Here's a glimpse into some of these things we're currently working on:

Loon Lake

We are coming to the finishing stages on this small, beautiful and interesting cottage. It has some of everything we could want in a project: timberframe, strawbale, earth bermed, curvy walls, a green roof, and off-grid.

In late May we raised the timber frame. The timber frame features, in the rounded ends, radial spoke-type framing brought together and supported by a hand forged iron bracket.

We prepared the living roof, and then had the green matter supplied and installed by a company from Quebec. Then we framed and stacked the bales in the walls. Camel's Back came to do the plastering.

We've added timber brackets and a cedar shingled shade roof to protect the walls. The solar panles have been installed.

We are now working on finishing the interior.

The progress has been documented by the CBC for French television to be aired in the spring. We'll post the airing date when we know.

Bailey Addition
This is an addition to the first house that we built. It will add some utility space, a main floor shower, and some studio space.

It is timberframed, like the main house. The frame includes traditional english tying joints, principal rafters and purlin roof, and a live-edge flying brace scribed in.

The overall project will include a living roof, strawbale walls, earthen plaster, and radiant heat floor. We have finished the 2nd coat of plaster and are preparing to do the finish.

Dwellings Shop
As an ongoing learning project we upgraded the shop used for cutting our timber frames. Recent work has included putting a 2nd coat of earthen plaster inside. This coat was hand applied and troweled. We plan to finish the walls with a variety of examples: Natural sealer with coloured plaster, silica paint, lime coat / lime wash.

Also in the finishing stages is an earthen floor. Some useage of colour, in design. We look forward to being able to sweep the floor!