August 7th

Small problem to overcome which is why I'm wrapping the rafters in plastic damp proof membrane.I was going to put the floor in before putting up the walls but I suddenly realized that if the day came when it rained and we had cover the walls in tarps, the water would collect in a pool in the middle and would have nowhere to drain. If it leaked thro to the straw insulation underneath it might cause big problems. And I don't want to leave the wood exposed until the walls are completed because the rain might cause rot in the long term. So only one thing for it, gift wrap them in black plastic until the walls and roof are on. I'll then take the plastic off, stuff the bales between the joists and put the floor down. Not ideal, but I think it'll work. If anyone has a better idea let me know.

August 6th

Have got the walls up to the point of fixing in the floor joists. I decided against galvanized metal joist hangers partly because I didn't like the feel of them, and partly because of the cost (around £120). So my joists actually sit on the foundation wall - now thats what I call support! The gap between the joists has been determined by the width of a sawn bale, since my plan is to insulate under the floor with half bales. I had a go at this today (see above right). With a chain saw I cut the bale in half and stuffed it in. It works a treat! The chainsaw cloggs up a bit, but not too bad. You have to stop every now and then and pull free the jammed straw. I'll put some chicken wire or something under the joists to keep the straw up, tho' the truth is they're jammed so tight I don't think they'll need it. The gap ? 14". One small problem. Look at the pic above left. Between the joists are a cement block. That also has to be 14" - but they only come in 19". So you've got to cut them down. I used an angle grinder to slice both sides at the right length and them whacked them with a cold chisel. They fell apart pretty good, but it took a good couple nof hours hard work. They are then cemented on to the wall. The floor plate will rest along the top of these blocks.

August 4th

Talked to the farmers wife, Halina, who said my bales were done and were waiting for me in the barn at the bottom of the lane. Popped down and had a look. Brilliant. They're biscuit dry and nice and tight - he managed to bale them before the rain stroms last week.You don't want sloppy tied bales so I had specifically asked Chris the farmer to make them nice and tight and as close to 42" as possible (to fit my wall length as closely as possible without having to stitch up too many half bales.