Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

Kyle log

2014-04-19T12:55:30Z

Kyle Ritchie:

=Saturday, April 19=

=Friday, April 18=

Chris ([[Chris Log]]) picked me up from the Cameron Greyhound station at 8:50, and we made our way straight to the FabLab.

Introductions to new visitors - getting workshop cleaned up for Microhouse roof modules.

'''Microhouse 2 Foundation Work'''

List of duties completed

1) Removal of horizontal foundation framing members (use crowbar,scrap 2X4 for leverage, sawzall & jigsaw when needed)

2) Cut/flush threaded 3/8" bolts from foundation

3) Check level

[[File:2014-04-18 13.33.48.jpg|350px]]

Removal of horizontal foundation framing with primarily crowbar. Under certain conditions, mostly in corner areas, or areas of overlapping, other methods of removal are used such as the use of a sawzall or the use of a wedge to split the board in half - allowing for the rebar to slide out of the edge.

[[File:Crowbar.jpg|350px]] [[File:sawzall.jpg|350px]] [[File:wedge.jpg|350px]]

After removing all the horizontal support frames, the 3/8" bolts, used to secure the supports, need to be removed and smoothed with a grinder.

[[File:8grinder.jpg|350px]]

After all support structure has been removed, and all 3/8" bolts have been removed, cross-measurements are taken to ensure the foundation is square. After measuring two diagonals, the following measurements resulted:

1st angle measurement: 238 1/4"

2nd angle measurement: 236 7/8"

[[File:measuring.jpg|350px]]

[[Chris Log]] will discuss how a 'target' measurement will be achieved by the end of construction:

'''Target measurement:''' 237 1/2"

=Thursday, April 17=
I am leaving tonight for [[Factor E Farm]] for the Microhouse Workshop.

'''My schedule for reference'''

Greyhound bus from Indianapolis, IN to Cameron, MO 4/17/14
*from Indianapolis - 10:15 p.m.
*from St. Louis - 3:10 a.m.
*from Kansas City - 8:00 a.m.
*arrive at Cameron - 8:50 a.m.

Greyhound bus from Cameron, MO to Indianapolis, IN 4/23/14
*from Cameron - 6:20 a.m.
*from Kansas City - 8:25 a.m.
*arrive at Indianapolis - 7:45 p.m.

=Thursday, March 13=

Last workday at OSE - finishing up at micro house and FabLab

=Wednesday, March 12=

Further plastering to be done at the Micro house. When making many batches of plaster (gypsum/perlite & water), try to obtain a consistency similar to peanut butter. Another note: Don't be afraid to put a thick layer of plaster on - 1/4" or so. My first assumption was that I would just need to scrape the trowel against the wall as I applied the plaster in a thin layer, just to fill all the crevices. But applying a thicker layer allows for flatter surfaces with less cracks.

Before applying a second layer, lightly spray the first coat with water to ensure an appropriate bonding.

Partial wall - earth brick/chicken wire/gypsolite

[[File:Plaster.jpg|350px]]

=Tuesday, March 11=

Plaster work was done at the Micro house. I learned how to mix the gypsum/perlite with water to make plaster at a proper consistency. Prior to plaster, chicken wire was secured to the earth brick walls with staples and nails.

White wash was applied to the exterior of the FabLab. Prior to the application, mud was applied to smooth the exterior surface. We had issues with the mixture cracking on the second batch of mix and a test was done to determine what criteria of the mix were most crucial.
It was discovered that a water spray was necessary to ensure the white wash would stick to the original wall. Making sure the mixture was thin enough and applied with a proper brush is critical for proper its quality.

=Monday, March 10=
HabLab design works
The design team of our group considered the placement of both the front deck of the FabLab, as well as the gravel road to lead from the front entrance by the workshop to the FabLab. There is an existing road from the main road to the FabLab, however Marcin has requested an alternative solution.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the existing road:
The benefits of keeping the existing road to the FabLab would be easy access for deliveries and other accessibility situations. The negatives of keeping the existing road are unwanted visitors and safety concerns.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the extension of the main entrance to the FabLab:
The benefits of extending the main road would be the ability to remove the path from the main road to the FabLab completely. The negatives of extending the existing road to the FabLab would be extra costs in terms of material costs, and the cost of removing and replacing the water line that would interfere with the gravel path extension. There would be grading issues that would need to be resolved for truck access. The FabLab roof also would obstruct access.

*Solution/result
The path from the main road to the FabLab will be removed and the extra space will be used for agricultural production. The existing road well be extended towards the FabLab, but will not be extended to it. Any deliveries well be unloaded before the culvert and transported to the FabLab by dolly truck or other means.

Designs for the summer camp were considered for further use of the hexiyurt as a pavilion for campers.

=Sunday, March 9=

[[OSE Microhouse]]

*Critically considering alternative framing process than enables both earth-brick stacking and continuous roof framing simultaneous - while ensuring
1) Safety of all workers

2) Quality of roof

3) Speed of construction

MicroHouse April 2014 Workshop

2014-04-19T01:50:55Z

Kyle Ritchie: /* List of Participants' Logs */

=Dates=
Friday, April 18, 2014 at 6:30 PM - Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 6:30 PM (MDT)
Maysville, MO

=List of Participants' Logs=
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Max_Log Max Log]
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Matthew_Andrews_Log Matthew Andrews Log]
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Loftward_Log Loftward Log]
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Colten_Jackson_Log Colten Jackson Log]
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Naiomi_log Naiomi_log]
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Tyler_Log Tyler Ross Log]
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Cody_Log Cody Harrison Log]
* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Kyle_log Kyle Ritchie Log]

=Helpful Links=
* [http://opensourceecology.dozuki.com/c/Microhouse_v2 MicroHouse 2 Dozuki Guides]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArNBTd6xfT7MdE5TUnozdXNuMEc5NXpCdThuZWRzdHc&usp=drive_web&pli=1#gid=1 MicroHouse 2 Development Board]
* [https://docs.google.com/a/opensourceecology.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArNBTd6xfT7MdDFRUnh1VUNOWjhXWDNySXQwUC1kSlE#gid=0 MicroHouse 2 BOM]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArNBTd6xfT7MdGhhRVdVeVR0UHp3c25pZThqOTVUcWc#gid=0 MicroHouse 2 Cut List]

=Overview=
This 5-day workshop empowers participants to create their own MicroHouse through hands-on, experiential training reinforced by conceptual learning in basic sustainable design. The central activity of the workshop is the construction of a MicroHouse shell using open source equipment including a tractor, soil pulverizer, and brick press. Extreme manufacturing concepts of parallel processing and prefabrication are applied to achieve rapid on-site assembly. Philosophy of open source development is also emphasized, and the participants become more than just builders, they become active collaborators in the MicroHouse evolution.

A weekender option exists for those interested in getting an introduction to the ideas of open development and sustainable design but do not have the time for the full, immersive experience.

=Learning Outcomes=
* Design
** fundamentals of passive solar design and natural ventilation
** building envelope basics and importance of detailing
** understanding of thermal mass and insulation in relation to performance
** open source development philosophy
** hand-sketching basics

* Construction
** understanding and applied safe use of basic construction tools
** CEB construction techniques
** basic framing methods
** installation of doors and windows
** basics of electrical work
** parallel processing for rapid building

* Documentation
** using Trovebox and Dozuki for instruction manual creation
** using and adding to the Development Board
** Sketchup basics

=Typical Daily Schedule=
* 8:00am Breakfast
* 8:45am Morning Meeting
* 9:30am Build Session
* 12:30am Lunch
* 1:30pm Build Session
* 5:30pm Dinner
* 7:00pm Some Days - Evening Lecture/Session
·
=Pre-Workshop Information Sent to Participants=
==First Email Introducing Dozuki and Dev Board==
Hello Workshop Collaborators!

We are excited that you will be joining us for the construction of MicroHouse 2. You will experience, hands-on, open hardware machinery in action to create this addition to OSE’s prototype modular CEB dwelling. And we’re going to have a great time in the process!

I want to begin providing you with resources to help you prepare for this experience. I’ll be in touch with you throughout the next couple weeks with more information leading up to the build.

To start with, I am providing you with some essential links that we will use constantly throughout the process, both before and during the event. There will be several more of these, but I want to ease you into this, so we’ll start with just a couple :)

MicroHouse 2 Development Board
This spreadsheet contains a link to nearly all the design assets for MH 2. Feel free to take a look through these links to see the evolution of the design. This is the one-stop-shop to go to at any point to find information you may be looking for. You can even download the sketchup models that have been used throughout the design process, if you want to virtually tour the design :)
https://docs.google.com/a/opensourceecology.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArNBTd6xfT7MdE5TUnozdXNuMEc5NXpCdThuZWRzdHc&usp=drive_web&pli=1#gid=1
We are excited that you will be joining us for the construction of MicroHouse 2. You will get to experience, hands-on, open hardware machinery in action to create this addition to OSE’s prototype modular CEB dwelling. And we’re going to have a great time in the process!

MicroHouse 2 Dozuki Guides
We will be using these before the event to familiarize yourself with the build procedures, and during the event as our instruction manual. I am building out all the instructions now, so you will see lots of activity over the next week as the current skeletal framework gets filled in. As part of the workshop, we will be adding photos from the actual build to supplement the instructions made with the 3d model. You will be part of OSE’s real-time documentation process that has evolved over the course of many build events like this one.
http://opensourceecology.dozuki.com/c/Microhouse_v2

I highly recommend placing bookmarks in your web browser for these links and making them easily accessible on your bookmarks bar. Like I said, we’ll be using these a ton!

Finally, a couple of logistics items:
The workshop begins on Friday the 18th at 6:30pm (central time) with introductions, a tour of Factor e Farm, and an overview of the whole workshop. Please plan to arrive between 5:00 and 6:00pm so that we can all be ready to go promptly at 6:30.

I have created a spreadsheet for all of the workshop participants. Please follow this link and add the other information to your row, like your phone number, what time you will arrive, what type of transportation you will be taking to FeF and any special concerns or comments you have. If you need picked up at a bus station or airport, make sure to note this in the comments section.
https://docs.google.com/a/opensourceecology.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArNBTd6xfT7MdEVQQ2lDcHp2WFUyN1FPeWhacTVoeXc#gid=0

I’ll be in touch soon with more information. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. You can reach me at this email or by phone, at 812-325-5989. We’re all looking forward to meeting you in a couple weeks -- if we haven’t met before. Building projects at Factor e Farm are always an incredible amount of fun, and it’s the awesome people like you that make them that way!

Thanks!
Chris

==Second Email About Setting Up a Log Page==
Hello MicroHouse collaborators!

The time of our "barn-raising" draws near :)

I'm looking forward to meeting all of you, and our list of participants keeps growing... it's going to be a great group!

Many of you may already be familiar with the OSE wiki - it's the massive repository of information for all of OSE's work: http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Main_Page

Log Pages on the Wiki
All collaborators with OSE set up their own log pages where they place links to the contributions they make, along with notes, thoughts, or anything else related to OSE work. During your stay at FeF, you'll be using your log page each day to record your contributions to the project. If you've never used a wiki before, don't worry!! We'll help you out at each step of the process.

That's why we're getting started now. Ideally, we can troubleshoot any challenges before the workshop begins. Please visit the wiki and set up your log page. You'll need to log in to the wiki in order to do this. This link describes how to log in: http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/How_to_Get_an_Account_on_the_Wiki

Creating Your Log Page
1. Log into the wiki as described above.
2. To create your log page simply type "Your Name Log" into the search bar - example "Chris Log." If that page does not already exist on the wiki, red text will appear above the search results that say "Create Your Name Log on this wiki." Click on this text, and you will go to an edit page. (If someone else with your name has already set up a log, use a longer/shorter version of your name or a nickname.)
3. If you have experience editing a wiki before, this edit page will look familiar. If you don't have any wiki experience, I recommend you open another Log page in a separate tab on your browser. Here's an example from another collaborator that was at the previous MicroHouse workshop and will be attending this one, as well: http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Cody_Log
Click on the "edit" tab on the upper right, and you will see Cody's wiki entries. You can then copy and paste some of this into your own wiki editor to get a jumpstart with understanding the formatting.
4. Once you have entered some text into your page, click the "save page" button at the bottom. Then copy and paste the web address of your log page into an email and send it to me.

