tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-337976062024-03-10T12:13:15.212-07:00Strawbale houseThis is the log of my experience building my straw bale home. I am told the pictures do not do the actual finished product justice, however, I am pleased to share it with all who are interested on this site.
The trials and tribulations in getting the permit could have brought the project to an abrupt halt, but I knew in my heart that this was something I was meant to do and giving in or quiting was never an option.
Enjoy........ and feel free to share with your friends!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-84246259203130661852011-04-01T05:24:00.000-07:002011-04-01T05:26:45.167-07:00<a href="http://www.twitter.com/strawhousequeen"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-b.png" alt="Follow strawhousequeen on Twitter" /></a><br /><br /><!-- Facebook Badge START --><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EcoStrawHouse" target="_TOP" title="Eco Straw Home">Eco Straw Home</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EcoStrawHouse" target="_TOP" title="Eco Straw Home"><img src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/161091523933944.1598.1308279366.png" width="120" height="222" style="border: 0px" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/" target="_TOP" title="Make your own badge!">Promote Your Page Too</a><!-- Facebook Badge END -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com92tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-43279556264129268422010-12-28T05:21:00.000-08:002011-04-01T05:38:27.529-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B3KL4mFEDXnRHYan8rHHmEBoU-OLTPm5dkvT1CTiibLXjYgOYJL_18UVKwI8U6qm5PszNoMaoox3zGUIFb8SzqDesN9AFxTjdBQuKUHbHcEjPhvo9oSvTs_SfXFXEAInEQn2nQ/s1600/0-0-Bales+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B3KL4mFEDXnRHYan8rHHmEBoU-OLTPm5dkvT1CTiibLXjYgOYJL_18UVKwI8U6qm5PszNoMaoox3zGUIFb8SzqDesN9AFxTjdBQuKUHbHcEjPhvo9oSvTs_SfXFXEAInEQn2nQ/s320/0-0-Bales+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555723029446836482" /></a><br /><br />Please continue to follow my story at this site:<br /><br />http://ecostrawhouse.com/<br /><br />Thanks for the reader who suggested I put a twitter and Face book 'follow' button - see above! <br /><br /><br />I have all kinds of offers, tips, tools, reviews etc on this new site!<br /><br />Thanks to all who have followed me on this blog - I am moving on to greener pastures to speak!<br />See you on the other side.......<br />http://www.EcoStrawHouse.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-25011170348134483512010-11-10T02:36:00.001-08:002010-11-10T02:43:53.106-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvv9zNlOvWSeGAoWf3gtA8jBaavDn4JyVRhPC__krAHhKBme2zDf4r3NFqhKp98AK6ZgSZxIswLF3NSxfdlBex33QhMhE557oMz2Ycas47WUnLEa-h5jqr_23FKvfITSuwKvAE8g/s1600/DSCN2776.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537868968446846930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvv9zNlOvWSeGAoWf3gtA8jBaavDn4JyVRhPC__krAHhKBme2zDf4r3NFqhKp98AK6ZgSZxIswLF3NSxfdlBex33QhMhE557oMz2Ycas47WUnLEa-h5jqr_23FKvfITSuwKvAE8g/s320/DSCN2776.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Thanks for all the wonderful comments on this Blog. I would like to respond to them but unfortunately, I am unable to unless you leave your email address in your message. </div><div> </div><div>For the people who asked the question on the paint: I used Eco House, out of New Brunswick and the dilution was from their paint pallet. </div><div>Do not use regular paint on this kind of plaster. Also, I used a top coat of sealant from Eco House, which in effect gives the house a 'gortex' effect.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-79268785137739707562009-11-10T05:15:00.000-08:002009-11-10T05:17:08.351-08:00Digging the foundation...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uWf-GjviI_TSCrkZauhOn264-_VEr3b1Zak42KYWUyFS90ouZ91zk8Ep5GbVn3uyuoLABofkb6ilkHxaqO7qPfk_tow7wlZNbB9JpfojS0x2_v3Tu0L4DGGGNRAJzjDAgyiMFw/s1600-h/DSCN2521.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uWf-GjviI_TSCrkZauhOn264-_VEr3b1Zak42KYWUyFS90ouZ91zk8Ep5GbVn3uyuoLABofkb6ilkHxaqO7qPfk_tow7wlZNbB9JpfojS0x2_v3Tu0L4DGGGNRAJzjDAgyiMFw/s320/DSCN2521.JPG" /></a> So we did down at centre front of the house, thru the landscaping, to the stone.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsojqomM5aDgvIKfj0l9EpMRIlCgysVNBfY-2T5RJ4Sd2Fad-m2zCb-Y2M8fVlFavyMrgxAfzTtvG3-93XhHnMTM0feNXH1SZ-rHeOFc4-DD_v19c4_MUViTC19FCf3NtzFNkibA/s1600-h/DSCN2523.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsojqomM5aDgvIKfj0l9EpMRIlCgysVNBfY-2T5RJ4Sd2Fad-m2zCb-Y2M8fVlFavyMrgxAfzTtvG3-93XhHnMTM0feNXH1SZ-rHeOFc4-DD_v19c4_MUViTC19FCf3NtzFNkibA/s320/DSCN2523.JPG" /></a> We reach the insulation.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW_j6vXk_cGyhChfW3Q86JZf8daOr0EcHeHvkAT4l4JEutqyXz4Aj58fDTmmoct1LqTkC00-0sWNBwnwOjag-HTpzhUznT9qQ7LP3rd8EZZF4cV_RLRXWpapQd_wSJLdZrvARPQ/s1600-h/DSCN2529.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW_j6vXk_cGyhChfW3Q86JZf8daOr0EcHeHvkAT4l4JEutqyXz4Aj58fDTmmoct1LqTkC00-0sWNBwnwOjag-HTpzhUznT9qQ7LP3rd8EZZF4cV_RLRXWpapQd_wSJLdZrvARPQ/s320/DSCN2529.JPG" /></a> Cut thru the insulation, expect to see gushing water draining from under the house. Nothing. Not even any dampness?!?!?!