further developments..

so...... less than 8 weeks until completion and the house is really starting to take on a character of its own.the above cladding is weathertex. Weathertex is made by breaking down local hardwoods to its constituent fibres using steam and pressure (the hardwoods come from sawmill tailings, thinings and managed forests - no old growth forests are used making it very eco-friendly). the fibres are then transported to the presses in a liquid bath that removes all of the starches and sugars making the finished product very un-attractive to ants and termites. the "wetlap" (liquid goo) is then squeezed under great pressure and high tempartures in massive presses which activates the natural lignins in the timber that forms the glue which holds the structure together. this brings the product weathertex into being..
the carport is almost finished. the builder just needs to render under the radial sawn timber and lay down base. the sandstone paving effect has also come up a treat and will look even better once we wash the stones at the end of the build.
the plumber has finally linked the two largest tanks to the gutters and soon our much needed "liquid gold" will start collecting. The two tanks in the above photo have 22,600 litre storage capacity each. The one under the bow is 9000 litres and there is a small 3000 litre tank collecting water off the carport roof.

the laundry is just about complete. we are really happy at this usage of space. to the left we have cupboards and the washing machine at ground level. a sink and bench space for folding and large cupboards at shoulder/head height. on the right (not visible) it's all one very large cupboard that is layered with shelves. screened hanging space (some under cover) will be off the deck.
next week we should have the outside cladding first coat of paint finished which will really give us a first glimpse of "the look".