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 91 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 86 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 81 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 40 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 44 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 44 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
DSC05056~0.jpg
After the water has been pumped out of the well, you can see a large hole in the bottom which needs to be patched. (24-Jan-04) dozer
DSC05030.jpg
Laying a row of bricks. (08-Jul-04)dozer
DSC04166~0.jpg
Water Tank: Another shot of the water tank. (02-Jul-04)

Water tanks are good for a number of reasons. They allow the water to be accumulated and stored so that in periods of high usage you don't run out. The water will also have a chance to sit and any impurities can settle out prior to use.
dozer
DSC05041.jpg
Nearly completed planter box on the front right of the patio.dozer
DSC05037~0.jpg
Brackets.dozer
DSC05052~0.jpg
The well after having stones set around the rings and around the base. 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
DSC00034.jpg
To add strength the blocks are cemented in place prior to pouring the supporting posts. The posts will be poured 'around' the blocks. Standard sizes for facing walls is 4 blocks high, the back sides are 7 blocks high. (24-Jan-04) dozer

Debug Info 
Debug Output: show / hide