The Concrete Underground

[Tdoriot]

One thing about it, should you choose to, you could elect to be taken out of this place as a very old man, or perhaps feet first. This monument will out live you ! That's why I love this craft. Monuments to ourselves. EFIS is a four letter word in the pacific northwest. Most were not done correctly and allowed water intrusion. No big deal on concrete, fatal on wood structures. Your methodologies and understanding of hydrodynamic principals along with subs that have a long track record should yield a bulletproof end product. I do know one thing, if you had approached me with this job, or me approaching you for the same, neither of us could have afforded the other ! I can only imagine your hard costs. Not to mention the equipment you didn't have to rent because you own it. This place is a labor of love. You can't put a price tag on that. But I bet after its done you'll look back and relish every moment, but as a Monday morning quarterback, won't do it again !

PS, the big secret to EFIS as I'm sure you know is properly back wrapped openings, backer rod and a super good 1/2 +" caulk joint. ! Caulk joints and flashings were the killer out here!

 

[HOTFR8]

I've been trying to come up with a way to put some kind of personal imprint into the EIFS. I didn't even put a hand print in the concrete. This thread might be the only record of the crazy guy who built this thing.

It needs something. Even inside would be great on the garage wall.

Whilst making comments I'll add you are not crazy.

 

[LCG]

Wow. Tough crowd. Actually I noticed the same thing. Shouldn't be a problem since I'm running 4" PVC thru a 5" core hole. Should be enough give to allow the shroud to be installed plumb and level.

I knew it!

 

[Hottrod]

I continue to love everything about this build, and for what its worth, I think the grey looks awesome. The cutting of the channels to provide a break where the finish joins can be hidden was a great idea, and it also provides interest to the wall.

Given your attention to detail, that the grooves are perfectly straight and square is of no surprise, but this deserves mention!

Your continued detailing of the many processes involved in the project is so appreciated - apart from the fun in seeing such an awesome project come together, it's great to learn how it is all achieved!




I

 

[Wilbur]

I am really in awe. Thanks for educating me so thoroughly in your documentation and totally entertaining me as well! You have a beautiful location! Maine is my favorite state (Mom and Dad both from there and went to school in the (approximate) area of your build). Just an awesome building and thought process!! I love the color too! Now I will be like everyone else here holding my breath to see the next steps!

 

[Greg9504]

We're installing the clapboards in a rain screen configuration, which basically means they are set off the face of the building on furring strips. The resulting air space is ventilated top and bottom and allows the clapboards to dry out more quickly and (hopefully) extend the life of the paint.

Quick question, that look like OSB used for your furring strips, do you have any concerns? It doesn't seem like the right material for a rain screen. Just curious.
Thanks.

 

[hobbitss]

The dark stucco should help hide the deck guns on the roof.

Isn't that color called Imperial Grey when used on buildings with Gun emplacements??

Might be a new form of Camouflage...
Merges with the shadows and darkness especially during the Maine Winters..
We will have to wait and see if the building disappears when it is finished...

 

[hpw]

I've also got some carpenters working on the clapboards;


We're installing the clapboards in a rain screen configuration, which basically means they are set off the face of the building on furring strips. The resulting air space is ventilated top and bottom and allows the clapboards to dry out more quickly and (hopefully) extend the life of the paint.



We are trying to do a modern interpretation of an otherwise traditional material by minimizing the trim and mitering the corners.

Wondering if you should have at least used tar paper under the claps and over the osb?

 

[Simon.]

Wondering if you should have at least used tar paper under the claps and over the osb?

Yes I think you should use a small flap of polythene, Tyvek or tar paper behind vertical joints in the boards. Not against the OSB but directly behind the joint between the boards, just to direct the water back out.

In your case you would need a folded piece on the corner behind every board plus any **** joints in the boarding if you have them.

I have to admit I didn't do this on my boarding as I only noticed it mentioned in the spec some time after, although I didn't have mitred corners which being in a vertical line would potentially let in more water.

 

[fastjohnny]

Quick question, that look like OSB used for your furring strips, do you have any concerns? It doesn't seem like the right material for a rain screen. Just curious.
Thanks.

I think it may be more like advantec (sp) which is different from regular OSB.

 

[gowings]

I agree done a a few of those jobs including Hardie Plank and we always put tar paper behind the seams and any corners for gab appearance mainly. Even though we had Tyvek on the walls.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Isn't that color called Imperial Grey when used on buildings with Gun emplacements??

Might be a new form of Camouflage...
Merges with the shadows and darkness especially during the Maine Winters..
We will have to wait and see if the building disappears when it is finished...