If you have any questions, refer to this page:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Wiki_instructions

If you still can't solve your problem, take a screenshot of where you're getting stuck and email me for support.

Thanks guys! Looking forward to doing some awesome work with you in a couple weeks!
Chris

==Third Email with Reminder to Fill Out Info on Participant Spreadsheet==
Hi guys!

About half of you have done this, but if you have not added the rest of your information to our participant list, please take a moment to do so:
https://docs.google.com/a/opensourceecology.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArNBTd6xfT7MdEVQQ2lDcHp2WFUyN1FPeWhacTVoeXc&usp=gmail#gid=0

Several people mentioned in the comments that they are willing to pick up other participants on their drive to FeF, so if you're unsure how you'll be getting there, check the sheet and contact those individuals directly to make arrangements.

A final word - if you signed up recently and did not get my first email regarding Dozuki and the Development Board, you can read it here: https://docs.google.com/a/opensourceecology.org/document/d/1R2V1Xi9PUzZhhFR3uwCiP-vJUTjK_mqXdY_Z4infwAg/edit

And of course, at any point you can visit the Development Board for more info. All the emails are stored there, as well, if you need to refer back to one and can't find it.

Thanks again!
Chris

Kyle log

2014-04-18T22:18:03Z

Kyle Ritchie: /* Friday, April 18 */

=Friday, April 18=

Chris ([[Chris Log]]) picked me up from the Cameron Greyhound station at 8:50, and we made our way straight to the FabLab.

Introductions to new visitors - getting workshop cleaned up for Microhouse roof modules.

'''Microhouse 2 Foundation Work'''

List of duties completed

1) Removal of horizontal foundation framing members (use crowbar,scrap 2X4 for leverage, sawzall & jigsaw when needed)

2) Cut/flush threaded 3/8" bolts from foundation

3) Check level

[[File:2014-04-18 13.33.48.jpg|350px]]

Removal of horizontal foundation framing with primarily crowbar. Under certain conditions, mostly in corner areas, or areas of overlapping, other methods of removal are used such as the use of a sawzall or the use of a wedge to split the board in half - allowing for the rebar to slide out of the edge.

[[File:Crowbar.jpg|350px]] [[File:sawzall.jpg|350px]] [[File:wedge.jpg|350px]]

After removing all the horizontal support frames, the 3/8" bolts, used to secure the supports, need to be removed and smoothed with a grinder.

[[File:8grinder.jpg|350px]]

After all support structure has been removed, and all 3/8" bolts have been removed, cross-measurements are taken to ensure the foundation is square. After measuring two diagonals, the following measurements resulted:

1st angle measurement: 238 1/4"

2nd angle measurement: 236 7/8"

[[File:measuring.jpg|350px]]

[[Chris Log]] will discuss how a 'target' measurement will be achieved by the end of construction:

'''Target measurement:''' 237 1/2"

=Thursday, April 17=
I am leaving tonight for [[Factor E Farm]] for the Microhouse Workshop.

'''My schedule for reference'''

Greyhound bus from Indianapolis, IN to Cameron, MO 4/17/14
*from Indianapolis - 10:15 p.m.
*from St. Louis - 3:10 a.m.
*from Kansas City - 8:00 a.m.
*arrive at Cameron - 8:50 a.m.

Greyhound bus from Cameron, MO to Indianapolis, IN 4/23/14
*from Cameron - 6:20 a.m.
*from Kansas City - 8:25 a.m.
*arrive at Indianapolis - 7:45 p.m.

