The 910 Project

Plumbing & More Windows

All the windows got installed.  We are really happy with the transparency achieved using the steel system and standard windows and doors.  Plumbing is also going in.  You'll see the PVC drains and vents running through the framing now.  The sliding doors still have their protective film so we'll achieve another level of transparency once that is removed.  Electrical and HVAC start just after Memorial Day.  Wishing a reflective Memorial Day to all -- unfortunately, there are far too many good men and women that have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past few years.

Windows

The Kolbe sliding doors and awning windows have started to be installed.  They should be done on Monday.  The aluminum finish is really nice and will look great with the grey Hardie Panel siding.  The awning windows are simply wonderful -- thin edges, lots of glass, no glare.  They really help open the view to nature!  The triple awning window on the north wall is also fantastic.  It is cool how the windows come ganged together from the Kolbe factory and just get set into the rough opening.  Eric, the contractor, says the Kolbe windows give a really tight rough opening and if the opening isn't just right, they don't fit.  They had to grind some of the concrete in our bedroom opening which was the first one they installed...

Loft

It is always great to experience a space to get a sense for how it feels.  I was waiting to see if the loft felt spacious or more like an attic with a sloping roof.  The great news is that it feels great!  Plenty of room, light, airy, and plenty of space for work desks and sleeping areas. Since the stairs are not in yet, we had to climb up the truss, using the purlins as part of the "ladder."  Hoisting Carlos up and down was hilarious.  He was really excited to feel the loft as well.  Windows are going in Monday, the 15th!

What about the radiant?

Ooops...I forgot to mention the radiant heat tubing install.  That happened before the slab pour...The radiant tubes are 1/2" pex tubing and it went down really quickly.  One and a half days to lay all of the domestic tubing.  The tubing doesn't go under cabinetry, and gets insulated if you want to reduce the heat gain in certain places.  We chose to dampen the heat output to the pantry so that it stays cooler than other part sof the house.

Floor slab & framing

Things are moving quickly now.  Everything seems to be taking less time than expected!  If we hadn't had the 8 week SIP delivery delay, we would have been close to done!  The floor slab went in this past Monday and they were framing the interior on Wednesday.  Framing is now complete.  Windows are going in on Monday and should only take a couple days.  Sorry for the quality of images below -- forgot my little digital and had to pick up a disposable.