With the overall look of the inn now settled and the plans almost done it is time for us to begin thinking about all the little details throughout the inn and gardens. One of the first things we are planning (and starting prefabrication) is the front 'power tower.' It will act as a landmark and also carry the electrical and digital services onto the grounds. The tower will be themed to match the North Star suite which carries an explorer theme. This structure will be fabricated in our studio and then be erected on site once its foundation is finished. Each section will simply bolt together after being lifted into place with a crane. Our first thoughts for the eight top brackets under the tower's soffits was something related to the sea. Many options are being discussed and the simplest way to pass judgement is often to have a sample we can look at. We whipped up this little sea horse to see if it passes muster. Plenty sturdy, it is fabricated from layered, plasma cut steel that is half inch and quarter inch thick. We have a few more ideas we will be looking at later this week.
Today we spent our time at the drawing board finishing the last of the concept renderings and then applying colours to them. This work is necessary to apply for a development permit but it is also fun to draw up the concept renderings. There has been lots of discussion about colour and the myriad of details we wish to incorporate into the design. But the really exciting thing is that although the concepts look great, we know the final result will be a hundred times better!
Most of the views had to be drawn twice, once with the garden wall and once without. Much of the development will be hidden from the street when we are finished - visible only inside the private garden. This is where the magic will be created. We can hardly wait!
Those watching our progress from the street may think that things seem to be going slow but we've been very busy behind the scenes. We are almost through the planning and engineering stages of the project which is no small task. With plans in hand - after many small adjustments - it is time at last to do the final renderings fir the outside of the buildings. The castle now takes more influence from French castles. The explorer's suite near the road has a taste of Morocco in it's details. We've been busy gathering stacks of eclectic ideas which will be incorporated as we begin crafting the pieces for the inn. We are now ready for the development permit stage to begin.
Today we planted seven trees on the southernmost end of the property. While we were at it, we set the grade for the back yard and dug two trenches in preparation for the inn's septic field.
Our backhoe operator, Justin, is first class - with a steady hand and phenomenal eye. Each time I looked through the transit to check the ground level he called out the correct measurement from his cab before I did. A good operator makes the job go quickly and Justin at Earthstone Excavating is worth his weight in gold!
Every family has its traditions and ours is no exception. When I told my mother that city hall officially approved our rezoning she did what we call the "Dance of Joy." Invented by my grandmother, Joy Spiers, it consists of jumping up and down while spinning madly in circles - usually with a partner. While it can make you more than a little dizzy, it is the perfect way to celebrate a happy moment and I highly recommend it!
The first draft of our plans has arrived! Thanks to our friend Cam over at RDS Building Design, our dreams for the inn now have carefully calculated dimensions. It is an exciting day!