=Thursday, March 13=

Last workday at OSE - finishing up at micro house and FabLab

=Wednesday, March 12=

Further plastering to be done at the Micro house. When making many batches of plaster (gypsum/perlite & water), try to obtain a consistency similar to peanut butter. Another note: Don't be afraid to put a thick layer of plaster on - 1/4" or so. My first assumption was that I would just need to scrape the trowel against the wall as I applied the plaster in a thin layer, just to fill all the crevices. But applying a thicker layer allows for flatter surfaces with less cracks.

Before applying a second layer, lightly spray the first coat with water to ensure an appropriate bonding.

Partial wall - earth brick/chicken wire/gypsolite

[[File:Plaster.jpg|350px]]

=Tuesday, March 11=

Plaster work was done at the Micro house. I learned how to mix the gypsum/perlite with water to make plaster at a proper consistency. Prior to plaster, chicken wire was secured to the earth brick walls with staples and nails.

White wash was applied to the exterior of the FabLab. Prior to the application, mud was applied to smooth the exterior surface. We had issues with the mixture cracking on the second batch of mix and a test was done to determine what criteria of the mix were most crucial.
It was discovered that a water spray was necessary to ensure the white wash would stick to the original wall. Making sure the mixture was thin enough and applied with a proper brush is critical for proper its quality.

=Monday, March 10=
HabLab design works
The design team of our group considered the placement of both the front deck of the FabLab, as well as the gravel road to lead from the front entrance by the workshop to the FabLab. There is an existing road from the main road to the FabLab, however Marcin has requested an alternative solution.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the existing road:
The benefits of keeping the existing road to the FabLab would be easy access for deliveries and other accessibility situations. The negatives of keeping the existing road are unwanted visitors and safety concerns.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the extension of the main entrance to the FabLab:
The benefits of extending the main road would be the ability to remove the path from the main road to the FabLab completely. The negatives of extending the existing road to the FabLab would be extra costs in terms of material costs, and the cost of removing and replacing the water line that would interfere with the gravel path extension. There would be grading issues that would need to be resolved for truck access. The FabLab roof also would obstruct access.

*Solution/result
The path from the main road to the FabLab will be removed and the extra space will be used for agricultural production. The existing road well be extended towards the FabLab, but will not be extended to it. Any deliveries well be unloaded before the culvert and transported to the FabLab by dolly truck or other means.

Designs for the summer camp were considered for further use of the hexiyurt as a pavilion for campers.

=Sunday, March 9=

[[OSE Microhouse]]

*Critically considering alternative framing process than enables both earth-brick stacking and continuous roof framing simultaneous - while ensuring
1) Safety of all workers

2) Quality of roof

3) Speed of construction

Kyle log

2014-04-17T09:10:35Z

Kyle Ritchie:

Kyle log

2014-04-17T09:10:06Z

Kyle Ritchie: /* Wednesday, March 12 */

=Thursday, March 13=

Last workday at OSE - finishing up at micro house and FabLab

[[File:Plaster.jpg]]=Wednesday, March 12=

Further plastering to be done at the Micro house. When making many batches of plaster (gypsum/perlite & water) I've concluded that a consistency close to peanut butter is the best option.

Another note: Don't be afraid to put a good layer of plaster on. My first assumption, being that this was my first time ever applying plaster, was to scrape the trowel against the wall - and apply a thin layer to fill all the crevices. Applying a thicker layer allows for flatter surfaces with less cracks.

When applying a second layer, lightly spray the first coat to ensure an appropriate bonding.

=Tuesday, March 11=
* Plaster work was done at the Micro house. I learned how to mix the gypsum/perlite with water to make plaster at a proper consistency. Prior to plaster, chicken wire was secured to the earth brick walls with staples and nails.

White wash was applied to the exterior of the FabLab. Prior to the application, mud was applied to smooth the exterior surface. We had issues with the mixture cracking on the second batch of mix and a test was done to determine what criteria of the mix were most crucial.

*It was discovered that a water spray was necessary to ensure the white wash would stick to the original wall. Making sure the mixture was thin enough and applied with a proper brush is critical for proper application.

