So, this week I did that thing with my builder which makes them twitch, shake and quietly sob. I started the sentence with his name stretched out in that persuasive, slightly wheedling way, then followed it with "I saw this thing, and it doesn't look difficult at all, just looks really interesting. I've been thinking about... Continue Reading →
Do Up Diary #22 Chopping up the central core
The central core of the Moregeous Mansions, the bit marked 'Kitchen' above, is integral in making the whole of the interior design and flow of the new spaces work. This central part connects the whole of the ground floor and prior to works was a dark room with few redeeming features. The idea after works... Continue Reading →
Do Up Diary #21 Saturday Scrapbook Not just one but TWO knockthroughs
Heavens to Betsy, it's been all go here this week. After a little bit of a lull waiting for materials, Monday started with a bang and all hands on deck. Slightly sweaty in the sun reclaimed brick packs were cut open to air and the dial on the cement mixer set to overtime. Sloppy concrete... Continue Reading →
DoUpDiary #19 : How to specify Reclaimed Bricks
Feels like massive progress as we see the MOT stone going down on top of the reduced depth earth oversite within the garage walls. I always find the building process endlessly fascinating and being part of it all unfolding at Moregeous HQ is ace! Missy Builder Cat clearly feels the same way, clamped to my... Continue Reading →
DoUpDiary #14: The Perfect Combo: Concrete & Calamari
It barely seems like the blink of an eye since the demolition started, but we've already gone through four different stages: giddy excitement, shock, dust loathing and mud crawling. As I sit eating a very late lunch (god bless M&S deli specials) on an outside step which was once inside, it's weird to be enjoying... Continue Reading →
DoUpDiary #10: Friday Round Up
I smell of smoke, taste of brick dust and look like, well, you know what. Yep, it's the end of Week 1, the first week of the renovation proper at Moregeous Mansions. Lots about this week has been surreal, climbing out of a first floor window onto scaffolding 20ft up in my onesie, watching a... Continue Reading →
DoUpDiary #9: Up on the Scaffolding in Our Onesies
Well, there's no going back now. The West Wing is most definitely kaput and I'm feeling elated about it, in a weird & slightly hysterical manner. I keep looking at it and laughing, not *quite* believing it's almost all gone. First the beautiful roof slates came carefully off, stacked ready to be re-used in the... Continue Reading →