2010 is our year to finish our Cabin Complex
Renovation Project that began in earnest last April (see 2009
Monthly Archive). These additions, when complete, will transform our property into a
fully-functioning, year-round, business event and agri-tourism destination. More
details to follow. . . (continue to check back each month and see our progress reports)
[Progress Photos below taken
January 31,
2010]
  çA
rare site in North Carolina: 8-10" of snow. January has continued to be
challenging. It has been difficult to stay on schedule.
èThe
Photo to the right shows
the Shed Building in front of the Cabin
where I have removed a rotted floor (8'x14') and have begun forming and
leveling the interior so that a concrete slab can be cast. The siding boards
have been temporarily removed to facilitate access. This space will house
refrigeration equipment and provide work and storage space.
We have
finally located the Septic Drain field Distribution Box in the front pasture
(installed in 2001). The Franklin County Health Department must see the Septic
Pump running and discharging into the drain field to pass final inspection. Once
we complete this step, we can finally proceed backfilling and landscaping around
the Cabin.
Additional
work has been performed on the Rustic Bread Oven - supplies to form the oven
slab and insulate the exposed building logs have been procured; flashing has
been added on the roof; and 2" thick rough cut oak planks have been secured that
will serve as the wall Counter Top.
Additional
clearing of the wooded area surrounding the Cabin has been performed. Our annual
Conservation easement inspection by Tar River Land Conservancy has been
completed. The stone step near the septic tanks has been completed.
Progress Photos below taken February 28, 2010
 çThe
photo on the left is of a landscape plan prepared onsite by Triad Land Art, Inc.
(Earth Graphics) on February 3, 2010 detailing the parking, wall seating,
drainage and plant materials that are still needed.
Tim Hanauer prepared an overall farm plan
for us when we purchased the property in 1997. We asked him to return and
provide us with more detail for the Cabin complex area.
His ideas have improved upon our vision for
the future use and adaptability of our farm property. We would highly recommend
that such an expert be retained for their professional advice.
 Now
that our septic tank inspection (pump test) is complete (February 23, 2010), we
can now begin to implement our grading and landscape plan.
èThe photo to the right shows 10 cubic yards
of course rock screening fill material that will be used to begin grading areas
adjacent to the Cabin.
Weather during the month of February has
once again curtailed our ability to make significant progress. We are about to
complete a comprehensive review of our farm insurance policies (long overdue).
Much site debris was removed to the county landfill. Other needed supplies have
been stockpiled. When the weather breaks, we will be poised to make significant
progress.
We have received questions about our
Italian Rustic Pizza/Bread Oven plans. We are building a custom Italian "forno"
or masonry beehive-like, hardwood-fired oven with over a 4-foot inside
diameter. We will be baking artisan breads, pizza and roasts. Temperatures up to
800-deg-F can be attained. More to follow - stay tuned.
Progress Photos below taken
March 31, 2010
 çThe
weather has finally improved enough to begin landscaping. Notice that all of the
underground conduits are finally hidden below the course rock dust fill. An
additional 10 cubic yards of fill was delivered onsite. Although this is just
"rough" grading - it's certainly a welcome site improvement.
èA view from
the other side of the basement-level patio. The septic tanks are now hidden
underground. Stone steps remain to be positioned to provide walking trail access
from the patio to Lynch Creek in the ravine.
êAnother view
of the Wood-fired Oven patio area in front of the Cabin. Only a portion of the
patio has been rough graded near the oven counter wall. Concrete footings for
Stone Seating Walls that define the Patio remain to be dug, formed and cast. The
outdoor Fireplace will also double as a serving surface when not in use.
 èThe
drainage pipe in the parking area adjacent to the Cabin has been set in place.
Additional fill, grading, compaction and seeding remain to be completed however.
Fill over the pipe will create a swale to divert surface water from the
pasture away from the parking area. The combined effects of several drainage
initiatives we are taking should stop our driveway from being "rutted" when we
have torrential downpours. Hopefully all our thought, design and initiatives
will solve "the" erosion problem that has existed since we purchased the
property in 1997.
