Construction of the farmhouse and other structures has been slow, but deliberate. Procurement of materials is still quite challenging because of the varying movement restrictions imposed by the pandemic, and the erratic supply of steel products. As the small construction team takes a Christmas break, we were able to complete the outer shell of the farmhouse, including the roof.
The perimeter slab allows one to walk around the farmhouse unimpeded, and this is now almost completed. It's tougher to build than expected because of the sloping ground.
The perimeter slab houses five plumbing systems - water supply, septic line, kitchen waste water (separated to make declogging due to oil sludge buildup easier), bathroom waste water, and rain harvesting system. We have to hide these plumbing lines within the slab, and make sure that fluid flow will remain optimal given the sloping ground.
The sliding aluminum windows (with screen) and grills are installed, and the plastering/skim coating of interior and exterior walls is completed, ready for painting.
Meantime, on the western side of the farmhouse, the outdoor kitchen building takes shape. This small structure houses a covered and enclosed second kitchen, an open dining/lounging area with a view of the greenery, a laundry area and a grilling spot. A 3 meter wide driveway separates the outdoor kitchen from the farmhouse. Both structures will be connected by a covered walk later.
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| The roof trusses of the outdoor kitchen are in place. The purlins and roofing sheets will be installed in early January. Note the 3 meter wide driveway separating the perimeter slabs of the two structures. |
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| Behind the outdoor kitchen lies the septic tank. A laundry area will be built below the two small windows on the right. The grilling area be will be at the opposite side of the outdoor kitchen. |
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| A close view of the farmhouse - plastering is almost completed. The complex perimeter slab that houses the plumbing systems is likewise in place. In front of the farmhouse, a gravel driveway will be built. |
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| Viewed from near the main gate, the garage building is to the right of the farmhouse. The walking distance between the parking building and the main entrance of the farmhouse is roughly 50 meters. |
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| The front of the farmhouse faces south. There will be a small patch of Bermuda grass on the rectangular area bounded by the porch, the two bedrooms on the wings, and the driveway. |
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| Beyond the farmhouse and outdoor kitchen, at the left side in this photo, are various plants and trees, as well as open grassy areas. The structures are located in the front portion of the orchard, with the rear boundary of the property about 180 meters to the back of the farmhouse. |
