Studio walls up

The studio walls are all in place. It took the boys three days. You enter via the terrace.

The highest point of the roof is this corner on the street side of the building. The beam will go in diagonally creating a double-pitched roof. This was the idea of the architect to provide ceiling height the old garage never had, and to preserve sunlight on the terrace.

The windows looking into the garden. They are 3 metres wide. A desk will fit underneath so you can gaze out while you work.

Studio

The walls of the studio begin to go up.  I will miss the big sky we had for two months while there was no building here, but the thought of this new 'arts complex' has us completely enthralled!

Linda

For the past seven years my friend Bex has listened patiently to tales of our adventures here, having completely mastered the art of never looking bored. When we used to work in the same building, Pou's daily misdemeanour was often a source of amusement. And it helped me to talk about my better life when I was stuck at work in London. Bex is a true pal.

One thing that really tickles her is that we have a cat in our French neighbourhood called Linda. Lately Linda has been hanging out in our street, staring at a stone wall. I even caught her on her hind legs, front paws up in prayer-like stance, slightly crossed eyes riveted to the wall. Linda's quite fearless, as our workmen haven't deterred her, nor has a big barky dog a few doors down. I think she's intently lizard stalking, which has allowed me to take her photograph. Bex, at long last, meet Linda.

Going Up

On Valentine's Day the boys finished building the very peak of the extension.

And as tradition dictates, they fixed an olive branch to the highest point. Wonderful.

Bricks!

Yes, they're everywhere. From the street, the extension will echo what we created on the kitchen side.

  

The buanderie will also have a glass brick feature. It's been a success, letting westerly light in, but maintaining our privacy. The houses to the right are a terrace higher. Pre-glass bricks, I was surprised one morning to find the neighbours in our kitchen, or so it seemed on a still half-asleep nude fridge raid.

The new bedroom window and door have taken shape. One day we hope the garden views from here will be beautiful.

Workshop Walls

The boys began building walls this week. The sunshine is misleading; the winds were strong and decidedly cold. The pile of sand is in our parking area. The sloping wall defines the roof line of the new workshop.

Inside the workshop.

The workshop window will be one we recovered from the old kitchen. The orange bricks are the wall of the new bedroom. It's shooting up fast.