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYleCkueZNcVFx4bRf1mPExBsALFKZT1LIZLdl9zGRv-pbBFGmYmU7PnPhQx_OR_HdX1paPhF-KrXzbfQWEhtuTyHEs2f3WyhHmICYWRJzG-n1z1zWW2FueZHTxGo0b3T67JjYWg/s1600-h/DSCN2534.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYleCkueZNcVFx4bRf1mPExBsALFKZT1LIZLdl9zGRv-pbBFGmYmU7PnPhQx_OR_HdX1paPhF-KrXzbfQWEhtuTyHEs2f3WyhHmICYWRJzG-n1z1zWW2FueZHTxGo0b3T67JjYWg/s320/DSCN2534.JPG" /></a> The stone is bone dry - no sign of any wet. Absolutely baffling!<br /><br />We filled it all back in and continued to scratch our heads!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-50652978187597821512009-01-20T13:05:00.000-08:002009-01-20T13:06:03.396-08:00Wet Patches On The Concrete<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCnExfwCqeZWoAe5emzXSO-Yp_MKreePBnepFNdJ3D2T2yeC8pFLny5k9FoEhI1VT4nWQXQ0i3aloi3m7qZI2-1gqe8o3dwrRQ1O3iqX4ALVST9AKvJdZWlw6qGNb-95bvEkHHA/s1600-h/DSCN2513.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCnExfwCqeZWoAe5emzXSO-Yp_MKreePBnepFNdJ3D2T2yeC8pFLny5k9FoEhI1VT4nWQXQ0i3aloi3m7qZI2-1gqe8o3dwrRQ1O3iqX4ALVST9AKvJdZWlw6qGNb-95bvEkHHA/s320/DSCN2513.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Very strange, this past fall, these patches started appearing on the floor (stained concrete), a week or two after the heating system was turned on.<br />Initially, the obvious was feared, a leak in the radiant floor heating system<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCsRtZRkRyz0hJxkqAzCbCYzvqWn7w95-zFNoegbWfbhuhbCL1a1z7MV_oIB0l07ewQm1oJic5xpxiYAfvysAIpPtxXZQg6pDL45P1yinBEVbD6lqODKwLBDf_OHaItlzqtIPIQ/s1600-h/DSCN2519.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCsRtZRkRyz0hJxkqAzCbCYzvqWn7w95-zFNoegbWfbhuhbCL1a1z7MV_oIB0l07ewQm1oJic5xpxiYAfvysAIpPtxXZQg6pDL45P1yinBEVbD6lqODKwLBDf_OHaItlzqtIPIQ/s320/DSCN2519.JPG" border="0" /></a>. After much investigation which included pressure testing the entire floor heating system (everything was fine, and no leaks found) over a period of time. <br />This problem became baffling (and still is) as we looked into drainage around the house, for the possibility of build up of ground source water etc. We even dug up some of the grading down to the foundation, to see if drainage was the problem. It was bone dry....<br /><br />Anyway, over the past couple of months these patches are slowly dissppearing and drying out. We still have not figured out what caused them tho.<br /><br />If anyone has had a similar problem, please comment as this has everyone baffled.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-30635356003875278952008-09-03T06:47:00.000-07:002008-09-03T06:56:04.319-07:00Summer 2008Well, haven't added anything for some time, so thought it was time to update this blog.<br /><br />Finally, in July, I got my full occupancy permit! After a long road of compliance etc, I am now legally able to live in my strawbale house!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxNBNkWb3D-UNXUjv6Zw2QgsOmoc64rcwzRJ_BCsXoUnj3yIyKRZTtEyDE60DTXUnsLPZFA1FS__gB-4fVxUl140HhfTUcMccA20DYrmiImILzZRJuMzAE4mCL009CbBRiJ84MQ/s1600-h/DSCN2219.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxNBNkWb3D-UNXUjv6Zw2QgsOmoc64rcwzRJ_BCsXoUnj3yIyKRZTtEyDE60DTXUnsLPZFA1FS__gB-4fVxUl140HhfTUcMccA20DYrmiImILzZRJuMzAE4mCL009CbBRiJ84MQ/s320/DSCN2219.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Just a few notes on the heating system through the winter:<br />The radiant floor heating was amazing - kept the house at a constant temperature, whatever I set it at. I was able to supplement with the woodstove but that was mainly for 'cozy' effect.<br />Here is the big news: I estimate my hydro usage for the heating to be a little under $500 for the winter season!! Amazing! This was to run the geothermal system (pump). Because of the insulation factor of straw bales, the house remained at the constant temperature. It was a very 'comfortable' heat too - never dry, or fluctuating, which I experienced in previous homes, when the furnace would come on.<br />As far as this summer has gone, the temp inside has not gone over 23 degrees C and was more often around 18 - 20 degrees C - I occasionally run a dehumidifier on the really humid days and that is sufficient to keep it very comfortable in here.<br /><br />My main projects this year have been to work on getting compliance for the occupancy inspection and on the landscaping, which will be a work in progress for many years to come.<br /><br />Stay tuned, as there will be an extension going in, hopefully next year, or in 2010.<br /><br />Don't forget this years Straw Bale tour is on October 4th. Check out the OSBBC site at :<br /><br />http://www.strawbalebuilding.ca <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-90687225834584232172007-11-16T15:33:00.000-08:002007-11-16T15:35:52.705-08:00Final Exterior colour AppliedThis month we completed the exterior protection: it involved sealing any cracks, applying the Eco House primer sealer, then two coats of the Eco House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqwIrFC2onVQO9kSXHTRl4-HTyQbwSLB3iS0z8NnMR5LZn2IsQz2CH24YIeunRe8n7qn3urjsZZrU2SMeP90pe5Xh_jdfVCa9Mx7Z-0ee8e2O6spSrZ941Je6PJlIE4zkvW7sig/s1600-h/DSCN1728.