A number of visiting experts have declared that our southern Wall frames are over-engineered.
Well, they may be right, although I do not have a copy of the relevant building regulations on hand, to verify the claim. One thing is certain: if a badly-built wall is exposed to the fierce gales of January and July – and every other month bar one or two – it will sooner or later collapse.
To my mind, the frames are exactly what they should be: just right for the conditions – never mind building regulations and conventions. I would rather have an over-engineered boatshed, intact, than a ‘regulated’ structure on the verge of ruin.
The end-timbers are in place; my next task is to fit inner frames to the windows. These will support the glass, and provide an edge for the cypress cladding.
If all goes well, I should be installing the weatherboard in a week or so. No doubt there will be a few more (mild) dramas, as I re-invent the wheel yet again. I am a slow learner, and a slow worker, and so the work proceeds in the usual way: bit by bit.
Very wise christopher to have a strong solid building specially with the wild weather that seems to be on the increase…remember the old saying….slow and steady wins the race….
Many thanks for the reminder – I will hold that thought. Fortunately, the wise old saying happens to coincide with my capabilities!
Chris,
I only have the photo to support my comments but I am sure that your structure is well ahead of SA building regulations. I have never seen as many noggins and studs in such a small space. Next time the building inspector arrives he should be bringing with him the award in the category for sturdy structures. Unfortunately I suspect that he / she will arrive with nothing but a blank face completely oblivious to the amount of passion you have put into the building of your boat shed. At any rate to be kind as I know you are you should offer them a cup a tea.
Greetings Mike, and thankyou for your generous comments, which I value all the more knowing you have built a sturdy, wooden home.
To tell the truth, I had to look up the meaning of “noggins”!
I would happily provide tea, and possibly shortbread biscuits, for the Building Inspector, if ever he/she called by. But I don’t imagine we are high on the Inspection List….
What do you call noggins in SA
Mike – at Lady Bay the current term is: “shorter horizontal bits of wood connecting longer vertical bits”.
But from now on, the noggins will be called noggins.
ps another usage: “noggin of rum” – appropriate for the nautical theme.