We're looking for a pine tree!

You know, when a skyscraper is almost at its top floor, the construction crew starts looking for a pine tree to attach to the highest point. Ever wonder where that tradition came from...

History of the "Topping Out" Ceremony

The beam and the tree represent one of the construction industry’s oldest customs – the "topping out" of a completed project.

Scandinavian mythology suggests that humans originated from trees and our souls returned to the trees after death, giving each tree a spirit of its own.

Humans began constructing their shelter with wood. Before cutting a tree, they would formally address the forest, reminding it of the consideration they had always shown toward the trees and asking the forest to grant use of a tree for construction of their home. When the house was complete, the topmost leafy branch of the tree used would be set atop the roof so that the tree spirit would not be rendered homeless. The gesture was supposed to convince the tree spirit of the sincere appreciation of those building the home.

As time passed, the early conception of tree worship gradually changed. The individual tree spirits merged into a single forest god who could pass freely from tree to tree. Trees were no longer placed atop the home to appease spirits, but rather to enlist the blessings of the forest god. The tree branches on top of the home ensured fertility of the land and the home.

Today the custom is continued, across the world, most frequently on completed structures such as bridges and skyscrapers but will be placed on top of 'Maple Lodge'...why not?

We're almost at the top. Tim is gluing and nailing down the second floor decking in the photo to the right. The open area to the lower right is looking down into the living room. The view from the living room when seated on the sofa when looking upward will reveal the ceiling some 20-30' up.
 












The photo to the left is looking from Tim's vantage point toward the mountain view. Again, the open area looks into the living room.

Finally, the photo below is the view from the loft floor (second floor office/library area) looking toward the mountains. Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain are out there to the right. You can easily see one of the slopes with snow already for opening day.

Well, I can easily see it but the photo doesn't depict it best. You'll see it when you visit.

The next step is to take delivery of the second floor SIPs system which is scheduled for delivery Wednesday morning. We're coordinating that delivery and the roof system delivery at the same time so the roof system driver can use his boom truck to lift the SIPs onto the second floor level.


Once these SIPs are in place (Wednesday) the roof system will be built and made ready for the roofers. Part of our roof will be asphalt shingles and another part will be tin roofing to give it an old original mountain look when completed.

Gotta go, it's still light out and I haven't found the pine tree that will adorn the top ridge of the cabin.

More coming,
z
 

First level...one more to go...

First floor framed in 5 hours

Just like clockwork, the Eco-Panels truck showed up at 8:30am this morning. The temperature was 19 degrees....brrrrrr! Everybody was excited about the delivery because it meant our first floor was going to be installed IN ONE DAY!

Sure enough, by 2:30pm the first floor walls were up. The amazing part besides the speed in getting the walls up is that they are insulated, pre-wired, have the outside finished skin on (board & batton) and are framed. Four steps in one step.

As the day went on, the temps went up (a bit) the sky was beautiful and all went well.

The install went without a major hitch. The learning curve for SIPs was rather short and we were rocking and rolling in no time. The view to the right is from the hill above the cabin.

On the photo to the left from left to right, the openings are: guest bedroom window, front door, bathroom window, kitchen window, door to deck from kitchen...

The photo to the right is the view from the kitchen and dining room. One of the main criteria for buying this property was 'the view'. It's all we expected and more!

The guys are working tomorrow to install the second floor truss system. The decking for the second floor will be installed Monday. The second floor SIPs are scheduled for Wednesday of next week then we go to the roof system.

More coming,
z

Big day but not that big!

It was a big day today. The workshop got it's new roof completed. All of the metal roofing is in place and probably will be tested this evening as we're expecting a light rain.

I headed to the lumber yard to get the material necessary to make the door for the workshop. On the way I stopped at Parker Tie, a local lumber, hardware, everything place, and talked to Mike about what was needed to install my wood stove in the workshop. He was very knowledgeable and offered up some good solutions to the install. I'll make the door over the next few days. Once it's installed, I can start to bring in some of my stored woodworking tools. This is just another step closer to finishing our dream cabin.

Once the workshop roof was finished, the guys headed straight for the cabin to build the structural walls necessary to carry the remaining floor trusses and ultimately the SIPs. Tim and James have been great. They move quickly and accurately through each phase of the build. Needless to say, this has been a relief to me to have found the right help.

What you're seeing is the start of two walls necessary to carry the load of the trusses that will rest above (not shown). This wall is one wall of the stair system that leads from the garage up to the first level. Notice the floor...it's been treated with a sealer that makes it almost shine. The concrete guys did a great job. The opening to the left of the photo is the garage door opening.


We are on schedule for accepting delivery of the wall units (SIPs) for the first level on Friday. I picked up and delivered a trailer load of 4' x 8' sheets of subfloor material that will be installed tomorrow (Thursday). I spoke with Eco-Panels rep Craig today and delivery of the first floor SIPs will be day after tomorrow as planned.

The weatherman (http://asheweather.com/Forecast/West+Jefferson) is calling for much colder temps for a few days then back to 'nice'. We should be good with the delivery and the install of the first floor SIPs, which will take place on Friday and Saturday. The loft level will be delivered mid-week, next week.

The 'big boss' from Raleigh is coming to inspect and make sure we are on track. I hope everything meets with her approval or otherwise I'll be living in the workshop long term ;^(.

I have been missing the 'boss' strange as that may sound. After 41 years of guidance, I have to admit that I miss being 'handled'. Don't get me wrong, I love the area we've chosen to spend the rest of our lives in, I love the people and everything about Ashe County appeals to me BUT I really miss all my handler and all my 'buds'. I know I'll meet new buds here but until I do, I'm a bit lonely.

