solar energy

Keith inspects one of the photo-voltaic panels that will (we hope) be providing some of our electricity.
While I was up on the scaffolding, I thought I would take a picture of Denford from a different angle:
This is Ian, installing one of the solar thermal panels that will (we also hope) be providing some of our hot water:

Ably assisted by Steve:

And here are the festoons of electric cable being installed by Mick, Paul & Lloyd

The roof

Chris & Richard begin the tiling

Mike (roofer) helps to unload the photo-voltaic cell panels with Tim from Solar Partner. They will go on the SW roof, 14 panels in all.

Meanwhile inside the house, Steve from Ian Young plumbing is installing the underfloor central heating from Nu-heat. Many thanks to Steve who has accepted deliveries for us, and been a general advisor & supporter as we begin our phase of working on the house.

Keith creates a frame for the heat recovery ducting:



I have spent my time being carpenter's labourer, site manager & finance controller (of sorts, being better at the finance than the control)
Next week, work begins on the electricity connections.

windows

Our main computer has been down, so we are a bit late with the pictures of the windows - all put in by John & his team at Palladio, last week:

This is the view from inside, of the large folding doors that cover most of the living room wall:

We then spent some time completely covering them in protective film so that they are not spoiled by mortar or other debris from the roof & bricks. We think that it now looks like some sort of modern art installation:

I have also had my first experience on this house of being the carpenter's labourer, and my drill holes and counter-sunk screws will be hidden inside the airing cupboard so they will not be on display.

The tiles begin to go on today.

the roof

The roof is now felted & battened.

Here is the next 3 weeks' worth of jobs:
Windows & doors to be fitted (thanks to John& Leslie at Palladio)
Soffits & fascia boards (Lee & the gang will be back)
Tiling
Brickwork

Also during that time, Andy & the digger will be back to install the rainwater harvesting tank.

Thanks are due at the moment to Richard & Lou at Accent Lighting in Daventry for all their help in planning our lighting.

Completion of frame

View from the attic:
View from the back garden:
Jacky looking out of the bedroom window:

Potton have now finished their part of the build. The roof trusses are are in place. The next step is installing the roof & windows, starting, we hope, next week.

the roof trusses go up

Bradley arrives with the roof trusses


They are craned into place





Nearly done

more pictures

The back of the house, from the opposite side of the brook:

Duncan, Katie & Keith, looking out nof the bedroom window: