More blocks and the beginning of the first floor

We have had a week or so of much improved weather, so it was a pleasure to make our traditional late Friday afternoon visit to the plot in sunshine and under blue skies. A couple of days of block moving and laying this week have got the first floor underway. The laying of the first course is an awkward job, involving the cutting of lots of blocks to fit between the joists. We are encouraged by continuing signs of good practice: the joists are being supported by acrow props to ensure that they don't move while the fitted blocks set (and under the weight of the blocks being stored on them) and lengths of visqueen are temporarily in place to minimise the dropping of mortar into the cavities - avoiding a sure cause of future damp problems.

the telehandler is managing the lifts up to first floor level

we've had another delivery of blocks - and Elizabeth heads off for a closer look

a block-laying masterclass - this is the pier which will support the roof over the porch

blocks twixt joists, with protective visqueen temporarily in place

Elizabeth timing her entrance to the sitting room from the hall

and here she is

the external attached chimney (for a woodburning stove) will enclose these flue sections and divide the two pairs of sliding windows on each floor

there will be a slim masonry pier around the steel at the corner of the single-storey dining area

the back kitchen corner

we shall lose this view from the kitchen once the stud walls for the utility room and study are in place

joists, infill blocks, and more blocks stacked above

the masonry here allows for a pocket door from the hall to the dining area

in time this will be a study, a utility room, then a kitchen

I'd quite like a go with this beast

It's perhaps worth clarifying that all the concrete blocks are structural but will eventually be covered. The inside walls will be plastered, and outside we plan a combination of render and timber cladding.

Next stop, scaffolding.

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