News, Stories, Ideas & More

GROUND PREPARATIONS:

Vegetation Clearing / Steel Base

On first arrival Joel had the site already prepared to a large extend - the grass and leaf litter had been removed, and the site was easily accessible all round. 

The four main post holes were also dug already, saving a lot of time doing all the foundation preparations.

Timing of the building worked out well too - at the end of the first day the outer frame was assembled and the four posts concreted in, just on dark.

This allowed the concrete to dry overnight so we could make a fresh start next morning assembling the entire frame including the adjustable post shoes supplied by LEVELMASTER.com.au

FOUNDATIONS:

Steel Base Frame

While the the most cost effective foundation is simply placing a treated pine or hardwood base frame on top of road base and pavers we do strongly recommend to consider a steel base frame to lift the cabin off the ground which is not only ideal for sloped sites, but also provides better termite protection.

While hardwood or treated pine base frames are pretty much termite proof YOU SHOULD still apply three coats of CUTEK Wood Preservative all round.  This will repel moisture as well keep any creepy crawlies away.

The particle board flooring used is also Termite Treated "TERMIFLOOR".

The base frame is attached via gal steel brackets to the steel frame.

Taking Shape:

Finally the weather was on our side - the build progressed well and fast, as always with two people on site build time is reduced drastically.

You will notice in the image on the right that we use a yellow builders' edge to align the roofboards 100% - not really needed as the roof edges are later on covered by timber anyway but it makes for a faster and more accurate construction procedure.

We also drilled electrical holes through the centre of the logs for a powerpoint and lighting - just to keep the sparky happy!



OUTER FINISHES:

Oiling / Barge Capping / Gables

Once the main structure is done and the roof is on, the raw timber needs to be protected from the elements.  To apply the first coat of oil as soon as possible after the construction is highly recommended.  Often the first coat is applied by one person while the roof is being installed by another - the guy on the ground passing roofing sheets etc up to the roofer as work progresses.

Windows and Doors are often done in a contrasting colour, to offset the otherwise rustic looking cabin.

Joel opted for a CUTEK "black ash" stain for his cabin - the manor red roof matches nicely!

Let there be Light....

After some weather induced delays the power was finally connected, and what a difference it made!

The additional work drilling holes through the centre of the logs paid off nicely. 

A properly lit log cabin at night excudes even more charm and a homely feel that is unsurpassed.

A bit of trivia - lighting a candle and placing it in the window dates back hundreds of years.  In the olden days when hunters tried to make their way home they often had to reach the safety of their cabin after dark.  On clear cold winter nights a single candle helped locating the cabin, as the relatively small flame could still be seen over larger distances.

BASIC - BUT EFFECTIVE!

The SAM10 is a little too small to "house" all facilities inside.  An easy solution was to build a deck out the front and on the left side, put up corrugated iron for screening and bingo - a basic but very functional wet cell was created!

A simple camp shower provides running hot water for a hot shower, and a small vanity unit and a composting toilet provide all basic facilities.

We are always amazed how our cabins are used. 

As they are very solidly built and as such lend themselves to being so much more than "garden sheds" the variety of end uses is impressive - and so are their individual fit-outs and the way they present a short while after construction has been finished.

Congratulations Joel, you have created a real haven of peace away from the hustle bustle of the big cities!

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