood volunteers. If you would like to contribute, you can write your own piece as Chris has or send me notes using the contact page or via Whistlewood.
By Chris Gregson – 27th August to 31st August.
Busy, busy, busy, this week with lots of progress on the build although, due to some deliveries not arriving on time, jobs have got moved around somewhat! This week also saw the back of the blue tarpaulin sheets which seem to have been a fixture for ever.
The laths have now all been put on ready for the shingles, a task that seems to have taken weeks to complete and the openings for the Velux roof lights have been made. (Under the protective white sheets).
The top of the internal walls has had the gap up to the rafters covered with fibre board so that the internal clay render can be applied. This is done in three layers, the slip, a very thin coating that just ‘primes’ the straw ready for the base and top coats.
Similarly, some of the external walls have had the fibre board infill to the rafters done and the base layer of lime render applied (again the first of three layers).
Meanwhile I’ve mostly been building the ‘services’ box above the main entrance, this is where the electrical controls system for the solar panels will be housed.
During the week we moved the sheep’s wool insulation from the shelter into the Roundhouse ready for installing in the roof prior to the boarding and plastering.
Next week will see the arrival of the shingles, decking boards, Velux roof lights and more lime and clay render.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page as there will be volunteering opportunities over the next few weeks for clay rendering, lime rendering, shingle nailing and decking laying (currently scheduled for Saturday 22nd September). As this is a building site any volunteers must wear the appropriate footwear.
Chris Gregson
Michelle Spaul 