August 24: Treating the Timbers

The oil finish penetrates and protects the wood from weather and mildew.

Joists were treated as well.

It's almost ready for decking!

To preserve the exposed timbers supporting the deck, we're using a penetrating oil finish which nourishes and protects the wood.Beautiful!

August 1: Finishing Up Siding and Roofing

On the north side, cedar siding is complete;
the stair tower will be covered with corrugated steel designed
to acquire a rusty finish - so it looks like it has always been there.

Cedar siding is finished on the south side.

This soffit shows the interesting detail work, making excellent use
of small pieces of wood that otherwise would be discarded.

Roofing is complete all the way to the ridge, on the stair tower, and down the east side.

A view of the lookout from the balcony.

Things are finishing up on the exterior...the cedar siding is nearly complete and the metal roof is done. The soffits display some nice finishing touches, a detail that provides a beautiful effect while employing small pieces of wood that otherwise would be discarded. Next on the schedule: side the stair tower with corrugated steel.

July 15: Haying

A red-tailed hawk sits atop the bale.

Over the past few months, the hay in the field grew tall, until it was harvested in mid-July. The bales will be used to feed cattle at Driftwood Ranch, just across McNallie Lane.

June 25: Lookout, Siding and Roofing

Cedar siding is complete on the south side, with lookout at the top of the gable end.

More than half of the metal roof is in place.
Skylights and remaining roof panels are to be installed this week.

The lookout. Way up there.

We'll have a great view down the valley!

Finished siding wraps around to the porch on the west side.

From siding to roofing, there's lots of progress to share. The cedar board-on-batt siding and window trim is finished on the south side, and on most of the east side. More than half of the roof panels have been installed. It was no easy task securing the lookout rafter at the peak of the south gable end...high off the ground, Erik's harness was cinched up tight as he used a hammer drill to send 12" screws through the lookout, the siding, the SIP panel and into the king post.

June 8: Evening Drama

The porch and front entrance.

From the field.

One inspired evening, Erik lit up the structure. This was at 9:30 p.m. Orcas time, with light still in the sky. He says he may have surprised the neighbors by lighting everything up that late. An amazing sight.

May 19: Lots of Glass

We love windows and there sure are lots of them! Except for the door openings, the structure is now closed in.

May 16: Kaj's Images Detail SIP Installation

The roof SIP, held in place by the crane, is snugged up against the other panel.

As the last roof panel on the west side is installed,
Doug peeks through the skylight opening to admire the progress.

Kaj Enderlein shares his photos taken in March as they installed structural insulated panels (SIPs) on the roof. Panels were prepped on the ground: lines were snapped, screws were started, and lifting plates were mounted. Then, the straps and lines were adjusted so the crane lifted each panel at the precise angle of the roof.

April 30: Windows!

From across the valley, the windows begin to appear.

First, the vertical windows were installed in the stair tower.

Another view...

More windows to come above the four on the south side.

The view from windows in the stair tower.

This is what Erik calls "Visible Progress." They were able to start installing windows this week, first in the stair tower, and then in the main timber frame section. (The lower level will remain closed in until the floor is cleaned and sealed.)

April 23: Cut-Offs Elevated to New Heights

Erik maximized the wood harvested by using cut-offs that normally would be wasted to create this beautiful ceiling for the porch and at the top of the stair tower. All part of the green building process!

April 1: Framing the Porch and Deck

Timber framing detail includes the end cut on a beam.

The front porch framing in progress, and roof SIPs on the west side.

More beautiful timber framing in this view of the back deck from underneath.
A stairway will come down through the opening.

Timber framing continues on the front porch and back deck. Coming soon is the angular balcony off the master suite.