Phase VI - Working on the Beams

We put the steelwork in place in the columns and ensured that it was properly tied. The necessary electrical and plumbing were installed as required. After the columns were formed and poured, we used the transit level to put bench marks on the walls around the house. We used the markers to determine the heights of the beams. We then formed beams.

We had a balluster mould made locally and used it to make our own ballusters on site. We also imported a decorative column set made of fiberglass and foam to provide the pattern for creating a column mould which we had made locally. We chose a column which tapers off at the top. These moulds can be used over and over again. We poured concrete in the moulds, let them dry and then removed the moulds. In the case of the columns, we put the mould in the designated place and poured the concrete in.

It is critical at this stage to ensure that all of the electrical boxes and switches are properly in place, so that in case concrete goes down through the block holes while we cast beams, it would not block the electrical pipes. Our next step will be to form the beams over the columns so that we can cast all the beams at once.

1. Preparing to Cast Column	2. Moulds for Ballusters	3. End product - Ballusters
4. Casting decorative columns

Phase VII – First Floor Roofing
We poured the concrete for the ring beam and then prepared to deck the second floor which would accommodate the two master suites
(which are linked by a corridor).

We commissioned a special order of rounded 6 X 6 pine whole logs to create the aesthetic appeal that we sought for the roof. Along with this we ordered 1 X 8 pine boards for to complete the roofing. This combination of pine boards and logs would form the roofs of most of the first floor and also the two master bedrooms on the second floor. This order had a significant lead time of about 10 weeks from order date to arrival on site, as the lumber was prepared to special order.

If you’re on the first floor looking up at the roof you will see round logs. Above these logs will be a flat layer of pine boards, on top of which lies a layer of plastic sheeting sandwiched by layers of tar paper. The plastic and tar sheets provide protection by separating the wood from the 6 inch slab of concrete which is to be cast on top of the wood to form the second floor. Before we cast the concrete slab we had to put in the necessary steelwork, electricals and plumbing. We’re at another milestone…we are now ready to cast the concrete slab for floor two.

1.Casting Of Beams	2. Offloading Logs	3. Pine Flat Roof
4.Tar Paper Covering Pine	5. Second Floor Preparation	6. Steel Work for Second Floor

Phase VIII – Second Floor
We poured the concrete for the second floor, lay blocks to form the walls and then cast columns for the upstairs rooms. The two master suites each with private patios, bath ensuite and outside shower are connected by an open balcony which affords optimal privacy and convenience. Also on the second floor is an uncovered deck located on top of the garage. This deck captures lovely vistas of the ocean which is dotted with several cays like Prickly Pear and Sandy Island, and a sweeping view of the northern coastline and terrain. We are now working on the interior steps that lead from the atrium to the second floor. Once the step is cast we will prepare the upstairs beams to accommodate the roof.

1. August Monday Boat Race	2. Casting Second Floor	3. West Elevation
4. Looking Down into Atrium from Balcony .	5. Atrium Columns	5. Forming Steps

Phase IX – Roofing Begins
The stairs leading from the atrium to the second floor were cast. We then formed and cast the ring beams on the second floor to tie all the walls together. A flat deck roof was built over the main patio. We then framed out the roof for the living/dining area with round pine logs and boarded the roof with 1 X 8 pine lumber. The pitch of the roof is 6 in 12. On top of the boards we laid tar paper over the entire roof to act as a moisture barrier. We then placed a layer of insulation foam over the tar paper to keep the house cooler and reduce potential echo. Our next step will be to put another layer of tar paper over the foam and then lay the required steel work before casting a 5" concrete layer on top. The two master suites will have similar roofs. Meanwhile we avidly continue our research on the internet for sources of finish products.

1. Decking the Patio Roof	2. View from Covered Patio Deck	3. Framing Roof with Round Log Beams
4. Boarding the Roof	5. View of Roof Interior	6. Installing Insulation Foam

Phase X – Continued Development
We formed and cast the roofs on the two master suites much in the same way as we built the living room roof outlined in Phase IX. We then worked on creating a decorative roof overhang and building railings for select steps and patios. The electricians are also quite busy right now with wiring. The shell of the villa is now complete...See eastern and southern elevations below.

1. Spyglass East	2. Spyglass South	3. View from Road Bay