from blank to pantry

Although we have been happily (and environmentally consciously) living in our bermed house for a couple of years, there are a couple of things that have been on hold. The largest of these finalizing projects was our back hallway pantry.

We designed the cabinets and went back to Mid-Maine Furniture to build and install them. They will match the hickory in the kitchen and include some etched glass in the upper units. Hopefully, the glass will keep it from looking to massive and dark. Today, the transformation program began. Out went the open plastic shelves to open up the area .


Since the concrete floor and walls are not exact, it took most of the day to level and place the plinth.


Then we set the bottom units on for the night.

Stay tuned - tomorrow we continue.
passivesolar
bermed
pantry
sharonbetts

Springing into Action

Wow - almost 6 weeks without a post. Things have been very hectic here in Maine as we move from winter to Spring, Mud and Summer - the black flies have appeared already.
Since the house is nearing completion - still some window trim and doors to install, there isn't as much to report or document. Our pantry is under construction - I'll post some shots when it is finished (goal of July).

Dave did get our oldest son involved with cleaning some brush - one of his first back-hoe experiences.


The latest project is a swinging grill pit - we have missed it so much since we moved. There is absolutely nothing like chicken marinated and then grilled on a wood fire while resting on a swing grill. We have the basics ready:


The other big project we are starting this summer is some "beautification" of the front yard. The plan is to install raised beds for small veggies and flowers, a picket fence and a small patio and entry way (natural stone or some man-made stone). We need to take care in design with the piles of snow in the winter. The material for raised beds is causing some consternation - what is best (natural, of course) but durable?

Any suggestions?
raised_beds
sharonbetts
swinging_grill

Pond in the Maine Woods

As we approach the completion of our passive-solar bermed home (although a home is never complete), we have decided to concentrate on another goal - a pond.

Our hope is to have a medium sized pond (1/2 acre or less) close enough to the house to enjoy but far enough away for wildlife to feel comfortable. Our first choice of location was not possible when we had an inspection completed and discovered it was "wetland". Maine has many regulations about working in a wetland and we were not so set on the location that we wanted to start the 'process'.

So, we went to plan B -
The pond will be behind the detached garage and down the grade (to keep it lower than any house drainage). Of course, this ended up being one of the wettest Falls ever and it has been a muddy challenge to get it shaped in. But, it is presently in good shape for Spring. We hired the digging after David dropped the trees himself.
I will get a few more pictures as the surrounding area gets cleared (still this month if the weather cooperates) and then we will wait for the Spring thaw and keep our fingers and paws crossed for a full basin.
The full sized pictures are in the Gallery. Under Industry>Lot>Pond



sharonbetts
ponds
maine
passivesolar

Updates on Perfect Passive Solar Day

Since the berm construction is pretty well complete for the house and the detached garage only needs a ceiling and insulation, I haven't posted much lately. But today is just too good to pass up. It is 12 degrees outside with the sun shining - our house is around 75-78 inside with no heat . smile.

Work on the interior is progressing also. We are finishing the ceilings followed by the woodwork. Nearly all of the ceilings are tongue and groove - which means some sanding, staining and poly before putting them up. Since I am still working, the actually hammering is only on weekends. Even at that, we finished the study and are now working on the dining room.
Floors will break the monotony of ceilings. There are still quite a few concrete floors - which although utilitarian, are not very attractive. The tile is ordered for the study and should arrive in the next week or so. We have picked all the others out -some slate and some tile.

I plan on posting more information about "rural Maine living" as Spring approaches - and promise more updates on the finishing touches of the house.
More pictures of everything at our Gallery.
sharon+betts
bermed
Maine

Reflections posted

I was in the process of posting some reflections on our home when I asked my husband for some references. He promptly jumped in and wrote his thoughts which I have published on the right. Just click on the Scribd to enlarge. I think he said it all - at least from the "construction" side.


passivesolar
bermed
sharonbetts

The Plan

We now have the main draft of our floorplan!! There are still a few changes, but overall this looks like the one.
Notice:

• the slight turn in the garage which we added due to the placement of the driveway and the south facing doors.
• the masonry stove location (see Blog entry for March 7) in the center of the living area
• the very large pantry area
• two nice bedrooms and two baths -- planning solatubes in both of those.
• The odd shaped room will be our study -- we are lucky to discover there is actually cable internet on our road.
• Berming is all around the 3 sides and windows completely along the south (front).
  

Click the picture to make it larger.
Questions? Post a comment.

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