Rain, rain go away

This is the view that greeted Peter as he arrived at the site

The long view-often what's needed!

The timber frame of the house, which extends up to be bolted to the roof timbers

The gabions at the western end of the house, where the bank isn't quite as steep

Actually, even though it's delayed the build, we can't grumble about the rain. It'll keep the aqifers nicely topped up.
Peter went to a site meeting on 14th August and sent me a message saying that the first sight of the timber frame in place was incredibly moving. The photo shows the view he had as he entered the site. The outlines of the upstairs rooms are emerging.
The meeting covered all sorts of details, including the passive venting system, external taps and drains, the balustrade to the front terrace, whether or not we want access panels for the plumbing of sanitaryware (no, thanks), how we'd like the floor to be finished, how the woodburner flue will get safely through the roof, where the warning/alarm light for the sewage treatment plant will go (don't ask; I didn't), how we will get electricity to the garage when we build it, etc etc. I keep thinking of my father, evening after evening, poring over drawings for the house he was building. As a child, I used to wonder why he found it all so interesting. Now, I realise, it must be in the blood.
The windows and doors have arrived at the builders' yard in Barnstaple, after a confused Latvian driver tried to deliver them to the British agent's premises, somewhere in Essex.

The really exciting July/August development is that we have decided upon a worktop for the kitchen and from that, Nathan can complete the kitchen design he'd proposed. The timber he sourced is from an oak tree felled 20 years ago and planked. The wood has been stored level and dry since then. The tree was about 250 years old and was in King John's parkland to the east of Bristol (hence "Kingswood"), reputedly giving the monarchs a clear route right through to London, without leaving their own estate lands. It is a "burr" oak; a most unusual growth and this ancient tree is going to provide a unique and beautiful work surface. I have to say that I was distinctly underwhelmed at the sight of the dusty, grimy planks but Nathan, his joiner and Peter persuaded me that it'll glow and that the revealed patterns will be really interesting once it's planed and finished.

The first fix electrics have been delayed, which is just as well, as there have been several frustrating attempts to get the wiring accurately on to the master drawings. Two sets of original, marked up drawings got lost in the post between Bristol and the electrician in Barnstaple. However, we have every faith in the electrician, who reassuringly says he won't do anything until he's sure we're absolutely happpy with it. The work can't start until the roof is felted and battened.

Earth-sheltered

This waterproofed wall will be covered up so that it's insulated by the surrounding earth. The builder is standing on top of what will be the kitchen

The store- and shower-rooms are snugly underground. This will be the third bedroom above them.

The gabions forming the retaining wall at the north-eastern end of the building. The stone is from a local quarry and seems to glow a real Devon red when it's wet

This is the hole where the stairs will be. Deciding on a curved stairwell during the difficult middle phase of the design and planning application process was a real boost to our morale. It will be top-lit by a rooflight and there will be LED step lights set into the lovely curve

I knew there'd be lots going on and decided to go down to the site one afternoon in early August. It was quite astonishing what progress had been made, despite July's rain. The house is taking shape and the rooms that will be underground already feel relatively snug.