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqwIrFC2onVQO9kSXHTRl4-HTyQbwSLB3iS0z8NnMR5LZn2IsQz2CH24YIeunRe8n7qn3urjsZZrU2SMeP90pe5Xh_jdfVCa9Mx7Z-0ee8e2O6spSrZ941Je6PJlIE4zkvW7sig/s320/DSCN1728.jpg" border="0" /></a> Quartz Guard and finally, a coat of rainsil. This will in effect 'gortex' the exterior.<br /><br />I chose a yellow ochre, diluted to 5%.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOYE-7nv8MOOWZyEVvFkFHxT-jiZK0eg3npXJ2Gxj3rNQA2c8b3t-BcXYfIMUDIIYAS5QXVxsqxjpA1OengMv3hKbkoijHA1rzqwFHTUzHzTbs9cgVqrkFFYWSLavNouJS-KsvQ/s1600-h/DSCN1727.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOYE-7nv8MOOWZyEVvFkFHxT-jiZK0eg3npXJ2Gxj3rNQA2c8b3t-BcXYfIMUDIIYAS5QXVxsqxjpA1OengMv3hKbkoijHA1rzqwFHTUzHzTbs9cgVqrkFFYWSLavNouJS-KsvQ/s320/DSCN1727.jpg" border="0" /></a> Eco House web site:<br /><br />www.eco-house.com<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeTJlXIkeMz5ozNS50TYF0qI1fLkqb_mcTCx-92nc5HGvl-s2R5HPzLDFx6xCgtQIRRF-fTQff6oo31DGPA-nx8ezERfyFrhiq0sNeZUkWRKRVbIwRufJSHCkaMwQ2UwCpB1l6Q/s1600-h/DSCN1737.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeTJlXIkeMz5ozNS50TYF0qI1fLkqb_mcTCx-92nc5HGvl-s2R5HPzLDFx6xCgtQIRRF-fTQff6oo31DGPA-nx8ezERfyFrhiq0sNeZUkWRKRVbIwRufJSHCkaMwQ2UwCpB1l6Q/s320/DSCN1737.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-36224061607110336902007-10-12T17:25:00.000-07:002009-01-20T12:32:38.412-08:00The 'almost' finished productA beautiful fall sunset, with the colours peaking in the background.<br /><br />The Ontario Straw Bale Building Coalition's annual Straw Bale house tour is tomorrow, October 13th. Check out their web site for more information: <a href="http://www.strawbalebuilding.ca/">http://www.strawbalebuilding.ca/</a><br /><br />My home is available for private tours by appointment if you are unable to make the tour. I will not charge a fee, however, I will be collecting a $50 donation to the Orillia SPCA.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxE1wuGzyYtghBcRbVAeqF4zXGkt296catRvVvxhXxRbedXaxBHflbe7HQlon9ua41DgLN8_Udy0GfdbT7N6yuFXV3K3Vf1AtHHB9j-Z4i84w0ZbwGB8icoeB4jy47eaO-tSVh3A/s1600-h/DSCN1694.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxE1wuGzyYtghBcRbVAeqF4zXGkt296catRvVvxhXxRbedXaxBHflbe7HQlon9ua41DgLN8_Udy0GfdbT7N6yuFXV3K3Vf1AtHHB9j-Z4i84w0ZbwGB8icoeB4jy47eaO-tSVh3A/s320/DSCN1694.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Please contact me thru this web site on the comment area to set up a date. <div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-4865550343826002172007-09-29T06:11:00.000-07:002007-09-29T06:13:14.216-07:00Wood StoveWood stove went in this week - it is a Hearthstone Tribute model. I chose this because it is small (although, it will heat 1300 sq ft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOmPJxxBTSL-viVoRoQBlPK5lcAxxCvik1bt8PSW-4zx0hvAyA_rziGGA4I7ydH7Zm4IBI9hYCwdQVHNz_S_WILL4WJpAge24dqyKzVTOex0qrsuCR9cFhahAnIL8fm476sFFrw/s1600-h/DSCN1663.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOmPJxxBTSL-viVoRoQBlPK5lcAxxCvik1bt8PSW-4zx0hvAyA_rziGGA4I7ydH7Zm4IBI9hYCwdQVHNz_S_WILL4WJpAge24dqyKzVTOex0qrsuCR9cFhahAnIL8fm476sFFrw/s320/DSCN1663.jpg" border="0" /></a> approx) and very attractive. It does not dominate the room, as these stove sometimes can.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzFGZ6Z94APgdfqe0F0Fm5c_Bel3sFiR56kORIqqz455o2Oygl-f19MAYkmF7zo5IaYt28XxBWlrG9S4eBRqYcx3T3VFMWa221BTTNhZkRYPhWRmZQ7JrB5asD5SPJJFtiiUq4Q/s1600-h/DSCN1664.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzFGZ6Z94APgdfqe0F0Fm5c_Bel3sFiR56kORIqqz455o2Oygl-f19MAYkmF7zo5IaYt28XxBWlrG9S4eBRqYcx3T3VFMWa221BTTNhZkRYPhWRmZQ7JrB5asD5SPJJFtiiUq4Q/s320/DSCN1664.jpg" border="0" /></a> It is a soapstone stove, which absorbs the high heat of the fire, then radiates it back out in to the room. Once heated, soapstone stays warm for hours to continue warming witha gentle, even, radiant quality of heat that's as comfortable as it is lasting.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-2445850185003443502007-08-26T20:02:00.000-07:002007-08-26T20:05:59.273-07:00Landscaping ready for plants...Looking west -pathways complete for the first phase.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTof0YsyHbH8ceWHFbnQVFi1mjPGdUUfiLCa-WARnL5iLkmkRV0D_2DiW0ENVbEm06Z3sjTTatssmdYuV4nN1n6b8KheZha1ouN9jePbIt9kZB7JE-2xXnXNdbTpref-DNcxmhdw/s1600-h/DSCN1629.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTof0YsyHbH8ceWHFbnQVFi1mjPGdUUfiLCa-WARnL5iLkmkRV0D_2DiW0ENVbEm06Z3sjTTatssmdYuV4nN1n6b8KheZha1ouN9jePbIt9kZB7JE-2xXnXNdbTpref-DNcxmhdw/s320/DSCN1629.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SaLyjyhGQoxt493M2xt6QiKE_BRl1vsmnIR2U4GsEpEQgPiNle_ZCbt5CcnLCoaseTvya3cMdCZ5YfNgliZS5RCzqveMQayF3kphSLc3-SSivDybq6r2ckAuehQlk9GCw2S0wg/s1600-h/DSCN1631.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SaLyjyhGQoxt493M2xt6QiKE_BRl1vsmnIR2U4GsEpEQgPiNle_ZCbt5CcnLCoaseTvya3cMdCZ5YfNgliZS5RCzqveMQayF3kphSLc3-SSivDybq6r2ckAuehQlk9GCw2S0wg/s320/DSCN1631.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pine wood chips<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLJPPubsVg5XWN81cXRwx3hrsHXPY6MiNmrhXiB4c-t9OMtaZsNbHqkh1F_FnbJlMtXIVpzChTFfabgxwcC2ZeTg38aW9fV1id42o-o_A9SWFJ4uefikoc7MgZ5CrTRPz2v1JLg/s1600-h/DSCN1634.