;)
Here's a shot of the opening from the inside. In the end we did end up using some green treated lumber for framing the jam. This seemed like a much easier solution than firing up the shotcrete pump -- plus it will make it easier to convert the garage to bedrooms later on.
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This view shows the brackets fabricated out of angle iron to support the garage tracks and springs. For those of you with curious minds, the red markings are spray paint -- used to help spot the anchor points while shorthanded.
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A couple of the things we were able to get done are evident in this photo. First, we sealed up all the openings around the windows and doors to keep the weather completely out, then we relied on the heavy spring showers to help grow some "grass".
;)
Here's a shot of the rubber flashing around the patio door. At this point it just needs some trim to finish it out. We have experimented with using synthetic deck boards for this function, but have found them difficult to work with -- and awfully heavy for vertical applications. It looks like simple cedar may be the better route.
;)
Okay, it isn't actually grass -- mostly weeds. But it's green and makes the jobsite a lot less muddy!
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Several non-dome factors conspired over recent months to keep us from progressing much -- let alone post anything on the web site. But fear not! We're back in action and moving forward. More to come shortly -- please stay tuned!
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Wanting to get a semi smoooth hand-troweled look on a tight budget, we turned to friends, family, and local volunteers for the Great Vermillion Plaster Party of 2006.
About twenty guys from the tri-state area attended the six hour event, and here are the results. The Diamond interior finish plaster was applied right over the rough shotcrete, and provides a much more elderly and child-friendly finish down low.
;)
This is what the surface looked like before we started -- it's pretty rough with sharp edges. You'll note the "test" patch of plaster where the bedroom closet will be.
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Here's the same area at the end of the day. What a difference!
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The all-volunteer crew did a great job, especially feathering around the openings.
Many, many thanks to all those who helped with the plaster! Your help saved countless hours on the project and it's very much appreciated. We'll see you soon for painting? :^)
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There been lots of activity at Trinity Dome over the last month. For starters, all the windows and doors are installed. That is except the garage door, which was temporariy insulated with foam board until the weather turns a little better.
;)
Here's a shot of the house from the street corner.
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This is the front door and glass block window in the bedroom.
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And the north windows for the bedroom and kitchen.
So for all practical purposes, the house is weather proof. There is still some work to be done insulating and seailing around the openings, but the house has been staying in the mid 60's temperature-wise with just two small electric heaters. That's pretty darn good in a South Dakota winter!
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