Erecting the Yurt Foundation/Basement!
We've decided to plan for the future--more kids, more space, a root cellar--thus, we hired some amazing masons to erect a concrete basement in which the yurt will sit upon. At the moment, we won't be completely finishing the basement ( in order to save money), but in due time we will frame in the south-facing wall with wood, windows, and a door.
The first step in building the basement was pouring the concrete footing, which was filled about 2.5 feet deep by 3 ft wide. That's ALOT of concrete!
Here are the blocks that were used to make our basement walls.
It's growing...
and growing...
and growing...
And, done! The wall is 9'4" tall! Eran will definitely not be bumping his head on the basement ceiling!
During the building of our basement walls, we also had our well drilled. It reaches 66 feet into the ground, and comes out of mother earth at about 48 degrees Farenheit. It's delicious and good quailty!
Perspective # 1
Perspective # 2
Perspective # 3
All three of these perspective display our finished foundation/almost complete basement. The tall block piers were stacked on rebar (sticking out from the footing) and filled with concrete. They will support the yurt's weight. The large block pier that is not full of concrete will support our future masonry heater. A masonry heater is extremely efficient at storing a large amount of heat. It is a great way to save on heat costs, use a minimal amount of firewood per season to heat your home, and to utilize all of the heat from your wood, releasing almost no pollution into the air. The masonry heater rapidly heats the wood and stores this heat as thermal mass, slwoly radiating within your home for 18-24 hours. It's pretty much the best way to heat a small space in the wintertime in our opinion!
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With the help of the Rhodes family--Dov (brother), Rachel (sister-in-law), Helene (mom), and Harry (Dad)--we completed the last step (well, the last step for now, until we cover it....) : screwing on mineral wool insulation. This insulation is similar to fiber-glass, however, it is less abrasive and a by-product of the iron and steel-making industry. It has exceptional thermal properties, serves as a great sound barrier, and is cost effective. Although it's nicer to work with than fiber glass, it still sticks to the skin, calling for a thorough shower at the end of the day! Eran and his family were troopers!
Helene, Harry, and I (Steph), gave the workers moral support : 0)