=Monday, March 10=
HabLab design works
The design team of our group considered the placement of both the front deck of the FabLab, as well as the gravel road to lead from the front entrance by the workshop to the FabLab. There is an existing road from the main road to the FabLab, however Marcin has requested an alternative solution.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the existing road:
The benefits of keeping the existing road to the FabLab would be easy access for deliveries and other accessibility situations. The negatives of keeping the existing road are unwanted visitors and safety concerns.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the extension of the main entrance to the FabLab:
The benefits of extending the main road would be the ability to remove the path from the main road to the FabLab completely. The negatives of extending the existing road to the FabLab would be extra costs in terms of material costs, and the cost of removing and replacing the water line that would interfere with the gravel path extension. There would be grading issues that would need to be resolved for truck access. The FabLab roof also would obstruct access.

*Solution/result
The path from the main road to the FabLab will be removed and the extra space will be used for agricultural production. The existing road well be extended towards the FabLab, but will not be extended to it. Any deliveries well be unloaded before the culvert and transported to the FabLab by dolly truck or other means.

Designs for the summer camp were considered for further use of the hexiyurt as a pavilion for campers.

=Sunday, March 9=
*Reference to MicroHouse
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/MicroHouse_Collaboration_2014
*Critically considering alternative framing process than enables both earth-brick stacking and continuous roof framing simultaneous - while ensuring
1) Safety of all workers
2) Quality of roof
3) Speed of construction

Kyle log

2014-04-17T09:08:45Z

Kyle Ritchie: /* Thursday, March 13 */

=Thursday, March 13=

Last workday at OSE - finishing up at micro house and FabLab

=Wednesday, March 12=

Further plastering to be done at the Micro house. When making many batches of plaster (gypsum/perlite & water) I've concluded that a consistency close to peanut butter is the best option.

Another note: Don't be afraid to put a good layer of plaster on. My first assumption, being that this was my first time ever applying plaster, was to scrape the trowel against the wall - and apply a thin layer to fill all the crevices. Applying a thicker layer allows for flatter surfaces with less cracks.

When applying a second layer, lightly spray the first coat to ensure an appropriate bonding.

=Tuesday, March 11=
* Plaster work was done at the Micro house. I learned how to mix the gypsum/perlite with water to make plaster at a proper consistency. Prior to plaster, chicken wire was secured to the earth brick walls with staples and nails.

White wash was applied to the exterior of the FabLab. Prior to the application, mud was applied to smooth the exterior surface. We had issues with the mixture cracking on the second batch of mix and a test was done to determine what criteria of the mix were most crucial.

*It was discovered that a water spray was necessary to ensure the white wash would stick to the original wall. Making sure the mixture was thin enough and applied with a proper brush is critical for proper application.

=Monday, March 10=
HabLab design works
The design team of our group considered the placement of both the front deck of the FabLab, as well as the gravel road to lead from the front entrance by the workshop to the FabLab. There is an existing road from the main road to the FabLab, however Marcin has requested an alternative solution.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the existing road:
The benefits of keeping the existing road to the FabLab would be easy access for deliveries and other accessibility situations. The negatives of keeping the existing road are unwanted visitors and safety concerns.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the extension of the main entrance to the FabLab:
The benefits of extending the main road would be the ability to remove the path from the main road to the FabLab completely. The negatives of extending the existing road to the FabLab would be extra costs in terms of material costs, and the cost of removing and replacing the water line that would interfere with the gravel path extension. There would be grading issues that would need to be resolved for truck access. The FabLab roof also would obstruct access.

*Solution/result
The path from the main road to the FabLab will be removed and the extra space will be used for agricultural production. The existing road well be extended towards the FabLab, but will not be extended to it. Any deliveries well be unloaded before the culvert and transported to the FabLab by dolly truck or other means.

Designs for the summer camp were considered for further use of the hexiyurt as a pavilion for campers.

=Sunday, March 9=
*Reference to MicroHouse
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/MicroHouse_Collaboration_2014
*Critically considering alternative framing process than enables both earth-brick stacking and continuous roof framing simultaneous - while ensuring
1) Safety of all workers
2) Quality of roof
3) Speed of construction

Kyle log

2014-04-17T09:08:28Z

Kyle Ritchie: /* Wednesday, March 12 */

=Thursday, March 13=

Last workday at OSE - finishing up at micro house and FabLab

[[File:2014-03-10 19.39.38.jpg]]=Wednesday, March 12=

Further plastering to be done at the Micro house. When making many batches of plaster (gypsum/perlite & water) I've concluded that a consistency close to peanut butter is the best option.

