Week #8-10: Solidifying the Space

The road from dried-in to conditioned space has been an eventful and fulfilling journey on this second story addition in Corvallis.  After all of the mechanicals are installed and inspected (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), the insulation can be placed into the stud bays on the exterior walls and ceilings.  The sound deadening quality of the insulation gives the space a real sense of protective enclosure.  After this step, the real work of defining plane and volume begins.  Drywall has been installed on all of the previously open stud walls.  There are a lot of corners and angles to be cut and finished and it takes an experienced worker to make all of the cuts fit tightly to the framing.

This is also a critical point in the construction because any flaws that were not evident in the framing (i.e. warped or bowed studs) become obvious when the drywaller tries to create a smooth, straight wall.  That’s why Dean takes so much time and care selecting wood and constantly checking for level, plumb and flat framing.  The sculptural quality of the space is nowhere more apparent than at the intersection of the roof and wall planes at the Study. This photo of the Bath shows the window in front of which the tub will be installed, allowing the bather to gaze out to the tree-lined Willamette River beyond. Finally, we get to see the beginnings of the new Staircase (at left in the picture below) and Entry with its arched top opening. By the time you read this, the walls will have been completed, sanded, textured and ready for paint.  Before that happens though, the hardwood floors and tile will be installed.  The wood has been stacked in the Living Room for two weeks now.  It is critical for the wood to acclimate to the house so that when it is installed it has already adjusted itself to the temperature and humidity conditions of the house. Soon the stair railing and hall banister will be built and the finished addition will be ready for final electrical, plumbing and wood trim.  Not long from now the once dusty attic will be filling up with furniture and the space that was only a dream months ago will be a full-fledged reality.