We have had such interesting reactions to the weird looking structure in the middle of the estate. It has been dubbed the “warehouse”, the “glass house”, and my personal favourite, “the modern version of the three little pigs”!
For a time we were delayed by the truck driver’s strike, so the guys spent a while preparing the steps leading from the patio to the future lawn, but shortly afterwards, another two trucks rolled onto the site laden with their gleaming wares. We are getting pretty good at guessing the parts by now, but four strange looking zig-zag pieces eluded us. They turned out to be the beginning of our outdoor staircase! The plan is to erect the staircase so that it will serve as an access for the rest of the first floor development.
Another interesting load on the back of the trucks were the first of the magnesium oxide boards (MgO). (100 of an estimated 700 boards in total). These boards will be used as the base of the first floor (under the vermiculite screed) as well as for the construction of the stairs. I was really amazed at the strength of the boards. I guess I had imagined something like rhino board or ceiling board, but these are really dense, tough, unwarpable boards. There are other options available instead of MgO for the floor and the wall construction: concrete boards, and OSB board (oriented strand board), which is wood based. We were advised to go with MgO because of its superior insulation properties and virtually non-existent flammability. The MgO boards are also available in different thicknesses, but we opted to go with the thicker (12mm) board for the added insulation, and general “feel”.
After all the unpacking, the construction continued, and by the end of the week, the ground floor frame was completely in place as well as half of the top storey. The beginning of the staircase is also taking shape.
The speed of construction has been phenomenal, and now that rooms are taking shape, excitement is also building. Even the builders stop occasionally and take a few cell-phone photos. I am looking forward to the staircase, and I can’t wait to see a few of the MgO boards going up.
Until next week…
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