Armstrong House Project: Restoration
Solar Array
July & August, 2008
- These were busy months for the volunteers and construction crew at the project site. With the warm and often dry weather we were able to prepare the southern-facing cliff site for our solar panel installation. This included approved and engineered plans for a steel frame mounted on concrete piers. Drilling into bedrock as well as digging was required to accurately place and pour the concrete footings. Large steel plates and frames were installed on the footings just in time for the solar panel delivery and installation at the end of August. In addition, a trench was dug and wiring in conduit run from the cliff to the house. A contract was also signed with the same supplier for a solar hot water system which is to be roof mounted and installed in early fall. The 1 KW solar electric panels are currently charging the battery system.
- Structural framing was completed and preparations made for rough wiring the house. Wiring of the second floor was completed in July and August saw the downstairs substantially completed. The kitchen design and layout was agreed upon and research begun into energy-saving fixtures and appliances.
- A contract was negotiated for insulating the structure with a combination of both closed and open cell spray foam, which is a bio-based material made from domestically-grown, soy.
- Reglazing of windows continues as well as scraping and priming in preparation for final paint.
- The trail-head composting toilet has been completed with re-used framing lumber, roofing, siding, a small rear window and a front door replete with a moon cutout.