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLJPPubsVg5XWN81cXRwx3hrsHXPY6MiNmrhXiB4c-t9OMtaZsNbHqkh1F_FnbJlMtXIVpzChTFfabgxwcC2ZeTg38aW9fV1id42o-o_A9SWFJ4uefikoc7MgZ5CrTRPz2v1JLg/s320/DSCN1634.jpg" border="0" /></a> Looking east along the front of the house. Cedar posts, pine woodchips, natural rocks from the property all extending the natural feel of the project.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GUlCij6eLmA3KHIylg5WPVMS6SW2L4TNdPcCosfmfj7_F0Hd7nvp6kuH-ZyGwakZcuEk_lC4L3DZRZCxFrzjrxPIanQQf0_y05iFeTo5lS-xUKRv832MDxs8zAnOSxsXzojDNg/s1600-h/DSCN1635.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GUlCij6eLmA3KHIylg5WPVMS6SW2L4TNdPcCosfmfj7_F0Hd7nvp6kuH-ZyGwakZcuEk_lC4L3DZRZCxFrzjrxPIanQQf0_y05iFeTo5lS-xUKRv832MDxs8zAnOSxsXzojDNg/s320/DSCN1635.jpg" border="0" /></a> Front entrance.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-25768133751591725992007-08-22T18:59:00.000-07:002007-08-22T19:03:29.580-07:00More landscaping...This is the garage end. Slowly building up the grade and finishing off with pine chips. I would have preferred cedar, but could not source any.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgeIofW3PzmvULzBV43nk0rnJ0H4J9Sag1b2aAt__HpCH2tu4BNmPVBNQpJE2hC3saqA7mE3MxrawhF3RINoWv3rshVq9P4VJr3nRZUetmHOIDPxnpp_RfXY0Mb3hX-O5Hkn5xA/s1600-h/DSCN1612.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgeIofW3PzmvULzBV43nk0rnJ0H4J9Sag1b2aAt__HpCH2tu4BNmPVBNQpJE2hC3saqA7mE3MxrawhF3RINoWv3rshVq9P4VJr3nRZUetmHOIDPxnpp_RfXY0Mb3hX-O5Hkn5xA/s320/DSCN1612.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nxExPft0phxYXEBAsfwoZlkS08ZYQX4xIwekUrAAiF-yTVOuQiPc5ppKw6THCCFUfHZrtKwQlEXR0VxIqBTff8PBKXgcGQ7nLUXPj0U-5Eh8r7URy8mYdImLDrWuf80jP2607A/s1600-h/DSCN1615.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nxExPft0phxYXEBAsfwoZlkS08ZYQX4xIwekUrAAiF-yTVOuQiPc5ppKw6THCCFUfHZrtKwQlEXR0VxIqBTff8PBKXgcGQ7nLUXPj0U-5Eh8r7URy8mYdImLDrWuf80jP2607A/s320/DSCN1615.jpg" border="0" /></a> Flower bed beside the main entrance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPgmz14PtZnTLWts6r5wxJslLC5DWbV7XRuK9kguMid753cANArOMCkccY6e9p0sU6zbeA7pGDzNNo_QfBCW8NABsGvC3hytYqvob5mlnVKE6BFB-id1g_UAAvkUg4AZRsKQkfA/s1600-h/DSCN1617.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPgmz14PtZnTLWts6r5wxJslLC5DWbV7XRuK9kguMid753cANArOMCkccY6e9p0sU6zbeA7pGDzNNo_QfBCW8NABsGvC3hytYqvob5mlnVKE6BFB-id1g_UAAvkUg4AZRsKQkfA/s320/DSCN1617.jpg" border="0" /></a> Main entrance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaAD6prVxkOkAaD1LMvtPMLH7WJH-0OX3c3NRqZT3JgzhYZI-7K-zW7nRXUDn29RMr4eHsS4rXVMH5h9K1t_g37aFG8of8IAPa1ZAFbVdISD83dOHlepgtgt6sAMVe9PsImN5JA/s1600-h/DSCN1610.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaAD6prVxkOkAaD1LMvtPMLH7WJH-0OX3c3NRqZT3JgzhYZI-7K-zW7nRXUDn29RMr4eHsS4rXVMH5h9K1t_g37aFG8of8IAPa1ZAFbVdISD83dOHlepgtgt6sAMVe9PsImN5JA/s320/DSCN1610.jpg" border="0" /></a> Moving the big rock! Thank goodness for great neighbours with the right equipment for the job!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-43244503668036326062007-08-22T18:51:00.000-07:002007-08-22T18:54:22.301-07:00The Evolution of Landscaping..Landscaping is taking shape. Using rocks off the property and the cedar posts.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9CQzmw4BMykr2nQeqj3NcGhKh-FWCFIBu2ouAinOPwAk_hSWDVbceYjovgDS5QlAxluoqeVXb1B_KFn8coxZcslBpwhv9bZ5UNNfxTp-YZODYC1GOPdqDEfdhiqeoeXtmss-qw/s1600-h/DSCN1618.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9CQzmw4BMykr2nQeqj3NcGhKh-FWCFIBu2ouAinOPwAk_hSWDVbceYjovgDS5QlAxluoqeVXb1B_KFn8coxZcslBpwhv9bZ5UNNfxTp-YZODYC1GOPdqDEfdhiqeoeXtmss-qw/s320/DSCN1618.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />There is plenty of good topsoil from when the site was cleared.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-76I6XDEN4L3lT3URaxVUHpxDqBNzFF-mMwetROZhwTONN7d4diGz-jACVR6DCys2ZEcItCQ_MRZrY1zubAvA2XGqd39Ku8jhcRmrGeE_KEr5PvG1v5hqM6zEo2PhR-85tuMPmg/s1600-h/DSCN1623.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-76I6XDEN4L3lT3URaxVUHpxDqBNzFF-mMwetROZhwTONN7d4diGz-jACVR6DCys2ZEcItCQ_MRZrY1zubAvA2XGqd39Ku8jhcRmrGeE_KEr5PvG1v5hqM6zEo2PhR-85tuMPmg/s320/DSCN1623.jpg" border="0" /></a> Incorporating old tree roots for texture and height.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj0hwTDNULY2D6DvXhFQSHNoedaGcgHcEIIuxrjMOYrMSf_ozSEBKXFyrk8Ib0fzhU2yxk6Z95jDGjH-Z0TuDj0_4QFhfwLqvtyqNSriQd5Bu1HDcw7MWUfQ91GCzipkAXUM7ZQ/s1600-h/DSCN1628.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj0hwTDNULY2D6DvXhFQSHNoedaGcgHcEIIuxrjMOYrMSf_ozSEBKXFyrk8Ib0fzhU2yxk6Z95jDGjH-Z0TuDj0_4QFhfwLqvtyqNSriQd5Bu1HDcw7MWUfQ91GCzipkAXUM7ZQ/s320/DSCN1628.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pine chips (also called nuggets apparently) were very hard to source but I finally found some.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdOIWxZncz-emRUwtEdo-CI_rEee2vIf7dTEGmr1cE4J0EPp8KIq5BFlQkh5EF8fD9kMIaQr__fE3URAwBv9YtquaDIG8Av_QFOkbaJsZqdjAGJqrMXb9MeeIsGPKAXkfGXN8HQ/s1600-h/DSCN1627.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdOIWxZncz-emRUwtEdo-CI_rEee2vIf7dTEGmr1cE4J0EPp8KIq5BFlQkh5EF8fD9kMIaQr__fE3URAwBv9YtquaDIG8Av_QFOkbaJsZqdjAGJqrMXb9MeeIsGPKAXkfGXN8HQ/s320/DSCN1627.jpg" border="0" /></a> Most of these plants are annual and will be lifted in the fall, when I will plant perennials.