- Jun 17, 2023
- 2 min read

The outside area (west side)

Each side is laid out differently, otherwise it would be too simple!

Step 1: Create a step to compensate for the difference in level on the north side. Salvaged posts and a Douglas fir plank that was part of the wood scraps from the site. For the moment it's temporary... But sometimes it lasts a very long time!

Step 2: Remove the PVC rainwater drainage system, which has become completely deformed due to the gradually rising level of the stones. Dig ⛏️ into the rolled gravel to reposition it in the right place, taking care to hold it down so that it doesn't rise again.

Also dig around the electrical manhole (which we didn't position in the right place the first time...) to offset it by about 15 cm.

Step 3: Start laying the kerbstones from the bottom. Using a grinder, cut out the kerbstones to avoid the pipes. At the service door, place the 2 concrete blocks in the gravel to support the slab we are going to make.

Step 4: Continue laying the kerbstones on the other side of the door. Problem: the ground is sloping on this side of the building, so we have several choices for a nice finish. After a (long) debate 🤯 we decided to tilt all the kerbstones from high to low, following the slope of the ground.

Step 5: all things considered, we're not really happy with the result... We'd rather take the whole thing apart and do it again another way. This time, we put in a step every 3 kerbs to make up for the difference in level. The result suits both parties much better 🎉 !

We then need to re-cut the kerbstone to close off the corner at the end of the building and finally fill in with gravel on one side at the same time as soil on the other.