çWe have staged boulders
that will be used to help terrace the Cabin's southern face so that the HVAC
equipment and retaining walls will not be noticeable. A winding walkway will be
created to link the basement Patio to the main ground-level of the Cabin
Complex.
 èIntricate,
elevated concrete formwork has been completed that will serve as the Wood-fired
Oven "table". Insulating concrete and fire-bricks will be layered on top once
the 3-1/2" reinforced concrete slab has cured. Notice the fireproof insulation
along the existing Shed log wall.. This will add a layer of additional
protection once the "forno" or "beehive" dome oven is complete. External
temperatures on the masonry dome should not exceed 100-deg-F.
 ç
Sand has been added to fill and level the Shed concrete floor slab that will be cast.
Mesh-wire reinforcement must still be placed.
This slab,
the oven slab and the stone wall footings will be cast at the same time in
April.
Now that the weather has begun to improve,
progress with the remaining outdoor work should accelerate. Estimates are being
secured to complete the indoor plumbing and electrical work.
We are behind schedule, but given the
challenges posed by the wet and cold winter weather we have experienced this
year, we still are optimistic that we can complete construction in 2010.
Progress Photos below taken
April 30, 2010
 çWe
poured 2-1/2 cubic yards of 4000# concrete this month: the raised structural slab for
the Oven shown on the left; the 8'x15' slab on the interior of the adjoining
Shed building; 30' of seating wall footings at the lower Cabin Patio; and in the
back pasture Barn we extended a cattle chute to our Head Gate.
èWe moved
boulders, topsoil, and installed timber steps to complete the landscaping of the
southern side of the Cabin. Natural plantings will be installed next month. This
provides a walking trail to the lower level and will "hide" the HVAC equipment
that will be installed this fall.
 ç
This photo (Kerry walking up) was taken from the Cabin back porch looking down
to show the completed (but not yet planted) walkway from the basement-level
patio towards Lynch Creek.
 èOver
100 cubic yards of fill has been rough graded in the Parking Area along the front
pasture opposite the Cabin. The 12" drain pipe has been covered to establish a berm facing the Front Pasture. The combined effect of this will divert surface
water from both above the Parking Area and from the Front Pasture to keep the
eventually grassed parking area firm. More fill and topsoil is still needed.
Hopefully this area will be finished graded and seeded next month.
ç
This photo looking down on the spring-fed stream under our
Driveway Entrance shows the clearing and debris removal we have completed from
the Cabin Complex area all the way to Rocky Ford Road. We are creating a Walking
Trail from the Driveway Entrance to the Lynch Creek streamside of the Cabin.
There are two features of note along this trail: a Stone Wall corner protecting
a Natural Spring, and a Spring House foundation once used for cooling butter, milk
and other edible foods.
A tremendous amount of work has been
completed in April. The weather has begun to cooperate. Next month we expect to
complete: the outside landscaping of the Cabin (front and north side); the
Parking area grading and seeding; the footings for over 70' of additional
seating walls. Stone seating wall construction may also begin. We hope to move
construction of our Brick Oven along: cast the insulating concrete atop the
structural slab shown in the photo above; remove all temporary supporting
formwork; and begin laying fire brick (floor and circular courses) for the
Oven. We expect to complete the installation of the rough oak patio Serving
Counter. We are awaiting plumbing and electrical estimates for the Cabin
Interior.
We hope to have our outdoor dining area
fully functional by September (if not sooner). The Cabin interior completion is
still targeted for year-end. Check back next month and see the progress
we have made. More details and photos to follow.
Progress Photos below taken
May 31, 2010
 çThe
4" insulating concrete (vermiculite and portland cement mixture) has been poured
and cured for the Oven. The formwork has been removed, and as you can see the
Oven firebrick floor has been dry-fitted. Notice the completed Oak Countertop in the
foreground.
