Having the rafters in place gives a clearer idea of the expanse of rainwater collection area to fill the 70,000L of underground water storage.
Rafters were lifted into place by hand rather than with a crane truck, resulting in both financial and environmental savings and a great team-building exercise.





Masonite bracing was used in preference to plywood as it is thinner and is composed of sawmill waste material. Most bracing plys used in Australia are 4mm, made from Asian rainforest timbers. Australian-timber bracing ply is much thicker (starting at 7mm).

Bracing up and roof framing going on

The great purchase of recycled laminated hardwood beams continues to supply materials. Lengths have been lifted into place on the front roof for rafters. Due to their random, rustic nature, the soffits and eaves will be lined to give a cleaner finish, in keeping with the design (and to simplify long-term maintenance).
























Masonite bracing gives more of a sense of the volumes of the spaces and with the s00n-to-be-installed roof, will give a better impression of the overall form.

Bluestone walls to the boundaries and front garden bed are now complete.

The tall gallery space, which will act as the lungs of the building, is taking shape.





























Now that all the floor framing is in, the remaining recycled, laminated hardwood is being used as lintels to the wide door and window openings.

Timber framing is almost complete and the hardwood support post to the River Terrace balcony (to right in first photo) is in place - one of the many timbers from the original house.

Roofing should be on by Easter, giving the building team welcome shade and giving the building more definite form.