The lower level complete on one side!

...which sped up as we got into a rhythm.

Making progress...

Setting the first chestnut rounds against the string line.

Todays task is to try and put in the chestnut retaining wall along the excavated bank at the back of the house.  The diggers made us a small trench last week as it would have been a nightmare to try and bang the stakes into the chalk.

As there is quite a large step at the back we are going to create a stepped bank, with a planting bed at mid height between the proposed lawn (at the low level) and raised garden above.

First job to mark out the centre of the house, as there will be steps up to the high level in line with this.

Day 103

More frames made up ready to go...

Day 102

The frames are made up of ex. 50x100 (2x4) C24 timber.  We have decided to leave the timber untreated.  As the timber will be well ventilated and sheltered the risk of decay and insect attack seems to be low (it is more prevalent the when the moisture content in the timber increases above 20%).

By definition timber treatments are generally effective by being inhospitable to life, and the treated timber seems to come with long lists of health warnings!  We also felt that the use of harmful chemicals was not appropriate for our healthy eco-build.

The first timber frames made up on the slab.

Day 101 - driveway formed & timber frame begun

The sole plate sits in the centre of the brickwork outer leaf.

The sole plate will be bedded on silicon to try and take out some of the undulations in the brickwork and also it seal penetrations through the dpc where the fixings (screws and plugs) are.

The timber frame started today with setting out the sole plate, shown here on top of the damp proof membrane.

Our new drive formed and covered with scalpings.  We can park off the road!

Day 100

The steel I beams arrived today.

Our finds!

Levels at the back now reduced, and excavations around the building backfilled.

Day 99 - Adjusting the site levels

The site has a completely different feel now - you can really get a sense of what it will be like to walk out onto the deck!

The pile of very dusty, fine topsoil begins to grow!

The backfilling around the building has begun, along with reducing the levels at the back (west) of the new dwelling.