Progress as at 27th March 2008

Today after work, I just had an urge to look at the progress of the house..

I was amazed at the progress as they had completed the wooden framework for the whole house despite the wet weather for the past few days. As of today, they have started installing the steel wiring of the beam inside the wooden framework. Upon completion, the next stage will be pouring in the cement.

At last, I am now able to see the initial structure of the house with its unique shape and design for all this time we are only able to see it on a piece of paper. Here are some pictures that I took.

The whole overview of the project.



Front view from the right and left side. Notice the slight curve? That is actually the shape of all the windows at the front part of the house.


Front view overlooking the main entrance and reception foyer


This is the longest beam of the house, almost 22 meters in length.



Back view overlooking the garage and dining area.



The labourer diligently secured the wiring inside the wooden framework.

Progress as at 23rd March 2008

Not much progress since yesterday. There are still a lot of work need to be done... Probably I should not be too eager to visit the house at this rate, rather I should wait a couple of more days before I can see the whole progress.

However, today I had the liberty of treating the workers with some groceries. They informed me that their stocks almost ran out, so I went to Hua Ho Sengkurong, a local department store, which is only 5 minutes drive from my house and got a couple of sacks of rice, thai chilies (they like their food hot), some veggies and chickens for their hard work.

Installation of the wooden frame for the dining area and garage

Progress as at 21st March 2008

Today, the workers has continued with the laying out of the wooden framework for the beam, approaching the front part of the house. When I was on the site, I checked the works that had been carried out.

Back view overlooking the wet kitchen and the outdoor steps.

Somehow I noticed that the ablution area near the prayer room was small, so I asked the workers to check the measurement. It turns out that the measurement was shorter, it was ony 1.8 metres whereas it was supposed to be 2.1 metres. My advice to anyone who is planning on building a house, check every detail in each and every step of the building process because the workers are human too, they may make mistakes without realizing it.

The workers dismantling the framework after realizing about the wrong measurement.

The workers also prepared the wooden framework for the front stair case which will be in the center of the house. There will be two staircases, both curved in shape, opposite of each other. These will be in the center foyer, flowing down straight to the main entrance.
(Above) Laying out framework for the staircase. Notice the curve?
(Below) This is what the staircases look like in the house plan.

New progress as at 20th March 2008

Today, the workers have started putting up wooden frameworks for the beams at the back portion of the house. This portion which is currently worked on will be the maids' bed and bathroom, laundry, guest bedroom, powder room and part of the kitchen areas.

You may notice that the frameworks are quite high in height; this is because the house will not be built directly above the ground but instead it will be elevated by approximately 0.7 metres. We thought it's a good idea since our house is located in the vicinity of the river.

The construction begins...

15th March 2008

Today, I saw a positive development. The workers had started putting up columns for the ground level. I didn't count how many columns there were, but it is quite a lot.


At the same time, the land-filling works at the remaining part of the land is almost done. This land was originally 1.95 acres (0.79 hectares) in size but after diversion and expansion of the river which goes right through it, it now measures up to a total of 1.53 acres (0.62 hectares). This is divided amongst myself and my three siblings.

(Above) Land-filling works behind my part of the land.
(Below) Section of the land located to the left of my land area.

Sorry for the delay

3rd March 2008

Sorry guys, it has been quite some time since the last time I updated this blog. I just arrived in Brunei this morning from Australia where I had been staying for the past two weeks. Now that I am 'back in business' I'll post the updates for any new development.