Fire House and Garage part II

[onemoretry]

We added the stair rail and banisters this weekend, they are mahogany and EMT. Makes for a clean look. We also opened up the cupola, basically a vault, so that light can make it into the shop. It will be a great place to sit and watch life go by.

 

[Old61]

That is one beautiful building! The only thing I would add for my own build would be wider overhangs on the eaves and gable ends.

 

[Bevis]

Stair railings look good. Jeep also looks at home.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

I seem to be at a loss for superlatives! I have truly enjoyed both your builds ( and Bulls). GeoBarn structures should be called 'works of art'; they are so pleasing to the eye. They add to the beautiful landscape and it must be a blissful pleasure for you to meander about your property with a morning cup of coffee and see the sun rising on those barns. I am obviously envious of what you have there and just wish I had the where with all to transport George and his great crew across the country to build a GeoBarn for myself in the 'Great Northwest' (Washington). Having a garage on the ground floor, an open studio to live in on the second floor, and a cupola to ponder the world would be my perfect abode. All I might then be lacking is a firetruck. lol!

 

[KCarGuy]

WOW...That is one Beautiful Structure. A Classic work of Art.

I love the look and the Craftsmanship is outstanding.

I can see how the Building would be so strong, with studs going in opposing angles...She is a Beast...A Beautiful Beast!

I love to see new ideas and designs that make sense and buck the norm...Fantastic job!

 

[onemoretry]

Stair railings look good. Jeep also looks at home.

a little gravel and the firetruck will be in there too. Thanks

 

[Jpfreak33]

ITS BACK!!!
I am so happy to see this post back at the top. The railing looks great!

 

[onemoretry]

I seem to be at a loss for superlatives! I have truly enjoyed both your builds ( and Bulls). GeoBarn structures should be called 'works of art'; they are so pleasing to the eye. They add to the beautiful landscape and it must be a blissful pleasure for you to meander about your property with a morning cup of coffee and see the sun rising on those barns. I am obviously envious of what you have there and just wish I had the where with all to transport George and his great crew across the country to build a GeoBarn for myself in the 'Great Northwest' (Washington). Having a garage on the ground floor, an open studio to live in on the second floor, and a cupola to ponder the world would be my perfect abode. All I might then be lacking is a firetruck. lol!

George said he is willing to go west. It is worth a call. I cant help with the firetruck...

 

[onemoretry]

ITS BACK!!!
I am so happy to see this post back at the top. The railing looks great!

The addition was just for you freak... Thanks for all the great comments.

 

[35mastr]

I just read the whole thread.That is a beautiful building that you have there.

Some very intersting construction also.

When I seen all that land that surrounds you then seeing the cupola.

The only thought that went thru my head was deer season.That would be the best deer stand right from home.

Keep the pics and the progress coming.

Does this George Guy travel anywhere to build these barns?Or does he just have a certain area that he covers?

 

[AP2TUDE]

Absolutely amazing. The whole organic feel of the barn is so different than anything you can achieve here in SoCal. The totally finished, unfinished look really gives it a ton of character.

 

[autoist]

How are you going to finish those stairs? Clear varnish?

 

[onemoretry]

I just read the whole thread.That is a beautiful building that you have there.

Some very intersting construction also.

When I seen all that land that surrounds you then seeing the cupola.

The only thought that went thru my head was deer season.That would be the best deer stand right from home.

Keep the pics and the progress coming.

Does this George Guy travel anywhere to build these barns?Or does he just have a certain area that he covers?

Thanks man, it has been a lot of fun. The pictures are a little deceptive though, I doubt there will be much hunting going on from the cupola, I doubt the neighbors would like it much...
George is willing to travel anywhere in the US and some international as well. Give him a call and post up when you build...

 

[onemoretry]

Absolutely amazing. The whole organic feel of the barn is so different than anything you can achieve here in SoCal. The totally finished, unfinished look really gives it a ton of character.

George would be willing to go to Cali, so you might be able to have the same look...
You state well the way I feel about the barns. We struggled with what type of buildings to put up that would do a service to our home, built in ~1790. I don't think we could have found a better option.

