happy builder

 Coolthaihouse Photo Gallery

Construction Photos
Home > Original Coolthaihouse Section > Original Coolthaihouse Build > Other

Perimeter Wall


DSC05122.jpg

Walls that are built from concrete blocks are durable and sturdy. An added bonus is that they also help hold in the fill dirt. Fill dirt is often on of the most critical aspects of a house, for if the house is constructed 'too low' -- there is no repair after the fact. With this house we did a partial fill at the beginning to level the land. Then the wall was partially completed, and more fill dirt was brought in the raise the land level another 20 or so centimeters.

The important steps in the process, which are illustrated below are: 1.) Post holes are dug every 2.5 meters. 2.) Support rebar structures are hand made by cutting, bending and wiring together cut rebar metal strands. 3.) These support structures are set in a concrete footing in the post hole. 4.) A large can is used to form the cement up to ground level after the base structure is dry. 5.) A strip footing is created, formed using form wood, which is about 10 inches tall and connects the support rebar structures. 6.) The cement blocks are cemented in place in rows. 7.) A form is made so that a concrete post can be poured around the cement blocks and rebar structure. 8.) Stucco is applied and other decorative options, such as affixing red brick blocks around the entry posts.

One other important note is that during the stage when the blocks are being laid, at the end of each row as piece of rebar is extended into the metal framework. This adds strength when the post is poured.

20 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 66 times

Water


DSC05128~1.jpg

One of the first orders of business in preparation of building is establishing a water source, since water is used extensively in construction. There are various water sources (see infowater) the one used in this house was the hand dug surface well.

20 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 62 times

Gate and Security Metal


DSC01074.jpg

Normally the gate and metal fencing would be something you would contract out to a metal company, of which there must be 100's in Pattaya. I did get a bid for doing the metal work, but in the end decided to use the daily labor which was helping to finish off the house, as they had metal working experience. I did end up needing to purchase some metal working tools, but the savings in going this way more than offset the tool investment. The metal fencing is welded on top of small squares of metal which are secured to the wall by a special kind of bolt that is driven into the concrete wall.

17 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 52 times

Planter Boxes


DSC05151~0.jpg

This is an add-on that really finishes the house off. Along one side of the patio there is a thin set of planter boxes which double as wall between the patio and the carport. Then in front there are two lower level planter boxes to form a natural plant wall.

6 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 32 times

Gutters


DSC05125~1.jpg

A specialty metal company came and installed a 6" galvanized gutter system around the house. The gutters are supported by brackets which are attached to the siding on the eves. The gutters are sloped so the water runs down to the associated drain spout.

7 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 34 times

Paving Stones


DSC05115.jpg

Paving stones like these come in various shapes and colors. In this case we use sand to level the area in front of the patio that was for the entry path. Then the paving stones were placed on top of the sand to complete the walkway.

3 files, last one added on Sep 28, 2011
Album viewed 37 times

6 albums on 1 page(s)

Last additions - Other
DSC05115.jpg
The resulting paving stone walkway. (12-Aug-04)dozerSep 28, 2011
DSC05104.jpg
The paving stones are set in place.dozerSep 28, 2011
DSC05103.jpg
Fine sand is leveled. (31-Jul-04)dozerSep 28, 2011
DSC05125~1.jpg
The front gutter system. (15-Aug-04)dozerSep 28, 2011

Random files - Other
DSC05070.jpg
In the gate is composed of 1 1/2 " square metal frame and vertical 1" square metal bars. The inside circular decorations were bought pre-finished, we use a butterfly and flower design. dozer
DSC05084.jpg
Fitting the gate in place. The metals are painted with a primer first and then painted with a quality oak shade of paint. (23-Jul-04)dozer
DSC05127.jpg
Water Tank: Diamond is a good brand of tank. This 1600 liter stainless steel tank cost about 10,000 Baht. (19-Aug-04)dozer
DSC05165.jpg
The top of the fence and gate is finished with security arrows.dozer
DSC04140.jpg
Laying a brick in place.dozer
DSC04139.jpg
To apply decorative tiles around a perimeter wall foundation post, the brick layer creates a rig which sits on top of the post and has 'straight-line' nylon line running down the side. (28-Jun-04)dozer
DSC05069.jpg
The gate track is laid in position. (15-Jul-04)dozer
DSC05128~0.jpg
end 5 Minutes Saved, the Story of DIRTY WATER!: Water is such a precious resource. How one short cut which saved the well digger 5 minutes of time could lead to such problems! Oh well, tit (this is Thailand). Now the water is clear as can be seen in this shot. (19-Aug-04) dozer

Debug Info 
Debug Output: show / hide