Slope

The top land terrace in front of the house will be the parking area. While in other places we’re using terra armata to reinforce the earth, Francisc and Kevin think we need to do an actual retaining wall in this place.

At first, when Kevin explained the wall, I thought he was talking about a wall that would rise above the level of the parking area, to keep cars from driving or backing off the edge. We will need some sort of “guard” there, but it’s not this wall. It will be only a few centimeters above the level of the land terrace where the parking will be.

Drawing of parking area and retaining wall — Land Terraces in Front
Wall is at Position Marked C
Click image to enlarge

One downside to this method is, when looking out from the front of the house, you will see the face of the wall. We’ll need to figure out how to landscape it to soften the look.

Not surprisingly, this retaining wall will be quite strong, supported by the same type of reinforced concrete pilings that are under the house.

Today’s work was to dig the holes, insert the steel, and pour the concrete. It doesn’t make for very interesting pictures, but here they are.

Holes Ready for Pilings

Structural Steel for Pilings

Inserting Steel for Piling

Steel Reinforcement Being Placed

Pilings Poured

Slope Behind the House

Start of Retaining Wall

built with GmediaGallery

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

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

Ed Building a House October 6, 2017Exterior, Land, Roof, Slope

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
Click image to enlarge

Solar Panels Installed
Click image to enlarge

The slope in front is looking much better after more grading and soil movement.

More Gentle Slope in Front
Click image to enlarge

Behind the house, grading and terra armata installation work continues.

Across the First Slope Below the House
Click image to enlarge

Terra Armata Material in Place
Click image to enlarge

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.