Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Farm Cottage Project: Design Plan & Deck Foundation


This is my first time to blog and I want to document my farm project for the year – a cottage renovation!  It was built by Cesar, my brother, about two years ago. This cottage served as a rest area here in our fishpond farm, and has generously hosted gatherings and barbeque party for our family and friends.

Since my office is just in the vicinity and I had been wanting to do some gardening, I decided to stay in the farmhouse permanently. And, now, I am in the mood for renovating the old cottage but this is not because of my plan to move in but also because it has been invaded by termites. 

Here is my new plan for the farm cottage...




Perspective was courtesy of Arch. Ariel AƱonuevo – I’m a bit technical in nature, so I consulted a professional for the deck extension.

Since, I am fond of watersports and the beach, I want the cottage to look and feel coastal and chic, and relaxing. I decided to put a deck extension up to the pond water so that my nieces and nephews can go fishing whenever they are here.

The good thing about having a deck is its relaxing mood and you can enjoy nature’s gift for free – enough sun to catch, fresh air to breathe, and a spectacular night sky to gaze.

Here are my design inspirations for the deck... 

Source: Galley bay resort
Source: thebeachhousenevis.com

The deck will serve as my outdoor living room. The old living room will be converted to my bedroom because the space inside the house is small. Before, there was an attic that serves as the bedroom but I want a spacious and high ceiling room. I might consider putting back the attic as a guest room but in a different area. 

Anyway, the renovation started late August and here are some of the pictures during the 10-day work on the cantilever beams.

Digging the foundation for the cantilever beams
Putting the boulders and the steel footing
Pouring cement mix
Creating the beams' platform and steel structures
Pouring cement on the platforms & placing the steel marks

Drying the cantilevers

Platforms removed to have a consistent drying



Until the next update...ciao!