It seems extremely odd that my Balinese builder would reference the TV show character MacGyver when discussing our hole-digging contractor. (Photo of MacGyver courtesy of Wikipedia) It would appear that MacGyver is as far from an Indonesian hero as possible…
Compacting soil, a concrete pour, then a layer of wire mesh, and finally more concrete. This defines a basement slab for the ground level. After the structure is complete a final layer creates the finish layer, such as tile or…
No concrete slab yet, but the small delays (rain, etc) gave extra time for Wayan, the builder, to add additional drainage pipes into the support columns. This will allow water to drain from the flat roof into four columns at…
A formula for success in the club-making business is: — find a magnificent cliff that’s not too far away from the crowds — spend ridiculous amounts of money and time creating an impossible perch for the bar — don’t cut…
Ok I know I mentioned some excitement around the idea of getting the concrete slabs in place for the basement and living areas, but then the workers went off to another Balinese ceremony for three days (it was supposed to…
There is so much going on in the early stages of construction that becomes completely invisible as the structure progresses. Just like so many things in life, it is hard to appreciate the unnoticed. Of course there is a good…
Workers returned with a vengeance. All of the foundation holes are completed: 44 holes, each between 3-5 meters deep. Steel and concrete to fill the remaining holes are almost done. Forms are being built for the retaining and boundary walls,…
A LOT of dirt was moved around the property over a period of three days, in preparation for an open basement / parking area. Due to the limited size of the property we decided to be as efficient as possible…
During one of the numerous meetings with our architects it was casually mentioned that they’re designing a restaurant in Pererenan, not far from where our retreat will be. I found it back in May: I immediately liked the look, and…
An exciting week, as two cement trucks, a pump truck, and a sizable crew poured the four walls for the future swimming pool. In addition, foundation walls and columns went up for the guest side of the living space. A…
The windy season starts in July and continues until September / October here in Bali. Especially along the beaches, and primarily in the afternoon, the breezes are gifts that keep on giving. If you’re Balinese, it certainly doesn’t mean chilling…
This week was at least as productive as the others, although we were in Makassar for several days and didn’t see a bunch of the work that unfolded. Luckily a manager took photos and videos during the time we were…