Land was bought in 2018 December. It was a 40 perch, West facing ,sloped land in Warriyagala, Nillambe .About 14km from the Galaha Junction. There are 2 natural streams on its border.
A view across from West to East
A view across from South to North
One stream at extreme Right. My sister and I exploring the land, like mountaineers
Sitting on a huge rock in the stream
Newly cut roadway to land
Ready to start building a small hut
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Kids visit
What ultimate fun is this!
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Some progress
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I get a free load of used clay roof tiles from a friend
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Son helping to paint them
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Son helping to build a mud wall!
One mud wall done. The brick wall on the left is the toilet.
Its June 2019. At this point, I run out of money and I stop work. One of my trusted friends advices me to seek the opinion of a structural engineer before I proceed. When I do so, they tell me that the strength of the foundation is insufficient, compared to the slope of the land. I need to reinforce with tie beams. Also, since he is not experienced with mud houses, he recommends I put in concrete columns to bear the load of the roof.
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On his instructions, the half built walls were demolished...It was a very sad site for me... |
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I change the plans a little
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One of my very close friends gives me a gift of Rs.500,000.00...I cant believe it...She says she doesnt want my dream to whither away and die. I start the tie beams
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Columns are up
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Planning stage of the roof. To keep costs minimum, I go for a simple roof
My very good friend, Mr. Sunil, who has supported me throughout my journey of building with mud, asks me to come to his town, Pasyala. He takes me to a village where they sell used old doors and windows. They are relatively cheap. Made of superb jak wood. And beautiful!
I buy all that I think I need and store in my parents house.
I apply for a personal loan, find a new Head workman who has built a mud house in Muruthalawa 20 years ago. I start on the roof.
Roof is almost done. Its November 2019
Basunnahe advices me to utilise the space underneath the tall roof as a loft. Its an unforseen expense. I need timber steps and more timber for the loft floor. But I take his advice.
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We have a small celebration to place the doors and windows. Its done at an auspicious time by Basunnahe
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A happy moment...
The walls are being built up. These are similar to rammed earth. Two boards are kept to the width of the walls and the space between filled with th mud mix and rammed in. Its slow process. One layer has to dry. For layers to connect with eachother with a good interlacement, rocks and metal rods are driven into bottom layer. Similar to lego pieces.
Front door in place
Adobe bricks for the living area
It is now December 2019. I buy bathware
To be continued