 

[onemoretry]

How are you going to finish those stairs? Clear varnish?

I don't know yet, any suggestions?

 

[Bull]

George must have seen that I posted in one of your threads about finishing the interior of my barn. He e-mailed me the next morning and said he could get the shiplap to me at cost.

That's the kind of guy you are dealing with when you choose a Geobarn. He's not just a builder. He's a friend. Might sound sappy, but it's true.

 

[3bay]

Awesome build, hats off to the workmanship involved in producing such a fine building.

 

[autoist]

No idea on how to finish them but Saturday I'm building a set using the basic design of yours - just different wood (smooth western cedar instead of mahogany); so, I'm open to suggestions also.

 

[onemoretry]

George must have seen that I posted in one of your threads about finishing the interior of my barn. He e-mailed me the next morning and said he could get the shiplap to me at cost.

That's the kind of guy you are dealing with when you choose a Geobarn. He's not just a builder. He's a friend. Might sound sappy, but it's true.

I am doing the same thing, and agree with your assessment of George.
thanks again Bull, your post is what helped me decide on a Geobarn.

 

[onemoretry]

No idea on how to finish them but Saturday I'm building a set using the basic design of yours - just different wood (smooth western cedar instead of mahogany); so, I'm open to suggestions also.

right now, I am leaning to clear finish, but I'll let you know and will likely post pictures.

 

[porschedude996TT]

Why doesn't my lumberyard have wood that nice? Great job on the build, your percision with the saw shows through.

 

[onemoretry]

Why doesn't my lumberyard have wood that nice? Great job on the build, your percision with the saw shows through.

I thought the same thing. I wish I could find lumber that nice. I spend half of my time looking through piles at the big box stores, and half of my time actually building something...

Not my precision, it was George's, though I did do some of the cutting, just nothing seen in the pictures...

 

[autoist]

Specialty wood stores - they had mahogany at about twice the price of the smooth western cedar I bought.

 

[patrick66]

That barn is simply beautiful. That'll look great with all of your tools, cars, and the fire truck inside! You've got a great set-up to host a great car get-together!

No lie, you have the nicest shop over anyone on this forum that I have seen, so far. And I doubt it'll be topped soon!

 

[Bull]

No lie, you have the nicest shop over anyone on this forum that I have seen, so far. And I doubt it'll be topped soon!

Damn, that is high praise given some of the structures on here!

Nice work, onemoretry!!

 

[patrick66]

That barn reminds me of the barn on my Uncle's property near Duluth, Minnesota, which was built in 1893. Magnificent structure!

 

[ptempera]

I would have to say that is one great building. I also live in Maryland and was looking at this site for different ways to build my garage and I have to say that I will be giving George Abetti a call to see if he can do something in my price range. What are great post.

Paul

 

[onemoretry]

Specialty wood stores - they had mahogany at about twice the price of the smooth western cedar I bought.

We have a pretty good wood store in town, but the price is just ridiculous. I built a trellis picnic table last year and wanted to do it in ceder, but for the raw lumber alone it would have been $900. I built it out of junk pine for $120 and figure I can burn it when it rots. I usually prefer to do things in quality once, but I just couldn't spend $900 on low grade cedar. If anyone in Maryland knows where to get decent lumber at a decent price, please speak up...

 

[onemoretry]

That barn is simply beautiful. That'll look great with all of your tools, cars, and the fire truck inside! You've got a great set-up to host a great car get-together!

No lie, you have the nicest shop over anyone on this forum that I have seen, so far. And I doubt it'll be topped soon!

Damn, that is high praise given some of the structures on here!

Nice work, onemoretry!!

Truly high praise. Although the buildings are truly beautiful, I can't compete with those that have done great things with the space inside, in terms of usefulness and creativeness. I hope to get to work in the shop soon to compete, but I haven't gotten any work done in the structures... The wife and I did go out this week to buy flooring for the upstairs of the garage, so we are in the right direction...
Thanks

 

[onemoretry]

That barn reminds me of the barn on my Uncle's property near Duluth, Minnesota, which was built in 1893. Magnificent structure!

