Big change of plan

20-23 October 2015

So, do you remember that south face that we planned to build in cob so as to create a wall with thermal mass behind a conservatory-style glass lean-to.  It would heat up in the winter sun and with vents top and bottom would circulate warmed air throughout the house.

We changed that plan.  Dave suggested we bale the south wall.  If we needed thermal mass we could install black painted radiators, or a dark stone floor, and we already have the stone stem wall there.  If we change to bales we can do the wall now, while we wait for Rowan to be free to make the window frames, and we would be all walled in before the worst of the winter. 

It was too tempting to resist.  We changed the plan.  The wall will be baled.  We think there are enough bales are left over from the west wall, and it will be wonderful to get them out of the living room anyway.

 So while I finished the second coat of plaster on the cathedral wall, Dave started constructing ladder base frames for the final, south wall - leaving the sailcloth up as long as possible as the weather is very changeable this time of year.

 The following day, Dave made mixes as I leveled and seated the frames into the wall.

 Meanwhile, we have become very excited by a tree called Moringa Oleifera, which has edible leaves like spinach and grows very fast.  However, it is proving very difficult to germinate, so the appearance of this seedling was cause for major celebration.  Watch this space ...

With the base frames dried in, it was time to clear the wall of sailcloth that has been up for two years ready to start making corner and door ladders.