Although these look like walls – they are in fact the foundation walls build on top of the footings i.e. they will be below the level of the final building ground floor.
Here is the idea in progress – the foundation walls now part way up.
Rondavel extension foundation walls in progress
and here, showing a temporary retaining wall in stone immediately behind the builders
Rondavel extension foundation walls in progress
Next some details of the building process when working in stone as we are here.
Farai begins his wall
Of course the stones don’t come in pre-packed sizes…so yes they have to be first burnt, then hammered and finally, artfully positioned so that they fit and the ‘look’ from the outside or inside is ‘good’
Hammering stone to size
Mr Patrick Samhembere in action
Mr Patrick Samhembere in action
Mr Patrick Samhembere in action
The hands that built Hornbydale
The hands that built Hornbydale
After a day the spare cement is scraped away
Mr Perkins Makore – builders assistant
Mr Farai Samhembere – builder
Mr Farai Samhembere – builder
Mr Mabika – builder
Mr Tendai Mushonga – builders assistant
Mr Tendai Samhembere – builder
Mr Tendai Samhembere – builder
Nearly there on the foundation wall
Finished section of foundation wall
Tendai enjoying having his picture taken!
Update:
The completed ‘slab’ on top of the foundation walls
Completed slab on top of foundation walls – looking west
Completed slab on top of foundation walls – looking east
Eastern Highlander 