I just finished working on the foundation. As I mentionned in an earleir post, because the house is so big I built the structure in 5 sections. To make sure they line up properly I wanted to build a wood foundation on which the 5 sections wil sit and be held in place by dowels.
I decided to use 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" pieces of wood for 2 reasons:
1. The house is 8 feet long and will sit over several modular dressers. I wanted wood thick enough so it would not sag or warp.
2. I read online that 1 sheet of 5/8" MDF weighs 96 pounds...this means my house now weighs about 527.5 pounds, and I still have another floor and the roof to finish, so I needed the foundation to be strong.
My father-in-law Tom helped me to set up the modular furniture and get everything level. We then measured out the wood pieces we needed. I started by gluing the beams together and holding the pieces in place with clamps and masking tape. To make sure it was strong I wanted to add screws, so I drilled 1/8" deep holes the width of the screws heads so they would not stick out.
When the glue was dry, my husband Jo and I placed the house sections (definetely a 2 people job) on the foundation and drilled holes through the mdf and the wood foundation. The dowel will be glued to the foundation, so if I ever need to move the sections it will be easy to aligne them when I put the house back together.
The wings of the house stick out past the foundation I made, but I wont correct this until I've attached the front opening panels to the house. When they will be in place I will build the rest of the foundation to be flush with each wall.
I've also been working on the floor for the Entrance Hall and finishing the columns and arcade for the Great Room. I will try to finish the floor this week, and the columns soon after. Post will follow shortly
Giac
Hello Giac!
ReplyDeleteYou are making great progress on the house. I like the "foundation" idea. Look forward to seeing the exterior and roof! What a great job you are doing!
Ray
Hello Ray,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate it very much.
Giac
Progetto bellissimo e molto impegnativo!!! Tanta fatica e lavoro ma ne sarà valsa la pena!!!Il risultato sarà incredibile!!! Bravissimi!!! Continuate così ...
ReplyDeleteelvira
It is HUGE !!!! it makes mine look like Thumbelina house. Well, I live in a wee flat and that's what I can have :o( I might kill for a spare room.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have your husband's help...I cannot count on mine. But I have a super Papà who is the best carpenter :o))
Have fun, a presto, Rosanna
Wow, great job!
ReplyDeleteThe imposing size of this house is men's work: it scares me that you are three and I all alone ...
I can not count either of my father in law, nor of my husband, nor of my father (he would help me but unfortunately there is no more) ...
However, my house will be much smaller, thank goodness!
Very envy your work space, functional and commanded inspires great things!
The foundations are a great idea, but most of all I find fascinating the floor of the entrance (as usual!)
Fantastic, fantastic job :-)
Waiting for news,
mini hugs, Flora
You've made a huge progress on your house allready! I like the columns in the great room.
ReplyDeleteAnd your house sit's now safely on it's sturdy foundation! How nice it it's that the family helps you with your project.
And like Ray said.....looking forward to see some of the exterior!
Thanks,
Jeffry.
I'm a new follower and have just spent a most enjoyable time reading your blog from start to finish. What a marvellous project and I absolutely loved your detailed sketches of each room - I envy such a talent!
ReplyDeleteI'm eagerly awaiting your next progress report.
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comments. I can't tell you how much I appreciate hearing from others who are passionate about the hobby. My goal is to have the house almost complete by christmas 2011...I'm not sure how realistic that is, but my husband thinks it's not enough time, so naturally I'll do all I can to prove him wrong! Have a great week and I look forward to following your great projects,
Giac