I'm sure it's something similar to the special coatings used on Stealth fighters to absorb radar. There's also no doubt that there are hidden panels to roll out in the winter to break up the hard line images during the winter snow fall.


Seriously, I can't imagine how impressive this place will look in the Spring with the leaves just starting to bud and people passing by on the river. It's going to be a site to see.

 

[jimmie jam]

I'm "old school" about modern structures being white but in your setting the dark color w/black framing is going to be stunning. I'm totally impressed with your progress and results!

 

[Thedoc14]

LL that Grey looks great, cant wait to see the windows in then you are pretty much locked up from the weather..

 

[Dusty-NZ]

I've followed your build since early days , it's always been a delight to see the pedantic attention to detail and the skill in execution, that you have shared during this build.
I have never been qualified to comment on any of it , but now you ask for opinions on the color .......... I love everything about the house except the depressing grey.

sorry

I think if you wanted to merge the structure with the environment , then an autumn color would have worked well.

no offense intended

 

[Audicon]

I've followed your build since early days , it's always been a delight to see the pedantic attention to detail and the skill in execution, that you have shared during this build.
I have never been qualified to comment on any of it , but now you ask for opinions on the color .......... I love everything about the house except the depressing grey.

sorry

I think if you wanted to merge the structure with the environment , then an autumn color would have worked well.

no offense intended

You will have to look at it as a whole and reserve judgement until you have the full picture.

I think with the style, architecture, and location in combination with the clapboards, it is going to look amazing.

 

[ConCretin]

If it looks like the guys are applying base coat over the color coat, it's because they are. When they applied the color the afternoon before, the sun caused the top coat to set up too quickly and they didn't get a good finish. They took it upon them themselves to re-coat a couple panels to get a finish they were happy with. It's really nice to deal with pro's.



Here's the finished product;



They've also finished applying the 1 1/2" foam to the balance of the structure. The place finally looks like the model - for a few days at least



Here's the end of the second floor, ready for scrubbing and grooves



Meanwhile, clapboards on the rear of the kitchen are up and ready for the final coat of paint.



They are making there way around towards the front



The Master Bedroom cantilever is starting to take shape as well



Here's a shot of the slot we're leaving at the top of the rain screen to facilitate air movement behind the clapboards. It will be covered by gutter or flashing depending on the location.



This is the material we're using between the furring strips at the bottom to allow air movement but keep the critters out



Also finishing up the metal framing. Here's the second floor of the house. The ceiling is strapped and the upstairs bathroom is framed up. There are no other walls on this level. The space is divided by free standing book cases that act as room dividers, which are similar to the kitchen 'pods'



Next up is roofing, which is scheduled for Monday. Then we'll finally be watertight.....well except for windows. No firm delivery date yet but there are promising signs they are not too far out.

 

[ConCretin]

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone!

I do know one thing, if you had approached me with this job, or me approaching you for the same, neither of us could have afforded the other.

PS, the big secret to EFIS as I'm sure you know is properly back wrapped openings, backer rod and a super good 1/2 +" caulk joint. ! Caulk joints and flashings were the killer out here!

Your first comment is soooo true. I also appreciate your excellent advice on the EIFS. We've been very careful to ensure all the EIFS openings are properly wrapped or returned to keep water out. The doors and windows are more dependent on caulking then a typical residential window but I've been careful to ensure the joints are properly sized. Time will tell.

Quick question, that look like OSB used for your furring strips, do you have any concerns? It doesn't seem like the right material for a rain screen. Just curious.

As was mentioned in a subsequent post, it's actually Advantech, which is pretty water resistant. I debated whether to cover it with something but opted not to. There should be little or no actual water behind the clap boards and any moisture that gets in should dry quickly due to constant air movement up the chases between the furring. The structure is obviously impervious to water so the Advantech is the only part of the system susceptible to water damage. I'll let you know in 5 or 10 years if I'm right.

I love everything about the house except the depressing grey.

sorry

I think if you wanted to merge the structure with the environment , then an autumn color would have worked well.

no offense intended

None taken Dusty. Color is always going to be subject to individual taste. For what it's worth, in real life the color is actually more a deep brown than grey.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Every time I check into this thread, I think about this . . .

Plans are for an all concrete home with attached garage and shop. The walls, floors and roof are ICF with a lot of exposed architectural concrete including the fireplace/chimney. It's a modern design with flat roofs, lots of glass, rain screen siding, etc.

I chuckled then but I'm amazed now.

 

[BeachBoy]

this build never ceases to amaze me.

I personally don't like the clapboard as for me it's not aesthetically appealing (especially when you have the gaps around the openings trim (like on this picture: http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o545/fdnewman/DSCN2689_zpscf6cdd52.jpg).

