Above 1200 Sq/FT The Lab [Latvia]

[the lab]

Fantastic to check back in on this project and see the progress. Looks like you have been somewhat lucky with the weather so far - heavier snow could have really slowed your progress. Great to see the roof and footings done, you are in a great position to crack on with the inside when the time comes to focus on that.

Thanks! Yeah, I’ve definitely been lucky with the weather last fall, heavier snow would have made things a lot harder. Getting the roof and the footings done was a big milestone, so now at least the building is protected from above and below.

These photos were taken back in December (film takes time to develop ). Right now everything is under a blanket of snow, just waiting for warmer weather so I can carry on working on The Lab.

 

[the lab]

This is where The Lab stands right now. Rainwater pipes are installed, the foundation has been repaired, and water is now being drained away to the creek instead of sitting around the building. The water line is already run inside the house and ready to be connected to the hydrant when I’m ready. Same with the sewage line, it’s in place and waiting for final hookup.

I’m taking a short break over winter and will resume work once the weather improves. With a new roof and a fixed foundation, the walls should finally be able to dry out properly, which will make the next stages easier.

Not the flashy part of the project, but it’s the stuff that had to be done first.

 

[Mr onetwo]

not glamorous, but necessary. Enjoy your break from this project.I can't wait for you to pick it back up in the spring!

 

[littlebean]

counting down the days until you can start again, enjoy the project break

 

[the lab]

Not much happening during the winter, the Lab is in hibernation.

We’ve had a great winter with proper freezing temperatures and quite a bit of snow. With the foundation and roof now fixed, I’m hoping the cold has also helped draw some of the moisture out of the walls.

I’ve been slowly working with the architect on layout planning, dialing things in so we’re ready to move once the season turns. The plan is to resume the works soon.

In the meantime, here are a few film snaps from this winter.

 

[Steve V.]

It will be nice to see the progress once you start up again.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Great photos as usual. Can't wait for you to be able to pick back up again. A proper winter is not a bad thing in my opinion. We have had an old fashioned winter here in Maine also.

 

[the lab]

Great photos as usual. Can't wait for you to be able to pick back up again. A proper winter is not a bad thing in my opinion. We have had an old fashioned winter here in Maine also.

Love proper cold winters. We had a real one this year - freezing temps, plenty of snow. Even got out on the frozen lake with studded tires and spent an epic day just driving around. Nothing beats it.

 

[Mr onetwo]

brīnišķīgs!

 

[Luntz]

Sweet!

 

[CMB41]

Love proper cold winters. We had a real one this year - freezing temps, plenty of snow. Even got out on the frozen lake with studded tires and spent an epic day just driving around. Nothing beats it.

Any updates on the building?

 

[the lab]

Any updates on the building?

It's been a while since my last update, but I haven't disappeared.

Over the past few months I've been busy working with an architect, refining the exterior design and planning the interior layout. I deliberately decided not to continue with the rebuilding until I had a clear vision of what the finished project should look like. I felt it was important to know exactly where I was heading before investing more time and money into the project.

I'm now about 95% there with the planning. A construction company is already preparing quotes for the first phase of work, which will include some exterior renovations as well as removing and rebuilding a few interior walls.

If everything goes according to plan, I'm hoping to start posting actual construction progress again next month. It's been a long planning phase, but I think it'll be worth it in the end.

For now, here's the latest concept of how the building could look once it's finished.

 

[jeffcoll]

It's been a while since my last update, but I haven't disappeared.

Over the past few months I've been busy working with an architect, refining the exterior design and planning the interior layout. I deliberately decided not to continue with the rebuilding until I had a clear vision of what the finished project should look like. I felt it was important to know exactly where I was heading before investing more time and money into the project.

I'm now about 95% there with the planning. A construction company is already preparing quotes for the first phase of work, which will include some exterior renovations as well as removing and rebuilding a few interior walls.

If everything goes according to plan, I'm hoping to start posting actual construction progress again next month. It's been a long planning phase, but I think it'll be worth it in the end.

For now, here's the latest concept of how the building could look once it's finished.

That looks Fantastic!!

 

[Tynee]

Do you plan to live there when it is finished?

 

[littlebean]

looks really good, definitely a smart move being sure of what you want before you start - I must try and master that myself

 

[the lab]

Do you plan to live there when it is finished?

I'm not 100% sure if I'll ever live there full-time. The idea has always been to create a place where my family can disappear for the weekend, get away from the city, and have somewhere to bring everyone together.

The location is what really sold it for me. The building sits within a national park, so the adventure starts the moment you step outside. There are hiking and mountain bike trails all around, miles of dirt roads to explore on my motorcycle or in the Land Cruiser, and the ski resort is only about 3 km away.

The best part is it's only about an hour from Riga, so it's close enough to head there after work on a Friday and be sitting by the fire not long after. I reckon we'll end up spending a lot more time there than we originally planned.

For me, this project has never just been about renovating an old building. It's about building a basecamp - a place to slow down, wrench on old cars and bikes, listen to vinyl, have a beer with friends after a day on the trails and make memories with the family.

 

[Mr onetwo]

great design and a great plan...I envy you sir

 

[the lab]

Last year I got my motorcycle licence, and this spring I picked up my first bike - Yamaha XT500.

I have heard all the horror stories about the legendary "ankle breaker" kickstarter, but so far we've been getting along just fine. It usually fires up without too much drama.

At first I was seriously considering fitting an aftermarket electric starter, but the more I ride it, the more I actually enjoy the whole kickstarting process. It just feels like part of the bike's character and I think I'll be keeping it exactly as it is.

 

[the lab]

great design and a great plan...I envy you sir

I like how it looks on paper too. Now let's see how close we can get to the vision.

 

[littlebean]

For me, this project has never just been about renovating an old building. It's about building a basecamp - a place to slow down, wrench on old cars and bikes, listen to vinyl, have a beer with friends after a day on the trails and make memories with the family.

this covers every reason anyone needs to do anything