Tiling and a Whole Lot More With Some Great Photos of the View

It’s been about 3 weeks since we received any photos. Anne asked Kevin if work was progressing, and he responded with a bundle of photos showing a lot of different projects underway.

The front of the house is looking very nice. Work is continuing on the retaining wall up the hill.

Front from Kitchen Side
Front from Kitchen Side
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Base of the Retaining Wall
Base of the Retaining Wall
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Tile is going in the kitchen area of the main room and on the marciapiede that surrounds the house.

Kitchen Tile
Kitchen Tile
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Tile Along the Back
Tile Along the Back
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The terrazza tile is done, and the views from the terrazza looking southwest are wonderful.

From Terrazza Looking Uphill
Terrazza and Roof Tile
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Southwest from the Terrazza
Southwest from the Terrazza
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Inside, the stone wall is grouted and the heating control box is connected to the underfloor tubes.

Interior Stone Wall Grouted
Interior Stone Wall Grouted
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Heating Pipe Connections
Underfloor Heating Pipe Connections
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Also, the interior is being prepped for painting, some of the bathroom fixtures are in, and utility connection boxes have been set in the ground outside.

Here are all the photos of the various projects underway.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

A Lot of Exterior Work Roof Sections, Grading, and Terra Armata

Nearly all the smaller roof sections are complete. All that remains are those near the upstairs terrazza on the north side of the house. Also, the solar and photovoltaic panels are installed. Anne is happy that they won’t really be visible, even from behind the house, given our slope.

Nearly All Roof Sections Complete
Nearly All Roof Sections Complete
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Solar Panels Installed
Solar Panels Installed
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The slope in front is looking much better after more grading and soil movement.

More Gentle Slope in Front
More Gentle Slope in Front
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Behind the house, grading and terra armata installation work continues.

Across the First Slope Below the House
Across the First Slope Below the House
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Terra Armata Material in Place
Terra Armata Material in Place
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One important remaining issue is drainage. Given our slopes, we want to be sure rain water won’t run down the hill and into the house or the pool. I suggested some drains connected to underground pipes to channel the water away. Kevin has asked Francisc to look at that and at other drainage options.

Here are the slope and roof pictures.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

Starting Another Round of Earthmoving Plus Some Interior and Roof Work

I can’t say earthmoving is my favorite topic, but I’d bet it’s the one I’ve written most about, given that it’s caused a lot of headaches and expenses.

Again, we’ve started to move earth to work on reshaping the slope, for better access from up the hill, for appearance as you approach the house, and for functionality and pool access on the downhill side. I hope this time we’ll get to something workable. Whatever happens, it’s probably the best we can do without more land.

Extending the Terrace Beyond the Portico
Extending the Terrace Beyond the Portico
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Machine grading land behind the house
Behind the House, Down the Hill
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Other Progress

We also received some pictures showing more work on the roof sections, more work on the underfloor heating, and the bathtub being delivered.

Working on Installation of Photo-Voltaic Panels
Working on Installation of Photo-Voltaic Panels
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Bathtub and Shower Bases
Bathtub and Shower Bases
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Here are a few more shots.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

A Little Here, A Little There Portico, Roof, and Stone Wall

Today’s pictures show progress in a few places around the house.

Portico

Since the portico has supporting pylons and columns, we’ve been surprised that these weren’t dug and built when the house foundation was being prepared. I’m guessing that maybe these elements would have been in the way of building and finishing the main part of the house.

Now it is time for this work to commence.

Bore Ready for Support Steel
Bore Ready for Support Steel
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Inserting Portico Support Steel
Inserting Portico Support Steel
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Roof

Two small steps were taken toward finishing all the roof sections. The photo-voltaic panels, which go on the back of the main roof were delivered, and the underlay for the partial roof elements is being put in place.

Photo-Voltaic Panels
Photo-Voltaic Panels
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Roof Underlay In Place
Roof Underlay In Place
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Interior Stone Wall

Part of one wall of the main room is going to be covered in stone. The stone setting for this element has nearly been finished.

Interior Stone Wall Almost Done
Interior Stone Wall Almost Done
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Here is the photo gallery.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

Roof Tiling Progress And Some Interior Work

Despite the temperatures that have regularly exceeded 40°C (104°F) and reached at least 43°C (109°F), they have been continuing to work on, of all things, the roof. You have to admire our crew’s commitment and perseverance.

They have completed the tiling of the main roof on the front side of the house. It’s great how they used older tiles for the top layer, giving the house an older look.

Front Side Roof Finished
Front Side Roof Finished
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I think work now moves to the back side, where the solar and photovoltaic panels will be. That may be a longer process, and even more in the afternoon sun, being on the west side. Fortunately, the heat is supposed to subside, at least a little bit: only one day over 35°C (95°F) during the upcoming week.

Work is also continuing inside, installing window and door frames.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure