Beams and Columns: Part III

Beams and Columns: Part III

As the steel structure rises, there’s a changing relationship with the surrounding landscape. Standing by three slender Italian Cypress trees, one was afforded expansive views of the valley and a good spot to assess progress some 30 feet below. Now, the construction is at eye-level—and soon we will be looking up at a fully formed structure.

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Here, There and Everywhere

Here, There and Everywhere

Cabinet fitters are installing the cabinetry in many of the rooms. Specialized technicians in the utility rooms are making all of the connections to the complex wiring systems. Subfloors are being laid in every room. And doors and trim are transformed with various stains and finishes. This is the confluence of systems, finishes, fixtures and fittings coming together perfectly. In the coming month as we prepare for the kitchen, appliances and other fitted equipment throughout the home, the attention to detail just becomes more and more acute. But for now, this is a good place to be.

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Ready for Steel

Ready for Steel

In a month or two this site will be transformed from a concrete form to a rising steel structure. Connector plates and bolt-downs are in place and detailed checks are being made to ensure when the steel columns and beams get erected, they fit nicely together. And with all of the plywood forms removed, we can now transfer the elevation control lines to the concrete walls using our transit device and a good eye.

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Look Up

Look Up

This home is growing up dominated by the surrounding trees, the wooded hills and skyline. It’s until you’re inside, the view of the outdoor landscape naturally forces the eye to see upwards, capturing as much of the ceiling detail, as the floor of the interior. This is also where there’s a lot of attention being paid to the planked ceiling that connects the indoor and outdoor spaces. Meanwhile, the stone masons have put the finishing touches to the grand fireplace and expansive granite walls. And with much of the corten steel panels installed, we’re diligently fabricating and installing the stainless steel flashing that will cap the entire rooftop parapets.

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What’s Inside Is Out

What’s Inside Is Out

During this stage of construction there’s a remarkable buzz of activity and orchestration between the many tradesmen here on the jobsite. There’s all of the infrastructure installations like wiring, ductwork, and plumbing detail that is still being addressed, while most visibly our masons apply stone veneer to the inside and exterior surfaces. This is where granite meets barn wood and the soon to be installed corten steel facia panels, creating a rustic modern aesthetic. We can begin to see aspects of a finished home take shape, yet there’s a garage just being framed, a complex layout of terraced landscaping, and a pool — all of which are in the early stages of construction.

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