Is there a reason you did not go with foam all around and chose to have clapboard on the rear/side walls?

 

[Bob Heine]

I like the clapboards on the back and sides of the house. I see it as an homage to traditional New England construction on a very non-traditional home. I also noticed the stucco color being a nice match and contrast to the trees in the background:

 

[Cmoreth]

Wow this is truly an inspiration for me I love this kind of architecture and it has been a pleasure to read and look at. I am new to the fourm and this was the first thing i read and posted on. My parents built their own house (Polysteel build) and it was crazy all the details that went into that build I can only imagine this one.

I love the updates and all the pictures and can't wait to see the finished product....well done Sir LL

 

[Justanoldguy]

I personally don't like the clapboard as for me it's not aesthetically appealing (especially when you have the gaps around the openings trim (like on this picture: http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o545/fdnewman/DSCN2689_zpscf6cdd52.jpg).

Not sure how you do it in the USA, but in NZ we use a scriber down the sides.
See left example in pic.

 

[BeachBoy]

Not sure how you do it in the USA, but in NZ we use a scriber down the sides.
See left example in pic.

I've never seen it but I'm not in the construction industry.

It looks MUCH better with this type of trim, but then it makes yet another trim piece. Modern houses have the least possible trim normally (like no base boards on the wall, sometimes no door frames, etc)

 

[LCG]

This will be the money shot when the house is finished.

http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/fdnewman/media/DSCN2701_zpscfae2545.jpg.html

I love the grey too.

 

[Tdoriot]

Very impressive crew you have there. As important as the fit and finish of each successive phase is, it's complimented by the neatness of your job site. It seems like a small thing, but in 30 years In the custom home business, ive noticed that job site organization dovetails with craftsmanship. Your operation is a inspiration. Give the crew kudos ! Wish you were in Vancouver Wa !
Great progress. Glad to hear fenestration is ahead of schedule ! Keep up the stunning craftsmanship

 

[DirtyDieselHawk]

Are there any photos on the finished product of this build? Very interested in seeing how it all came together and is still holding up. Very creative and expensive, but definitely a one of a kind. Great job.

 

[Jimbo..]

DirtyDieselHawk, not to speak for LLWillysfan but these are almost real-time photos. So what you are seeing above is pretty much the current state of this build. So I imagine it's all holding up great!

 

[Simon.]

Regarding the trim, "less is more".



..... and another one of his, "God is in the details".

 

[zporta]

Wow man, she's coming together now!

 

[Mr. Welsh]

I think you're confusing people by saying modern when what you mean is contemporary. Either way, the argument is irrelevant to this build.

 

[Woogeroo]

Hmn... can you fellas take yer ******* contest to another thread?

The rest of us are just here to see The Concrete Underground.

Thanks.

-W

 

[BeachBoy]

I agree. LL post an update!!!

 

[enginewizard1969]

hadn't been on this thread for a little while wow what a difference looking good can't wait to see the windows in I think that will change the look a lot (won't leave it so long before checking in on this build)

 

[ConCretin]

I almost never post on the thread unless I have an update for you but my laptop is sitting at the Cleveland TSA and I have a malfunctioning camera. I hope to recover the laptop shortly and am shopping for a new camera but in the meantime work is progressing nicely.

By way of a brief (and picture-less) update, the EIFS is almost complete, the roof is going on and windows ship a week from Friday - ahead of schedule if you can believe it. The heating guy and electrician are ready to start. if i can find my damn plumber we'll be set to knock out the rough-in.

The kitchen cabinets are being built in soon-to-be-snowy Canada and the flooring is being quarried somewhere in Turkey.

The place is really coming together and I'm looking forward to providing a proper update. Bear with me.

PS; i'm glad Justanoldguy and Beachboy settled their differences - but then again GJ'ers always do. Cheers everyone.

 

[Chem1]

Great news! I just love it when a plan comes together!

 

[bdkw1]

the flooring is being quarried somewhere in Turkey.

Seriously?

Granite? Marble? Something I've never heard of?

If you went with number three it's OK, I did too.........

 

[cderalow]

Seriously?

Granite? Marble? Something I've never heard of?

If you went with number three it's OK, I did too.........

Turkey is big on Marbles and Travertine, typically tan/white travertines and white/red/black marbles.

 

[granada don]

My Fav is the translucent black granite that has the little gold flakes, very classy looking stone !!

G Don

 

[eatpasta]

just got through reading through (most) of the thread all week and this is a pretty incredible project!!

I feel for you with the financial woes and being so close to having your dream home, and yet so far. Im cheerin' for ya!



also whats fascinating to me is that no two people on this board would do the same thing on that piece of land, you just have to do what make you happy and to hell with everyone else!!