The building has gone up as a free standing structure (see all pictures up to 11th January 21). We are adding customised connectors to prevent any movement out of alignment. The custom metalworker has so far produced the following connectors: which look better in their finished form and in position customised fastenings made out of … Continue reading
Post and beam construction – frame for dormer window in thatch – 12 Jan 21
The thatchers take a break from preparing their huskwa (huswa) (thatching grass) and add the first dormer window frame work onto the third floor roof. hammer catch now back to the dormer … 13 Jan 21 – rain stopped play
Post and beam construction – overhanging gable end – 11 Jan 21
What seemed like one of our challenges when the ridge pole went up has now been completed for one side of one end. Mbariro still to be cut off on the right hand side once the thatching is on. We did use a specially engineered bracket for the outermost rafter
Rip sawing crating
Following on in the process from the logging and plank cutting (still ongoing) is the rip sawing of the off-cuts into smaller pieces know as crating approx 20mm x 76mm. Grade A – two good sides, more or less no bark. Grade B = one goodish side only. The oil drum is part of the … Continue reading
Post and beam construction – adding finishing pole to ends of rafters – 6 Jan 21 – as thatchers start preparing
contains product placement Thatchers preparing mats of thatching grass to lay over mbariro
Pulling a dead unborn calf
Protracted labour. This was the set up for the vet to explain everything to everyone. Ropes attached in three places to the unborn. Procedure completed with cow lying down. Mum survived.