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-36185056935500229052007-07-30T09:01:00.000-07:002007-07-30T09:04:33.702-07:00Landscaping begins....Finally, just starting to landscape the front. I am using 16" cedar posts, angled on the top for drainage. This will mark my planting beds.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvItK17-pOU-h2ZCGcZlVhXDClBwvJIzbPL0HuUiKjdARKqW9n2PMeG8xu_ovsF1C4EIrhUsmRupQYvSR7d3iiRJO8hhnHBD0XeJcsOJBwmsiaV9k3lMA_h1vKflcRBhoYYsbQw/s1600-h/DSCN1564.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvItK17-pOU-h2ZCGcZlVhXDClBwvJIzbPL0HuUiKjdARKqW9n2PMeG8xu_ovsF1C4EIrhUsmRupQYvSR7d3iiRJO8hhnHBD0XeJcsOJBwmsiaV9k3lMA_h1vKflcRBhoYYsbQw/s320/DSCN1564.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrQTLjOpfcoFXtA9Jknv23RvX4oDrdTQ9SBsd9bIpJpsXLeTdaoFcqdwZ9g9VCVN0CQiTvBoSpHgIsO5geobPQZjyVBcFqzZgTD63n6Yca6GHNR2Iflew9diYYOpg4Ki_2lrajw/s1600-h/DSCN1563.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrQTLjOpfcoFXtA9Jknv23RvX4oDrdTQ9SBsd9bIpJpsXLeTdaoFcqdwZ9g9VCVN0CQiTvBoSpHgIsO5geobPQZjyVBcFqzZgTD63n6Yca6GHNR2Iflew9diYYOpg4Ki_2lrajw/s320/DSCN1563.jpg" border="0" /></a> Plenty of grading and leveling to do!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxH7tJPDlsJIfV5ZkbQyT-mcSBxAVr31f-Hyi1YK62Gjf_Q3RgUX-JlpL48sNd_DApnD34SqHZUwNB2CZAnQOpUfJZ4mEpRjaFrs1tDI6rTOhWU3-_ZyNiMqMbom93OHwOt_LhA/s1600-h/DSCN1560.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxH7tJPDlsJIfV5ZkbQyT-mcSBxAVr31f-Hyi1YK62Gjf_Q3RgUX-JlpL48sNd_DApnD34SqHZUwNB2CZAnQOpUfJZ4mEpRjaFrs1tDI6rTOhWU3-_ZyNiMqMbom93OHwOt_LhA/s320/DSCN1560.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Eaves trough are in, so full steam ahead to work on the outside. It is so hot during the day (and the front is full southern exposure), that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvDOqRIJ-p-FFEBLQUY3e3eNfYQyH4_iQTCXXyqxjAdzDO9zjWpU8jsja9dpudgNCBHnMG20_PeeICHSxUjs8hyphenhyphenfJWPOFl57vVz0yXAWQO-3vYLF0DAzxfNyL1P1qeOi7VqZ-eA/s1600-h/DSCN1555.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvDOqRIJ-p-FFEBLQUY3e3eNfYQyH4_iQTCXXyqxjAdzDO9zjWpU8jsja9dpudgNCBHnMG20_PeeICHSxUjs8hyphenhyphenfJWPOFl57vVz0yXAWQO-3vYLF0DAzxfNyL1P1qeOi7VqZ-eA/s320/DSCN1555.jpg" border="0" /></a>the only time to work is early in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-38594397623884143402007-07-24T19:26:00.000-07:002007-11-05T14:59:08.505-08:00AcknowledgementsI would like to recognize and acknowledge some of my suppliers and people who contributed to this project.<br /><br />Firstly, the crew at Orillia Home Depot............ I cannot Thank You all enough, you were always there to help out wherever possible, working with Pat from Havencraft and myself, delivering on time, and doing whatever it took to get the job done.<br />Bruce, Dan, Jo, all the folks in Shipping, plumbing, electrical and everyone else who came to share a happy smile and Hello with the 'Straw House Lady'! You are all a credit to your industry.<br /><br />Jim Drury who perservered with me thru the trials and tribulations of getting the permit, and keeping my bales safe until I needed them.<br /><br />Eric from Aquasafe Water - my lifetime plumber that is for sure! Visit him at http://www.aquasafe-water.com/<br /><br />The crew from Camels Back Construction for the plaster; My Designer, Dale Brownson, who put up with many plan revisions and had lots of patience with me!<br /><br />The Engineers: Blackwell Bowick and Slavish Steenhoff<br /><br />Enzo at Anig Windows. Joe Consilla HVAC, who installed the HRV system. Dave Vinson Well Drilling. Direct Buy of Barrie. Steel Tile. Kent Trusses. Kemiko.<br /><br />And last but not least, wonderful neighbours, and friends who have supported me through the whole process............ where would I be without you all?<br /><br />finally............... Pat Marcotte and his crew from Havencraft Natural Homes who have left their legacy here for those who will come after. May our paths bring us together again in the future!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-15996179403658828872007-07-17T11:46:00.000-07:002007-07-28T19:10:51.331-07:00Hallway in the evening<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCj3ZnwJk1nt1Tr43aOpgWdhyphenhyphenfRL5VSEK7C4fciGWPU58mVXz_cZEfCoO8AQ1EKyWHplPGAlAhlh1vFlADfJxTgQ0ZJBPFk6b5srKPr6d_yPnmDyhiuUu2S2el2TSxA48Ujppng/s1600-h/DSCN1421.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCj3ZnwJk1nt1Tr43aOpgWdhyphenhyphenfRL5VSEK7C4fciGWPU58mVXz_cZEfCoO8AQ1EKyWHplPGAlAhlh1vFlADfJxTgQ0ZJBPFk6b5srKPr6d_yPnmDyhiuUu2S2el2TSxA48Ujppng/s320/DSCN1421.jpg" border="0" /></a> Different lighting shots for the hallway in the evening.<br /><br />I chose to use sconce lights, on a dimmer, which allows for various 'mood' and ambiance.<br /><br />The stained concrete floors show well in the evening too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYFfqcAnlgI8n8okrYCahLWQh8hMaPetAuMRUg8v8d19icPG41UtQrjKnAv-KCWHyk0AsyAfkOAIsbQ1ex5TAUAjM4OyVhTyyo-1gEW6QY07nqTHxC96LiDhNGZ1WGqqs5IDpAw/s1600-h/DSCN1422.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYFfqcAnlgI8n8okrYCahLWQh8hMaPetAuMRUg8v8d19icPG41UtQrjKnAv-KCWHyk0AsyAfkOAIsbQ1ex5TAUAjM4OyVhTyyo-1gEW6QY07nqTHxC96LiDhNGZ1WGqqs5IDpAw/s320/DSCN1422.