Progress on the House - The North Stone Wall

Progress on the House - The North Stone Wall

When the cottage attached to our house became available we bought it with the intention of opening it to the house itself. The top image shows front room, the north wall of the cottage when we got possession. The previous owner had been a smoker. You can see it from the discoloration on the walls.

There had once been a kitchen in the lean-to at the back of the cottage but at some point this had been dismantled and this small kitchenette in the front replaced it. To us it was useless. So we planned to tear it out and insulate the wall. In the process it became apparent the wall need much more work. These an old flue that could be removed and the wall could be strengthened. The flue is visible in the bottom photo in the set above.

 Here I have cast a new concrete base about 6" thick at the base of the old wall. On top of this I have begun building a new wall using Siporex brand aerated concrete blocks. These provide both structure and insulation.

 I have retained the largest and most interesting stone from the old wall and used it as a lintel over the central opening where the gas fireplace will go.

The wall is almost finished.

The block wall is complete and has been given a coating of a colored lime plaster. The trenches in the floor are where the gas line will be brought up to the gas fireplace.

I have left the tops of the alcoves open while we continue to pull some electrical cables.

Here it is in place. When I've finished electrical I'll put ceilings into the 2 alcoves and a crown molding across the top. The bases of the alcoves will be tiled to match the floor and I'll be putting shelves into them as well. Lots to do.