September 2009
4 posts
5 tags
Not Digging the Pool
It’s time to design our rear garden, the long neglected stepchild of our central courtyard. For the last few months we have pictured a lengthy lap pool - in which we toil daily on our new-found Athenian physiques.
Taking a hard look at the space (and our feelings toward strenuous exercise), we realize that 12 meters of blue will annex our goal of a lush garden space. Although it’s...
3 tags
Out of Control
Last month we moved out of our run-down house in favor of rented accommodation (we are now dryer, cleaner and more rodent free - thanks for asking).
One consequence of this move is that our garden has been severely neglected. In our absence, it has taken advantage and is now out of control like a wayward teen.
This is eight weeks ago:
This is today:
Rainy season in the tropics. Who...
4 tags
Framing the Courtyard
The look of the central courtyard is shaping up. Here is an image looking straight out through the mosquito screens toward the east wall. If you imagine some vines on the wall and a few trees and philodendrons for good measure, you can start to picture the framed views that inspired us on a recent visit to the Kampong Garden in Florida.
Each day, design ideas come and go. Since yesterday,...
3 tags
Time to Get Serious
Our base design is complete. Our builder is hired. It’s now time to make some hard choices regarding wall and floor finishes, column details, overhangs, and exposed structural connections. In tandem, we also need to firm up the ethereal ideas we have about various systems - lighting, drainage, solar, etc. - that will make the building comfortable. So much to do. First up - materials. ...