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is one of the really unique spots in the house.<br /><br />The posts were taken from the property and are poplar. Coated with a couple of applications of Tung Oil, to keep them as natural looking as possible.<br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-89664490239609066322007-07-14T07:25:00.000-07:002007-07-24T19:47:15.994-07:00Exterior<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RjpgSclpdCKauPu-I_n3BvTqAY5Q6INSOE50Kv9sPZJxKVp41aisukjAJYZ9T_Q8Tm6rxKTHJ5F8jlh5xQacVpxvhyphenhyphenwC4JEzXkWB22V7OrfJLeD3ykcdhQP1SQRFfkqOBnx_GA/s1600-h/DSCN1371.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RjpgSclpdCKauPu-I_n3BvTqAY5Q6INSOE50Kv9sPZJxKVp41aisukjAJYZ9T_Q8Tm6rxKTHJ5F8jlh5xQacVpxvhyphenhyphenwC4JEzXkWB22V7OrfJLeD3ykcdhQP1SQRFfkqOBnx_GA/s320/DSCN1371.jpg" border="0" /></a> Exterior of the house - no landscaping done yet - awaiting eaves trough and some more excavation to clean up before I can start laying out any flower beds.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpS5S9lht06_09d5yYZNs2A3MQpucNiGusK78_7JSPGgKAaquFb6AiFiNpCg9S1SiO9IeDZQFjL_VE6fZra5cgB6HikhRyD-6MTQNL6av-vtjomb5GvJIAFJ-Oi31dJQaaWLDjg/s1600-h/DSCN1375.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpS5S9lht06_09d5yYZNs2A3MQpucNiGusK78_7JSPGgKAaquFb6AiFiNpCg9S1SiO9IeDZQFjL_VE6fZra5cgB6HikhRyD-6MTQNL6av-vtjomb5GvJIAFJ-Oi31dJQaaWLDjg/s320/DSCN1375.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next step for the exterior is to treat the surface cracking (quite normal I am told) with lime wash and then Eco House Silica Dispersion Paint, which will in effect 'gortex' the whole house.<br /><br />This will be done in the early fall, I extimate.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhGl90tyLwCn50DxwcFc9SgcWvESf33FRNGCt8_KWId73tsMEDRl2pqBw4vxE2ZjvF0bZEIKVOZoCjDvTXTSc8kV2Dt6NS6Woa4TrbsnH_ZMKT0_bL9gfKPAzds7Lokb9CGb7YA/s1600-h/DSCN1376.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhGl90tyLwCn50DxwcFc9SgcWvESf33FRNGCt8_KWId73tsMEDRl2pqBw4vxE2ZjvF0bZEIKVOZoCjDvTXTSc8kV2Dt6NS6Woa4TrbsnH_ZMKT0_bL9gfKPAzds7Lokb9CGb7YA/s320/DSCN1376.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWKjAb65UlNItGd9uas_iQyHONo-ZnLDsPjMabS3rDH63nzhN0SS5RqA-6MIrfhI3RrS897Lpg2IqQYb7lDdDqt0teO2iT86jgXOv8HBL4bwQ5401dgJURex9ID9EADegIDjmvQ/s1600-h/DSCN1372.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWKjAb65UlNItGd9uas_iQyHONo-ZnLDsPjMabS3rDH63nzhN0SS5RqA-6MIrfhI3RrS897Lpg2IqQYb7lDdDqt0teO2iT86jgXOv8HBL4bwQ5401dgJURex9ID9EADegIDjmvQ/s320/DSCN1372.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-60841020751869793932007-07-14T07:22:00.000-07:002007-07-28T19:06:29.571-07:00Hallway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18PqG9SNnoyINv63Zh769AjsPKzBOPGjZ5qk_esB4Lc5uN3PgiqZNxTXDqtNjcEBas_GBHnKfwU13EniILz-b-VvRxuUId5MOWxb9Z0XgGzAImv2PZUQLUEeC33YBiG_aQ1VUDA/s1600-h/DSCN1414.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18PqG9SNnoyINv63Zh769AjsPKzBOPGjZ5qk_esB4Lc5uN3PgiqZNxTXDqtNjcEBas_GBHnKfwU13EniILz-b-VvRxuUId5MOWxb9Z0XgGzAImv2PZUQLUEeC33YBiG_aQ1VUDA/s320/DSCN1414.jpg" border="0" /></a> The finished product!<br />The barrel vaulted ceiling was constructed using a combination of wood slats, newspaper and diamond lathe. Then, plaster was applied by hand, giving it a comparable 'rough' look to that of the exterior walls.<br /><br />Posts are poplar, taken from the property last year (see the September archive).<br /><br />The varied wood doors can just be seen on the left. Purchased from a Canadian supplier, they are a mixture of various woods: cherry, walnut, oak, maple and pine.<br /><br />Floors are acid stained, using Kemiko product, applied directly to the concrete. The lovely 'mottled' effect is quite spectacular. The floor was coated twice with the stain and then sealed. Very low maintenance - I have found the best way to wash it is with water and vinegar!<br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-11008532954558898512007-07-14T07:10:00.000-07:002007-07-28T19:08:57.201-07:00Windows on a cloudy day, no flashInterior shots of the windows, on a cloudy day, with no flash. Light enters in a very different way from conventional style window frames. It tends to 'flow' more gently, being easy on the eyes and soothing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCln-jth_98GjTHjbfmZUKjbfOBP0-bYBrA5pKD8UPPZ78_FKIkWqFBiqDAteFM77CAzRbAGTiafmWF7iOvq7eYLIbJ2P-tcKi91UzVL3ecqPS3BIdc3XI_WygVlvyBE2r-pX3CQ/s1600-h/DSCN1408.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCln-jth_98GjTHjbfmZUKjbfOBP0-bYBrA5pKD8UPPZ78_FKIkWqFBiqDAteFM77CAzRbAGTiafmWF7iOvq7eYLIbJ2P-tcKi91UzVL3ecqPS3BIdc3XI_WygVlvyBE2r-pX3CQ/s320/DSCN1408.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The windows are produced here in Canada, in Scarborough, by Anig Windows. They are Low E Argon Solarban 60.<br />Prarie Grill accent.<br /><br />Exterior doors are also from the same supplier and are made of steel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglJdlLZx64L79h988G6mnKCftun6b5hxYO_zhSr-uaIUUp8ZecVyJW4mYOeVFXqdSqOiVKJRyxQ2GbfHO12Vj1mGsRiZ4_jv889qXcWRseyrCxlTP_nF7F0V6DKWX5zfnVS9ERA/s1600-h/DSCN1412.