Now that I got that off my chest...Thanksgiving is coming. It's my favorite holiday even better than Christmas. Our family will come together and JUST enjoys each other...NO GIFTS, just LOVE! I can't wait, I really can't wait.

More coming,
z

Heavy metal and slab work

The moon and stars must be aligned because we were able to pour our slab and a bunch of deck piers today without cold or rain. There are only 4 piers remaining to pour and that'll be a piece of cake.

The slab, now in place, allows us to build two structural walls that help support the main floor and above. We'll frame those Thursday. The SIPs are due in Friday but may be delayed a few days to make sure we are absolutely ready and have good weather for a few days.

We're concentrating on the workshop (sheep shed) while the slab cures. The workshop is critical to most of the interior work on the cabin because I'll have a place to build cabinets, make custom elements, etc. for the cabin. The photo to the left shows Tim installing the metal roofing on the workshop. We should have the roof finished by tomorrow and then I'll build the door and start bringing in tools. Needless to say, "I'm pumped".

Each piece of 3' x 12' metal is hoisted by rope up the side wall and onto the roof decking to then be screwed down. Once up the wall, I run for cover because if the panel breaks loose then I loose my head or other major part.

I forgot to mention that I have an old 'Atlanta' wood stove that will adorn one corner of the workshop. Once it's in place, I'll be sure to post a photo with it in operation. I expect it to be fully functional by next month (brrrrrrrrr!)

Dar and I have gone back and forth about a formal name for our estate. Early this morning we finally agreed on a proper name. It was essential that we do it this morning because the name was forever etched into the concrete slab as you enter the garage. I made a maple leaf template that was pressed into the concrete then added the name "Maple Lodge" est. 2011 using a fine instrument (a 16d nail...so much for romance).

One more note: Dar, her sister Marlene and husband Don will be visiting this Thursday for a few days. I guess I better get things in order. I've already alerted the guys that the 'big boss' and her assistants are going to be in town this week!

More coming,
z

Things are still hoppin'

Let's start with the important stuff. The garage slab was inspected and passed today. The concrete truck will be here bright and early tomorrow to fill the basement/garage with concrete. Looks like we have missed the really cold weather for this pour. It was important that we get all the concrete in the ground before it gets really cold...thank you Lord!

What you're looking at is the wire mesh over the plastic vapor barrier over the gravel. This part of the build will get us in good shape to accept delivery of the SIPS Friday. Once the slab is set (Wednesday) we'll easily make the deadline to install two walls in the garage that are structural and will carry some of the first floor load.

 The white chalk in the photo to the left marks our deck and walkway piers (13 in all). Those were dug late today and will be inspected tomorrow. It's interesting and I know important to have all of the inspections we have to go through. There are so many agencies that are trying to keep us safe that it would boggle your mind. Thank goodness all these folks are trying to keep us safe because we might do something that would hurt ourselves...nuff said!

The photo to the right is what I'll describe as 'command central'. It's my workshop. The place where all of the interior elements will be created, assembled and readied for installation in the 'big house'.

Tomorrow morning I'm heading to Sparta to pick up the metal roofing that will adorn the workshop. Ultimately, it will look like an original NC barn when it's finished. Our plan is to complete it before Friday after which all of our attention will go into drying in the cabin. The workshop will serve as a sanctuary for the many times that I might be in trouble over the years to come. It will be a space that can be converted into living quarters in the event that I'm ever expelled from the big house.

One last note: today the UPS man came up the mountain and down our street looking for 210 Maple Tree Lane...THAT'S US!!!! I waved him down, thinking that he might have something for me...he stopped and he did. This might not be a big deal to you but I got a new pair of sheepskin moccasins (slippers for you city folks). My old pair bit the dust recently and I've been without this luxury until tonight. Cold beer and moccasins...

Life is GOOD!

More coming,
z

p.s. I did get our first piece of mail, delivered to our new mailbox (210 Maple Tree Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694). It was from my sweetheart. It was a card with some really nice stuff written inside. I plan on putting it into a frame and hanging it in the cabin to commemorate "our first official piece of mail".

A day off

I was able to go to a benefit held for a gentleman in the area who needed open heart surgery. The community came together to hold a BBQ supper at the local elementary school last night. Doc Watson played a set after supper. This was the first time I have had an opportunity to hear him in person. I remember, some 25 years ago, my studio did some photographs of him.

Here's the link to a video of one of the songs he played. Doc is 88 and remarkable to say the least.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKEBtV6yNT4 

Sorry for the quality...

Didn't do much today (Sunday) as it's a 'day of rest'. I did manage to haul the 'office' up the hill to it's new home (everybody was complaining about the long walk to the 'office'. Now that was a sight!

More coming,
z

Sheep Shed (aka Kent's workshop)

After a day of rain, the skies turned a beautiful Carolina blue and we started on the sheep shed. The design is taken from old barns that were used to house sheep and farm equipment. This sheep shed will actually be used as a workshop. The sheep shed is up the drive to the left.

The first project will be to build our cabin's front door. The door will be 42" wide which is somewhat wider than standard front doors (36"). We wanted a larger entry door for the look and feel as well as the functionality.

The next project will probably be the kitchen cabinets. I'm excited to build these because they will be custom built with several interesting elements. We plan on i including a dumb waiter from the garage level to the first floor level through the island. The knobs on the cabinets will be made from river stones. The countertops will be from 2" thick milled black walnut harvested from NC.

This view is through the window in the workshop. I'll be able to keep an eye on the mountains as well as have cross ventilation. I'll have more photos as the space develops. We did discover a great place for our future root cellar...under the workshop in the corner where 2 of the walls will be block with earthen back fill...perfect for keeping vegetables fresh.

This is KD our construction, attack, guard, rescue dog that's by my side every day. She's taking a break!!!

More coming,
z