We are still working towards our building warrant. This has taken extra time due to the unique nature of the building structure and the site.

 

We are now working through some final engineering calculations with David Burke Structural Engineering Ltd.

 

In addition, following our 'failure' of our percolation test, we have required additional help from some drainage engineeers and H2Ology have stepped in to help us out. The percolation test was required as we are treating all our own waste (from sinks, toilets etc) on site. As part of the licence to do this, we need to show the land is fit for the purpose.

 

We feel we're only a couple of weeks away from our warrant now.

 

We recently had a JCB on site to clear the line for the new fencing. The 8 tonne vehicle had to constantly dig himself out of the soft soft clay. As part of our tests into site drainage, we had him dig a 2 metre deep hole. This revealed the most varied range of coloured clays I've ever seen in a soil profile. It has given us lots of ideas about our clay plaster for the earthship plus activities we can do with schools and adult groups. It's a pity we have to fill in the hole again after the tests.

Visitors to the site will have noticed the land has been cleared around the Earthship site and we have our colour coded pegs marking out fencelines and the visitor centre.

A JCB will appear on site next week to dig our drains, Nicholson Demolition will be delivering their donation of drainage material and will be quickly followed by our fencing contractors.

Nearby, some of our staff and volunteers will be doing a training course in hedgelaying to improve the hedge for wildlife and also open up the sight lines to allow the winter sun to hit our solar panels once they're installed.

 

 

We have officially started work on site by clearing the ground in preparation for our new security fence, CCTV and drainage works. All done to keep us enthused while we are waiting for our building warrant. Laying out the earthship based on the architects drawings and within the 200 linear metres of fencing we have was easy at first. After marking corners of the fenceline and the area to be covered by the earthship, including the berm, we tweaked the position of the earthship to give us a good deal of space betweent he earthship and the fenceline. then we moved it slightly to east, slightly to the north and slightly back west again! All the time, the face of the building needed to be just off due south to capture the maximum winter sun. It was a good day and very satisfying now that it's done. Thanks to the Greenlink, BTCV group and our Tuesday Mental Health group who put in some sterling effort and wisdom on the logistics of it all.

Our next task is to get some drainage works done and the fence erected, both jobs for contractors.