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglJdlLZx64L79h988G6mnKCftun6b5hxYO_zhSr-uaIUUp8ZecVyJW4mYOeVFXqdSqOiVKJRyxQ2GbfHO12Vj1mGsRiZ4_jv889qXcWRseyrCxlTP_nF7F0V6DKWX5zfnVS9ERA/s320/DSCN1412.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bedroom window<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TsAvWCqf8v0YfXAsQ99to3P9pi3gq9JiCnuqGLrnfGOVWA7e4hB7qE6DFYlg99zwGLGMCeJPkyk7zLTNEc-ITcOUHDr4P1skHnShH6eLz12Wm7YimMczWE9cdVQ6IROv2b1skg/s1600-h/DSCN1417.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TsAvWCqf8v0YfXAsQ99to3P9pi3gq9JiCnuqGLrnfGOVWA7e4hB7qE6DFYlg99zwGLGMCeJPkyk7zLTNEc-ITcOUHDr4P1skHnShH6eLz12Wm7YimMczWE9cdVQ6IROv2b1skg/s320/DSCN1417.jpg" border="0" /></a> Living room - truth window barely visible on the right.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLkUo-JGRtLMxuzG2Idogtn9Tg-uaHEyPGcfJFshJfQBXrFwK3C82Uh-WfvsVzaYnhdT4rK1Oyn8XOoVb_3WfPomdCMOG2r_Qoiv2R2iksy8nunnumccsr4GbWXbRA6r2j6yKNg/s1600-h/DSCN1415.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLkUo-JGRtLMxuzG2Idogtn9Tg-uaHEyPGcfJFshJfQBXrFwK3C82Uh-WfvsVzaYnhdT4rK1Oyn8XOoVb_3WfPomdCMOG2r_Qoiv2R2iksy8nunnumccsr4GbWXbRA6r2j6yKNg/s320/DSCN1415.jpg" border="0" /></a> Living room overlooking the front porch.<br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-54092311113328619932007-06-26T07:03:00.000-07:002007-06-26T07:04:04.894-07:00The view from my kitchen doorThis was early one morning - the mist was heavy on the ground and I just had to take a picture. The rubble in the front of the picture will soon be transformed to nice landscaping.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrha4tiWRuPhng1yuQVmcDrl5vwFwJnlpGwuxy4J369R783DyBeW0ioKHHxDyBQAcVWNUASwi2dm3kNrk-PdWMbPEX4p4ajzTbiHTdUuJSXz45k30H7-iF1iujC1-zWSmnvKSNA/s1600-h/DSCN1359.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrha4tiWRuPhng1yuQVmcDrl5vwFwJnlpGwuxy4J369R783DyBeW0ioKHHxDyBQAcVWNUASwi2dm3kNrk-PdWMbPEX4p4ajzTbiHTdUuJSXz45k30H7-iF1iujC1-zWSmnvKSNA/s320/DSCN1359.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-79755595649939416812007-05-01T05:33:00.000-07:002007-05-01T05:34:53.717-07:00Truth windowIt is customary in a straw bale house to have a 'truth window'.<br />I chose a nautical theme, with an old porthole, with a lovely 'petina'.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHfiQsgCWugWiK8_jf0BzHPpCfxgNLphL7WbuavaQI23UiTSQJB_DErT8jMxJjxGU0pnc_Id0FVXE3wxKIJ0XzZs-VTc-58krS2zY4iviJO1iCxz84XLPzlk5PMr7nQym76oldA/s1600-h/DSCN1309.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHfiQsgCWugWiK8_jf0BzHPpCfxgNLphL7WbuavaQI23UiTSQJB_DErT8jMxJjxGU0pnc_Id0FVXE3wxKIJ0XzZs-VTc-58krS2zY4iviJO1iCxz84XLPzlk5PMr7nQym76oldA/s320/DSCN1309.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIoKzFU2OLH8_32w0iQw5aFXOHmaaYflqCnDyCxikDsZcW-o5VoShXfydyiIL4Y4eVxEfodOQ_XlpLECbCAukeqE482dIUisoMTQf88nqPQq1yqEKZqX1n_aPS-cx0H-xciCpEQ/s1600-h/DSCN1310.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIoKzFU2OLH8_32w0iQw5aFXOHmaaYflqCnDyCxikDsZcW-o5VoShXfydyiIL4Y4eVxEfodOQ_XlpLECbCAukeqE482dIUisoMTQf88nqPQq1yqEKZqX1n_aPS-cx0H-xciCpEQ/s320/DSCN1310.jpg" border="0" /></a>Inside I have placed a spirit bear.<br />Native American legends tell of magical spirits that dwell within the forms of small carved animals. The most powerful of these spirits - strength and well being, are found in the form of the bear.<br /><br />I felt it was appropriate that this spirit live in my truth window!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Tw9nxJ99ktMrN_gdmy_JzFtWNtI_V2IeuE97rAqAkwUgqF3HSm6chcNHTgoy1kThSbCx04Wfo2w4mzl9AbsTBpJ-MExTzcsOY6KGq_8zzJf7enKISQ0WTrp-3I2XUuavWGGfQ/s1600-h/DSCN1311.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Tw9nxJ99ktMrN_gdmy_JzFtWNtI_V2IeuE97rAqAkwUgqF3HSm6chcNHTgoy1kThSbCx04Wfo2w4mzl9AbsTBpJ-MExTzcsOY6KGq_8zzJf7enKISQ0WTrp-3I2XUuavWGGfQ/s320/DSCN1311.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-69243423279304673562007-04-30T09:29:00.000-07:002007-04-30T09:33:24.337-07:00Interior DoorsAll the doors are different; this one is a mixture of cherry, walnut and oak.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU17V36i_oZd1sTs4R0BU7AP-62e55EYXIiFN7IotrqG2hJ7WWYywAbLT7ak8MO9ndrPdBRhhqjCGk2NRfogPcfJKMZnHFnFVOKHDsRTktW6ZR-Zn-daRqq7PZmsfrR9-HtqzfFA/s1600-h/DSCN1316.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU17V36i_oZd1sTs4R0BU7AP-62e55EYXIiFN7IotrqG2hJ7WWYywAbLT7ak8MO9ndrPdBRhhqjCGk2NRfogPcfJKMZnHFnFVOKHDsRTktW6ZR-Zn-daRqq7PZmsfrR9-HtqzfFA/s320/DSCN1316.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VepkCuGBRTT5tpnj0EEhdCOFziUzJk2klqkrQs55PTKBkaNdPm_a3TvCbLlktVYp107HKnx8PBXP_3uhUddCEoVu7KWhFu7pL-tDnObO1ZWqXy3kKvXK4ZGmYXQQlwdKz1arkA/s1600-h/DSCN1317.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VepkCuGBRTT5tpnj0EEhdCOFziUzJk2klqkrQs55PTKBkaNdPm_a3TvCbLlktVYp107HKnx8PBXP_3uhUddCEoVu7KWhFu7pL-tDnObO1ZWqXy3kKvXK4ZGmYXQQlwdKz1arkA/s320/DSCN1317.jpg" border="0" /></a> This one is pine.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrZMG-x_XaFq6vCXs4rA4Pn07M0V-mUJMBDUIeLdY9ppb6rK8ny4qOcWWzZNCqRPOFki3G0oUXL0It7LwNcCdUy1CNd5dnO9aSQ5UDMAVxtEej7yOo5NVR8Y6PknY6vfbI8uSEw/s1600-h/DSCN1318.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrZMG-x_XaFq6vCXs4rA4Pn07M0V-mUJMBDUIeLdY9ppb6rK8ny4qOcWWzZNCqRPOFki3G0oUXL0It7LwNcCdUy1CNd5dnO9aSQ5UDMAVxtEej7yOo5NVR8Y6PknY6vfbI8uSEw/s320/DSCN1318.jpg" border="0" /></a> This one is pine also, just a different style. All doorways are 36' wide, to be wheelchair friendly, should the need ever arise.