Another note: Don't be afraid to put a good layer of plaster on. My first assumption, being that this was my first time ever applying plaster, was to scrape the trowel against the wall - and apply a thin layer to fill all the crevices. Applying a thicker layer allows for flatter surfaces with less cracks.

When applying a second layer, lightly spray the first coat to ensure an appropriate bonding.

=Tuesday, March 11=
* Plaster work was done at the Micro house. I learned how to mix the gypsum/perlite with water to make plaster at a proper consistency. Prior to plaster, chicken wire was secured to the earth brick walls with staples and nails.

White wash was applied to the exterior of the FabLab. Prior to the application, mud was applied to smooth the exterior surface. We had issues with the mixture cracking on the second batch of mix and a test was done to determine what criteria of the mix were most crucial.

*It was discovered that a water spray was necessary to ensure the white wash would stick to the original wall. Making sure the mixture was thin enough and applied with a proper brush is critical for proper application.

=Monday, March 10=
HabLab design works
The design team of our group considered the placement of both the front deck of the FabLab, as well as the gravel road to lead from the front entrance by the workshop to the FabLab. There is an existing road from the main road to the FabLab, however Marcin has requested an alternative solution.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the existing road:
The benefits of keeping the existing road to the FabLab would be easy access for deliveries and other accessibility situations. The negatives of keeping the existing road are unwanted visitors and safety concerns.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the extension of the main entrance to the FabLab:
The benefits of extending the main road would be the ability to remove the path from the main road to the FabLab completely. The negatives of extending the existing road to the FabLab would be extra costs in terms of material costs, and the cost of removing and replacing the water line that would interfere with the gravel path extension. There would be grading issues that would need to be resolved for truck access. The FabLab roof also would obstruct access.

*Solution/result
The path from the main road to the FabLab will be removed and the extra space will be used for agricultural production. The existing road well be extended towards the FabLab, but will not be extended to it. Any deliveries well be unloaded before the culvert and transported to the FabLab by dolly truck or other means.

Designs for the summer camp were considered for further use of the hexiyurt as a pavilion for campers.

=Sunday, March 9=
*Reference to MicroHouse
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/MicroHouse_Collaboration_2014
*Critically considering alternative framing process than enables both earth-brick stacking and continuous roof framing simultaneous - while ensuring
1) Safety of all workers
2) Quality of roof
3) Speed of construction

Kyle log

2014-03-13T15:22:40Z

Kyle Ritchie: /* Thursday, March 13 */

=Thursday, March 13=

Last workday at OSE - finishing up at micro house and FabLab

=Wednesday, March 12=

Further plastering to be done at the Micro house. When making many batches of plaster (gypsum/perlite & water) I've concluded that a consistency close to peanut butter is the best option.

Another note: Don't be afraid to put a good layer of plaster on. My first assumption, being that this was my first time ever applying plaster, was to scrape the trowel against the wall - and apply a thin layer to fill all the crevices. Applying a thicker layer allows for flatter surfaces with less cracks.

When applying a second layer, lightly spray the first coat to ensure an appropriate bonding.

=Tuesday, March 11=
* Plaster work was done at the Micro house. I learned how to mix the gypsum/perlite with water to make plaster at a proper consistency. Prior to plaster, chicken wire was secured to the earth brick walls with staples and nails.

White wash was applied to the exterior of the FabLab. Prior to the application, mud was applied to smooth the exterior surface. We had issues with the mixture cracking on the second batch of mix and a test was done to determine what criteria of the mix were most crucial.

*It was discovered that a water spray was necessary to ensure the white wash would stick to the original wall. Making sure the mixture was thin enough and applied with a proper brush is critical for proper application.

