When a project is nearing completion we have a saying around our house. We say that it is “done, except for…” Well, the Under Hill tree is definitely done, except for a little bit of epoxy, all the paint, installation, and foliage. Still it feels great to have the carved concrete finished up and out of the way!
I can hardly wait until it really is done!
The Under Hill’s skylight tree is coming along nicely these days. The Welding is nearly complete and the sculpted concrete is not far behind! Just a few more days and it will be ready for paint.
We are making great progress on the Under Hill’s skylight tree these days. We won’t be ready to install it until the middle of next month but, with the fall weather closing in it is time to finish up the carved concrete. Below you can see a detail shot of one of the tree’s roots. It is going to look fabulous perched on the hilltop!
As we head into fall we continue to make progress on the Inn. Periodically, Hailey and I tour the site and occasionally one or both of the kids will come along. Henry is quite fond of shoulder rides these days (I imagine he really will be taller than me before very long).
The Avellana is also looking mighty tall these days. It looks a little odd without the rest of the building but that will change soon enough!
With the second floor slabs poured and the ship and tower installed it is time to start forming the second floor walls. The castle walls are over 27 feet tall at their peak so they will be poured in two sections. It is great to see the forms under way!
The Hazelnut Inn changed dramatically today. It was the day to lift the ship and one of the castle towers into place. We’ve been preparing for this day for a long time. Yesterday, we placed the large pieces into position (ready to lift) in preparation of the crane’s arrival. The ship’s cabin was the first piece craned up and then its roof was gently placed on top. The worksite changed in an instant!
Around back the first castle tower was set upright and lowered onto the wall. The boys quickly anchored the tall feature permanently in place. The building suddenly felt bookended and it was easy to get a feel of how the rooms would look when completed.
The rest of the day with the crane was spent lifting heavy steel posts and setting them on the steel plates which had previously been cast into the concrete. Each was carefully plumbed and then welded in place. Two large circular beams will be welded to the tops of the posts in the next couple of weeks. These beams will support the large tower roof.