èThe photo to
the right shows a custom tool made to precisely lay circular courses of brick.
The inside Oven diameter is 56". Notice the herringbone pattern used for the
Oven floor.
çLandscaping
of the southern face of the Cabin is near completion - ferns, rhododendron and
black pine - have been selected. Compost and soil were mixed and placed to set
the final surface elevations.
 èA
30' stone-faced seating/retaining wall has been constructed at the basement
level on the north face of the Cabin. Landscaping is near completion. The 24"
height will comfortably allow it to be used as a seating wall that overlooks
Lynch Creek below.
êThe main
Patio area is taking shape with the completion of 50' of stone seating wall with
a typical height of 18" when final graded with accompanying landscaping. See the
adjacent photo to see a close-up of the wall detail.
çMuch progress has been made in May with the
completion of the seating walls and addition of landscape materials.è
Significant progress will be made on the
Oven construction in June.
Additionally this month, all outside
caulking of the Cabin windows was completed, together with the installation of
fascia boards at the Cabin roof. The second floor interior roofline was sealed
along the perimeter in readiness for insulation work once the plumbing and
electrical work in completed. Significant soil and mulch was moved in place
around the Cabin foundation and behind all of the new stone walls. It seems
certain that the exterior spaces will be completed and fully functional in
September. b.t.w. Bridge construction commenced on June 1st - Rocky Ford Road is now
closed - access to Lynch Creek Farm is only coming east from Bobbitt on Rocky
Ford Road - we have been informed that the bridge will be completed by September
1st (hopefully). Stay tuned for monthly updates until we complete this project.
Progress
Photos below taken June 30, 2010
  Picture
(ç) from the Cabin front porch of the upper Patio. Picture (è) from the
Cabin back porch of the transition to the lower Patio.
Much landscaping work has been completed -
backfilling walls, grading, steps, leveling, walkways and placing plant
materials. Watering during June has been daily due to the lack of rainfall and
high temperatures.
 çThe
stainless steel CharBroil Grill and commercial, refrigerated Prep-Table -
together with the traditional outdoor Fireplace and rustic wood-fired Brick
Oven- provides a flexible range of possible outdoor food services - from small
groups gatherings to large events. Brick Oven construction continues and is
targeted for completion in September.
 èAdditional
fill materials have been stockpiled for pathway and step leveling and parking
area refinement. As shown, the large, lower Patio area is beginning to take
final shape.
çThe Shed building doorway is being enlarged
and siding boards will cover the logs to "waterproof" the interior storage area.
 èParking
area final grading continues. Notice the stone alignment edge that resets the
drainage grade of the existing driveway. The Parking area to the left will be
seeded early in the fall.
 çSeveral
large Holly bushes and a large new soil berm is being added at the entrance
drive to "soften" the approach and provide additional seclusion of the Cabin
Complex.
The month of June (despite being the hot-est
and dry-est on record) was very productive. Due to the shade in the Cabin area
outside work progressed steadily. The final "look" of the area is taking form.
Progress at times seems slow, but the photo-history of the project has
documented the incremental nature of the work. Our vision and plan for the outdoor space
is finally being realized. We are anxious to get it done.
F.Y.I. The Cabin complex will also serve as the
"home" for the Ben Franklin
Society of Franklin County (which Bob initiated in 2008) and which is now a
qualified, 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation dedicated to fostering "Independent
and Collaborative Research on matters of importance to Franklin County, NC"
Stayed tuned each month as we approach
completion this year.
Progress Photos below taken
July 31, 2010
 çThe
weather in July was again unbearable. Significant effort was expended to
adequately water the landscaping materials we have planted. Not surprisingly,
we cannot water 3-4 hours per day off of our Cabin well; consequently, we had to
run a 500-ft "emergency" line from our Pump House that draws water directly from
Lynch Creek. We will install spray and drip heads for the Cabin planting
areas ASAP.
The Shed door has been enlarged and siding
boards added to "waterproof" the interior storage space. This construction
technique will be used to "cover" logs near the Wood-fired Oven and for the
Smokehouse building.