That is exactly what I thought when I was searching for the right style of building. Our house, or at least part of it, was built in ~1790, so we wanted something that would be useful, but something that would also fit the property we are now stewards of, I think we did the right thing. It has been amazing how many people have stopped by to chat, or just slow down to stare. It has been a lot of fun...

 

[onemoretry]

I would have to say that is one great building. I also live in Maryland and was looking at this site for different ways to build my garage and I have to say that I will be giving George Abetti a call to see if he can do something in my price range. What are great post.

Paul

Paul,
Thanks, and please do give George a call. He, I am sure, would be willing to do another building in Maryland. If you are anywhere near Frederick, give me a shout and feel free to stop by.
As for cost, I think George will surprise you. I couldn't get a traditional stick built for what I have in these buildings, and the quality is worth a great deal more.

 

[onemoretry]

I thought I would post the thank you letter that I sent to George.

George,
I received a copy of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” this year for Christmas. Two of the main themes of this book are the search for the definition of “quality” and the value of embracing the process, not just the end product. This made me think quite a bit about the quality and process of building our two barns. It is almost impossible to universally define quality, but one can certainly recognize it when it is presented.
And what is good, Phædrus,
And what is not good...
Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?

The quality of the buildings is immediately apparent and has been commented on by everyone who has visited us since completion (and even during the build process). The additional details that are not immediately recognized deepen this quality experience; the drip edge, soffit details, and hand rails are perfect examples. Wanting to be conscientious stewards of our property that dates back to at least 1790, we are thrilled by the durability, construction and design of our Geobarn—all signs of the quality we had hoped for.
Although our overall experience with the build is very positive, our experience with the concrete work done prior to your arrival was not very encouraging. My wife and I were disappointed with the quality of work and dealing with the contractor in general. At this point in the building process we felt conflicted and grew more concerned. Our mood quickly changed as we got to know John, Ryan and later Dan. What a transformation! Here were craftsman who obviously enjoyed their work and took pride in creating a beautiful product. We were both excited to take part in the build process and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, even if we sometimes doubted our abilities as carpenters. When we were not able to be home, the daily updates allowed us to continue to feel a part of the build and were enjoyed by all whom we shared them with. We also valued the time spent with you and the crew and took great pleasure in our spirited discussions.
Although we expected to have quality buildings and to enjoy working in our completed barns, we did not necessarily realize how pleasurable the process would be. We had what could be considered a Zen experience with the Art of Barn Construction.

Thank you,
onemoretry

 

[onemoretry]

The trenching started today. I am running 200 amps in the barn, and 100 in the garage. I figured while we were at it, why not add some water, so we are burying line for dry hydrants for both buildings. The wire is obviously heavy gauge, and will be buried in conduit. The water will be about 1 foot deeper. Hopefully the plumbing inspection will go well tomorrow and I will have lights shortly. Sorry about the picture quality...

 

[Tman]

WOW! I am blown away by the artistry done with common lumber!

 

[onemoretry]

WOW! I am blown away by the artistry done with common lumber!

Isn't it amazing. Everything was built on site, with very little to no waste.

 

[onemoretry]

The water was finished today including inspection. I get better pressure at the barns than I get in the house. We added about a foot of backfill over the water line and added the conduit for electric. That should be inspected tomorrow and I should have light by this weekend.

 

[onemoretry]

So I know it has been awhile since I have updated. Sorry about that, but now that it is me doing all the work, it is going much slower...
The barn has been fantastic, and is already filled with junk as all good garages should be. I have added outside dry hydrants to each building and electric is done. I will post the barn (fire house) pictures here, and of course, the garage pictures will go in the other link.

Now for the pictures:

Water

Electric

And of course what I have been waiting for and the whole reason to do this project...
The fire truck is no longer in the yard.

 

[BrokeEF]

That is absolutely AMAZING craftsmanship. You are lucky to have two such beautiful buildings!!

Sean

 

[onemoretry]

Well all of the inspections are done. The insulation should be done in a couple of weeks depending on schedules and weather. I will update both builds with pics when the insulation is in.

 

[makgreens]

amazing build!

whats the info on the engine?