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Perimeter Wall


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Walls that are built from concrete blocks are durable and sturdy. An added bonus is that they also help hold in the fill dirt. Fill dirt is often on of the most critical aspects of a house, for if the house is constructed 'too low' -- there is no repair after the fact. With this house we did a partial fill at the beginning to level the land. Then the wall was partially completed, and more fill dirt was brought in the raise the land level another 20 or so centimeters.

The important steps in the process, which are illustrated below are: 1.) Post holes are dug every 2.5 meters. 2.) Support rebar structures are hand made by cutting, bending and wiring together cut rebar metal strands. 3.) These support structures are set in a concrete footing in the post hole. 4.) A large can is used to form the cement up to ground level after the base structure is dry. 5.) A strip footing is created, formed using form wood, which is about 10 inches tall and connects the support rebar structures. 6.) The cement blocks are cemented in place in rows. 7.) A form is made so that a concrete post can be poured around the cement blocks and rebar structure. 8.) Stucco is applied and other decorative options, such as affixing red brick blocks around the entry posts.

One other important note is that during the stage when the blocks are being laid, at the end of each row as piece of rebar is extended into the metal framework. This adds strength when the post is poured.

20 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 63 times

Water


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One of the first orders of business in preparation of building is establishing a water source, since water is used extensively in construction. There are various water sources (see infowater) the one used in this house was the hand dug surface well.

20 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 60 times

Gate and Security Metal


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Normally the gate and metal fencing would be something you would contract out to a metal company, of which there must be 100's in Pattaya. I did get a bid for doing the metal work, but in the end decided to use the daily labor which was helping to finish off the house, as they had metal working experience. I did end up needing to purchase some metal working tools, but the savings in going this way more than offset the tool investment. The metal fencing is welded on top of small squares of metal which are secured to the wall by a special kind of bolt that is driven into the concrete wall.

17 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 52 times

Planter Boxes


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This is an add-on that really finishes the house off. Along one side of the patio there is a thin set of planter boxes which double as wall between the patio and the carport. Then in front there are two lower level planter boxes to form a natural plant wall.

6 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 31 times

Gutters


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A specialty metal company came and installed a 6" galvanized gutter system around the house. The gutters are supported by brackets which are attached to the siding on the eves. The gutters are sloped so the water runs down to the associated drain spout.

7 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 33 times

Paving Stones


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Paving stones like these come in various shapes and colors. In this case we use sand to level the area in front of the patio that was for the entry path. Then the paving stones were placed on top of the sand to complete the walkway.

3 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 36 times

6 albums on 1 page(s)

Last additions - Other
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The resulting paving stone walkway. (12-Aug-04)dozerSep 28, 2011
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The paving stones are set in place.dozerSep 28, 2011
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Fine sand is leveled. (31-Jul-04)dozerSep 28, 2011
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The front gutter system. (15-Aug-04)dozerSep 28, 2011

Random files - Other
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The gate anchor.dozer
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The row of bricks is attached to the wall with strips of rebar for strength. (24-Jun-04)dozer
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The well after cementing around the base. (19-Aug-04). dozer
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Fitting a wall piece in place. (26-Jul-04)dozer
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The gate wheels are very important. There are two sets of heavy duty 3" stainless steel wheels. (27-Aug-04)dozer
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end 5 Minutes Saved, the Story of DIRTY WATER!: Water is such a precious resource. How one short cut which saved the well digger 5 minutes of time could lead to such problems! Oh well, tit (this is Thailand). Now the water is clear as can be seen in this shot. (19-Aug-04) dozer
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Later on the upper part of the well he cemented between the rings to prevent water from flowing in from the sides in the upper portion of the well.dozer
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The front gutter system. (15-Aug-04)dozer

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