Mr.Olympia Type of Oil-Down

Imagining that the timber work of the eco-home on Kings Dr. was entering the Mr.Olympia contest, we oiled them down til they glistened.  Boiled Linseed Oil (aka Flaxseed oil) was the protective rub of choice, as its transparent nature allows the grain of the wood to show through as opposed to wood stains that mask the natural look of the wood.  Made completely of Cedar offcuts from the home's doors and window joinery (done with extreme precision and quality execution by Simon Guest) the door is quite a visual stunner of patterned patchwork. 

 

Right next to the door is the Jarrah post that supports the triangular sod-roof section over the front door.  After a quick sand down we applied a coat of half Turpentine, half boiled Linseed oil, and boy was it thirsty.  Now it looks like a piece of art. 

Now for some slightly random tid-bits for fun.  First up is a great visual example of a swale.  Struggling with the idea after being told various explanations, it was awesome to discover this simple diagram.  Swales are not only an important landscaping element for keeping runoff away from your home/foundation- they also play a massive role in permaculture to maximize rainwater distribution to garden systems.

Next is a radical artistic construction by model maker Takanori Aiba.  Imagining what tree-houses would look like in Bonsai trees- he sits down for weeks at at time and makes it happen- dedication!

Finally we have a relatively simple structure/ shelter that spans a creek with quite possibly the coolest hang out spot ever suspended over the running water below- madness!

Thanks for tuning in and look for the next time-lapse installment from the street side view coming soon to an altshiftnz.com site near you.  PEACE.