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXw_Z_T3Mlj2FWiwu3CJomo9k4ihr9Ph62O4F4-vK_9wgfXTWCkk_iBgARbJU1FZq3XtEMhrlk07ieXQsfz1gsNeh0zabGyBWYw5pachCdYOE2GI2T_UPjHt_F6wXKfiszdqteA/s1600-h/DSCN1321.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXw_Z_T3Mlj2FWiwu3CJomo9k4ihr9Ph62O4F4-vK_9wgfXTWCkk_iBgARbJU1FZq3XtEMhrlk07ieXQsfz1gsNeh0zabGyBWYw5pachCdYOE2GI2T_UPjHt_F6wXKfiszdqteA/s320/DSCN1321.jpg" border="0" /></a> Front door closet and front door.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-3582750264866213392007-04-07T14:23:00.000-07:002007-07-24T19:53:34.392-07:00KitchenThe kitchen is manufactured by Kitchencraft and made from rustic alder, which fits very well with the country look and feel of the house. Another very 'neat' addition to the drawers is the Blue Motion, which makes it impossible to slam any drawers as a mechanism prevents them from slamming shut. <br />Countertops are Acryflek. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTZDbem4KouFZY-xSKzi62BZitRpdSD9IDoFr7uK5cTXLfQIiFrpCtWcMi9gb3HBWIYt2o5MwZyYRnX_mi64-9P-Xf9gPWBXBQcPWA55CWciHitrzLlEkBLAmW0JwA7eSzyLD0g/s1600-h/DSCN1288.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTZDbem4KouFZY-xSKzi62BZitRpdSD9IDoFr7uK5cTXLfQIiFrpCtWcMi9gb3HBWIYt2o5MwZyYRnX_mi64-9P-Xf9gPWBXBQcPWA55CWciHitrzLlEkBLAmW0JwA7eSzyLD0g/s320/DSCN1288.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Appliances are from GE Faucet from Moen.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc5kya5XLG9hTKK6u7cv-Bx27YaixcuqqumeHKzAC-H6dGC75wfSg6-P8CyIobRCtychPC25wjlaN2Jj9St4XsIws-yxDjDztrNrOJdh5uTuRTDuNCbdWWo8zPOzeH9vHO8OYUA/s1600-h/DSCN1289.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc5kya5XLG9hTKK6u7cv-Bx27YaixcuqqumeHKzAC-H6dGC75wfSg6-P8CyIobRCtychPC25wjlaN2Jj9St4XsIws-yxDjDztrNrOJdh5uTuRTDuNCbdWWo8zPOzeH9vHO8OYUA/s320/DSCN1289.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-4863371564274806462007-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:002007-04-07T14:16:59.252-07:00Kitchen floorsCabinets are in, counter tops on and plumbing working!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIwK6DQqF4y4l7Hi0gjPUA0hpuWv4LYphGZt4mAfkFNUk7EIv6EVldiiHPaxG7aPvh0yJ9zO3DQGYLqvK2NnZ_UvDXa-1ZMCXo0_mSv3zWYnlfGh0jMx170maDI2vZ2tS2VPn9w/s1600-h/DSCN1294.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIwK6DQqF4y4l7Hi0gjPUA0hpuWv4LYphGZt4mAfkFNUk7EIv6EVldiiHPaxG7aPvh0yJ9zO3DQGYLqvK2NnZ_UvDXa-1ZMCXo0_mSv3zWYnlfGh0jMx170maDI2vZ2tS2VPn9w/s320/DSCN1294.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVSBWO8wcKrlATMxTFAXolboVnUQvuVmgJyuo0uogb3tU9Mu9FUMp0Eb7ZlPfpNITi1HV0Ob36WB7oXMwpFlUUrclYn-8WidFxGohqssqZ8CaAPoBQ-Tyq_khxynDH-19LdiDZA/s1600-h/DSCN1295.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVSBWO8wcKrlATMxTFAXolboVnUQvuVmgJyuo0uogb3tU9Mu9FUMp0Eb7ZlPfpNITi1HV0Ob36WB7oXMwpFlUUrclYn-8WidFxGohqssqZ8CaAPoBQ-Tyq_khxynDH-19LdiDZA/s320/DSCN1295.jpg" border="0" /></a> Floors were stained with Kemiko Acid etching application, Malay Tan colour. As I wanted a 'tiled' look, we taped off the floor to give that appearance.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-1174085631246702752007-03-16T16:51:00.000-07:002007-03-16T16:53:51.253-07:00Floors stained and sealed<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/640/428994/DSCN1239.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/320/2344/DSCN1239.jpg" border="0" /></a> Floor stain turned out really well - great depth of colour and mottled effect.<br />Stain used was Kemiko and the colour is Malay Tan.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/640/327026/DSCN1240.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/320/711587/DSCN1240.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kitchen - 'tile' pattern effect looks really nice!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/640/685857/DSCN1241.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/320/116743/DSCN1241.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hallway looking towards garage. <a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33797606.post-1173529831012199022007-03-10T04:25:00.000-08:002007-03-10T04:30:31.026-08:00***INSULATION ALERT***<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/640/278943/Bales%20004.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2555/3715/320/639387/Bales%20004.jpg" border="0" /></a> How is this for a testimonial:<br />On Thursday morning, March 1st, the crew accidentally disconnected the thermostat for the heating system while preping the drywall. The temperature in the house at that time was 15 degrees C.<br />This meant there was NO heat in the house for 5 days, until Tuesday morning when they returned to work. <br />The first weekend in March saw some of the coldest temps yet this year.<br />By Tuesday morning, the temperature had dropped to................................. 12 degrees C. Only 3 degrees drop in 5 days!! How's that for insulation factor!<br />For most houses, this would have been a devastating mistake, as plumbing would have been seriously comprimised. Not with a straw bale house tho! <a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0