 èSelections
have been made for the Wood-fired Oven facade - roughly 6' x 8' - of
natural slate with an irregular stone reveal as shown. Oven construction
continues with completion scheduled for mid-September. Simpson Dura-Vent,
twin-wall, stainless, chimney flue parts were purchased - Anchor Plate and
Chimney Cap (with spark arrester) - for handling the Oven exhaust. Weathered, siding
boards are stock-piled in the Shed - everything needed to complete the exterior
when the Oven is completed, cured, and fired at operating temperature.
 çCabin
plumbing rough-in work is proceeding nicely. The Water Heater, whole-house
Filter, hot and cold water and drains are in place. The photo shows the
basement-level Bathroom - with Toilet, Sink and Walk-in, tile Shower. The main
Cabin level has a Kitchen and the top floor has another similar Bathroom. Final
kitchen design work is underway. Electrical and insulation work follows.
 èThe
steel beams in the foreground were salvaged from the Rocky Ford Road Bridge
demolition for use to underpin and raise the Smokehouse log building in
the background. A new foundation must be built to level and stabilize the
structure. This work as been deferred until 2011.
Most effort this month has been to
survive the drought and heat. July was the second hottest on record. It is
expected that steady progress will be made during August.
We hope to have an Open House Event
late-September - to celebrate completion of the Outdoor Dining Area, the opening
of the new Rocky Ford Road Bridge, promotion of the Ben Franklin Society and
details about the BreadWorks
- stay tuned for details in our August progress posting.
Progress Photos below taken
August 31, 2010
  çOven
construction slowed somewhat during August to accommodate the need for a better
approach to building the Oven arched entrance intersection with the Oven dome
and exhaust flue(complicated geometry). From the photo to the left you can see
both formwork for a high-temperature concrete pour and a laminated-flue lintel
beam with recessed edge that seals the metal Oven metal door (not shown). A
high-temp concrete exhaust flue must be cast later to transition from the
rectangular opening (shown) in the top metal formwork to a circular 8" Duravent
flue (not shown). The entranceway will be cast shortly; the Oven dome firebrick
will be set next; then the concrete flue transition last.
èScaffolding was erected alongside
the Cabin chimney to permit: (1) an HDTV Antenna to be installed (with grounding
wire); (2) to accomodate a Wi-Ex cell phone booster antenna; and (3) to permit
final stone pointing of the "chase" along the chimney to be completed. The "long
range" antenna with rotor will pickup all free OTA (Over-the-Air) HDTV available
frequencies. The cell phone booster will create a "cell reception/transmission
zone" inside the Cabin that supports all carriers and simultaneous users. This
is required to provide reliable cell service for our business meeting clients.
  çAn
additional transition step was added near the Outdoor Oven to control walkway
erosion when its rains heavily.
èA new boulder wall was constructed
(yet to be final graded) with appropriate drainage). This area is contiguous
with the lower level patio, and will form a level overflow patio area
capable of accomodating a 20'x20' party tent (if needed).
 çTwo
large, additional terraced patio areas have been created to the right of the
Cabin. These areas can provide additional outdoor seating for dining and music
listening purposes.
The outdoor landscaping is near
completion. Only low voltage lighting fixtures remain to be installed. The
Driveway and parking area will be final graded shortly.
While we will continue to add plant
materials in the Fall, the overall terrain contouring is finally complete -
quite a task given the slopes that surround the Cabin itself. Come see for
yourself!
Additional interior rough-in plumbing
has been completed and is nearly finished. Electrical rough-in begins in
September.
Our planned Labor Day celebration event
has been delayed because the Rocky Ford Road Bridge
completion is not expected until later in September. Stay tuned for our party
details, once we are confident of a bridge re-opening date.
For More Information Contact:
LYNCH CREEK
1973 Rocky Ford Road, Kittrell, NC 27544
Tel: 252-492-2600
Internet:
bob@lynchcreek.com
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