Solid logs formed the bottom storey, and the next floor is done with frames, as seen here, with similar looking planks nailed on. They have the same curve etc, so from the outside they all look the same. With the frames up, we had to go through doorways to get into "rooms" for the first time. It started to take shape.Then the windows went in,all double glazed, which Max had made in Switzerland. Now Max has Amazing Glazing which does retro fit double glazing for wooden windows. |
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The logs were prepared to our design by New
Zealand Log Chalets, owned by Max`s brother Peter, in Rotorua. Holes for steel rods and electric cables etc, are all calculated and pre-drilled We chose redwood from Rotorua forests, as it doesn`t need chemical treatment, and has a beautiful colouring. First the veranda was put down, after milling our own gum trees.Then the fun starts.... Giant Lego! |
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| The amazing view was very important to us. To preserve this we had electric
and telephone wires coming underground, the drive coming up at the back
of the house with parking below, and we built on blocks, back from the
ridge. This ensured our grassed area in front of an unspoilt spectacular view.From the dining space, folding doors with 5 panels are planned for this space. One visitor commented, "You don`t need any pictures on the walls...every window is an amazing picture." |
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 Our Macrocarpa (Californian Cypress or Hinoki in Japan) from shelter belts on the farm provided the support posts in the living area. |
| Framing for the roof. We used Terra
Lana Recycled wool ( from old jerseys etc!) for the roof insulation, the
same as in the walls. The colour steel for the roof was put on the professionals...a big area, and the drop on the south side was considerable. In fact the contractor to do the spouting came in, took one look and refused to do it. So what happened? Max learnt very fast. He mastered many new skills in the building of the house. The plumbing, the electricity, installing a wod range, etc. |
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Solid logs formed the bottom storey, and the next floor
is done with frames, as seen here, with similar looking planks nailed
on. They have the same curve etc, so from the outside they all look the
same. With the frames up, we had to go through doorways to get into "rooms"
for the first time. It started to take shape. | |
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The design for the front door came about on the back
of an envelope. Rowena had wanted curves on the window tops instead of
square. To compensate for that not being able to happen, they agreed that
the front door should be full of curves. Yin Yang was the inspriration,
although it has been called a big double toilet seat! The crochet circle was made by Max`s mother, in the traditional Swiss way, and is sandwiched between the two panes |
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| Having an environmentally friendly house is important to us. The recycled wool insulation is very effective, and so much easier to use. In fact, the first winter we actually put some inside duvet covers, when we didn`t have enough blankets! | The kitchen bench and the wine rack. The bench tops
and the dining table were made from the same Macrocarpa tree from the
farm All of the furniture in the guest rooms, is also made from Macrocarpa from the farm. Max has a chunky and artistic style, utilising the lively knots. |
Because the island bench is curved, the space between the dishwasher and the drawer beside it, leaves space for the wine rack on the outside. |