We were able to complete a lot of site work during week thirteen.  Removal of the remaining existing concrete sidewalks was completed and new sidewalks were staked out.  Heft and Sons brought concrete Wednesday so we could pour our first floor slab.  The thermal mass of the concrete allows the building to heat and cool itself.  By a passive solar system, the sun heats the slab during the day, while at night the slab releases this heat to keep the building warm.  We used Valspar’s Fast Track Primer to speed up the concrete curing process, and now the concrete awaits its white epoxy coating.      

The first steps were taken in the building of our outdoor public gathering area, a place we call the plinth.  We built the formwork for the concrete collar that surrounds the building, and then poured the concrete immediately following.  After removing the formwork, we applied curing compound to the concrete and then began preparations for the building of a concrete retaining wall that will outline the exterior of the plinth.  We drove in stakes to mark the four corners and will have the structure of this major project completed by the end of next week.