The Farm has been a complete construction site for weeks now, things have been trodden down, destroyed, and some things, rebuilt. We’ve found ways of reusing as much as possible and removed as little as possible, pathways have been created where once was lush flora, and our house is filled with dust, debris and sand.
All of these things have made life difficult, and, as before, the overwhelming feeling of taking on more than we can chew, niggles me in my loins.
But with each passing day, another aspect of our project gets closer to being finished. We’ve come so far, and our amazing builders have worked tirelessly, and meticulously to deliver to us our vision.
Last week, the Oficina, in its structural form, was finished. The new slab and access ramp, made up of old crushed rock from the destroyed walls upstairs, and a 6″ layer of clay, hardpacked, and then concrete screeded on top. The roof has been built and tiled, the door and frame was cleaned, treated and oiled, new locks were fitted and it was varnished, a window was recycled from upstairs to offer light and ventilation, and everything was painted, inside and out.
Although I’m not sure of this buildings original use, I believe it was a stable, the split door indicates that, but whatever it was, it was pretty much good for nothing when we began. Although one of the smaller projects on the farm, it felt like a huge accomplishment getting it to where it is today. See the snaps below to see the transformation.
A workbench is being made in the next coupe of weeks, and a workstand is on order. Electricity and water will be wired/plumbed in the next couple of weeks, too. Then it’s a go.
Now I just need to find a way of making a living out of this…
Before, West Wall.
After. West Wall
Original Frontage and Door
New Frontage, with restored door, new locks, and first pass at the handpainted sign.
Before – Inside Building
After – Inside Building. Workbench and Rack to come.