=Monday, March 10=
HabLab design works
The design team of our group considered the placement of both the front deck of the FabLab, as well as the gravel road to lead from the front entrance by the workshop to the FabLab. There is an existing road from the main road to the FabLab, however Marcin has requested an alternative solution.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the existing road:
The benefits of keeping the existing road to the FabLab would be easy access for deliveries and other accessibility situations. The negatives of keeping the existing road are unwanted visitors and safety concerns.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the extension of the main entrance to the FabLab:
The benefits of extending the main road would be the ability to remove the path from the main road to the FabLab completely. The negatives of extending the existing road to the FabLab would be extra costs in terms of material costs, and the cost of removing and replacing the water line that would interfere with the gravel path extension. There would be grading issues that would need to be resolved for truck access. The FabLab roof also would obstruct access.

*Solution/result
The path from the main road to the FabLab will be removed and the extra space will be used for agricultural production. The existing road well be extended towards the FabLab, but will not be extended to it. Any deliveries well be unloaded before the culvert and transported to the FabLab by dolly truck or other means.

Designs for the summer camp were considered for further use of the hexiyurt as a pavilion for campers.

=Sunday, March 9=
*Reference to MicroHouse
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/MicroHouse_Collaboration_2014
*Critically considering alternative framing process than enables both earth-brick stacking and continuous roof framing simultaneous - while ensuring
1) Safety of all workers
2) Quality of roof
3) Speed of construction

Kyle log

2014-03-13T14:34:11Z

Kyle Ritchie: /* Monday, March 10 */

=Thursday, March 13=

=Wednesday, March 12=

Further plastering to be done at the Micro house. When making many batches of plaster (gypsum/perlite & water) I've concluded that a consistency close to peanut butter is the best option.

Another note: Don't be afraid to put a good layer of plaster on. My first assumption, being that this was my first time ever applying plaster, was to scrape the trowel against the wall - and apply a thin layer to fill all the crevices. Applying a thicker layer allows for flatter surfaces with less cracks.

When applying a second layer, lightly spray the first coat to ensure an appropriate bonding.

=Tuesday, March 11=
* Plaster work was done at the Micro house. I learned how to mix the gypsum/perlite with water to make plaster at a proper consistency. Prior to plaster, chicken wire was secured to the earth brick walls with staples and nails.

White wash was applied to the exterior of the FabLab. Prior to the application, mud was applied to smooth the exterior surface. We had issues with the mixture cracking on the second batch of mix and a test was done to determine what criteria of the mix were most crucial.

*It was discovered that a water spray was necessary to ensure the white wash would stick to the original wall. Making sure the mixture was thin enough and applied with a proper brush is critical for proper application.

=Monday, March 10=
HabLab design works
The design team of our group considered the placement of both the front deck of the FabLab, as well as the gravel road to lead from the front entrance by the workshop to the FabLab. There is an existing road from the main road to the FabLab, however Marcin has requested an alternative solution.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the existing road:
The benefits of keeping the existing road to the FabLab would be easy access for deliveries and other accessibility situations. The negatives of keeping the existing road are unwanted visitors and safety concerns.

*Cost and benefits were considered for the extension of the main entrance to the FabLab:
The benefits of extending the main road would be the ability to remove the path from the main road to the FabLab completely. The negatives of extending the existing road to the FabLab would be extra costs in terms of material costs, and the cost of removing and replacing the water line that would interfere with the gravel path extension. There would be grading issues that would need to be resolved for truck access. The FabLab roof also would obstruct access.

*Solution/result
The path from the main road to the FabLab will be removed and the extra space will be used for agricultural production. The existing road well be extended towards the FabLab, but will not be extended to it. Any deliveries well be unloaded before the culvert and transported to the FabLab by dolly truck or other means.

Designs for the summer camp were considered for further use of the hexiyurt as a pavilion for campers.

=Sunday, March 9=
*Reference to MicroHouse
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/MicroHouse_Collaboration_2014
*Critically considering alternative framing process than enables both earth-brick stacking and continuous roof framing simultaneous - while ensuring
1) Safety of all workers
2) Quality of roof
3) Speed of construction