We are in the first stages of site preparation, grading and excavation of the foundation. The house is sited on the high point of the property. The land falls away gently in the front and on the East side.  The West side actually rises slightly as it runs for about 300’ to a point where the property begins to slope away from the ridgeline. There is a small grove of persimmons that are the point of the tree-line nearest the house. In the rear of the house, which faces North, the grade is more pronounced. Our initial plan is for a series of two or three terraces held in place by modular stone retaining walls. We will be studying the performance and environmental characteristics of various retaining wall systems. 

We’re beginning the evaluation and decision process relating to the construction of the foundation, crawl space and secure storm cellar. As we see them, these are our alternatives – traditional block construction, a poured wall or an insulated concrete form (ICF) process. The latter alternative will also encourage the consideration of ICF walls and floors throughout the entire structure. In order to control moisture, pests and naturally occurring gases, we’re planning a poured crawl-space. To complete the below-grade portion of this project, we’re installing a poured storm cellar beneath the closet in the Master Suite. There will be an access door situated in the floor and one that leads out through the foundation wall to allow egress in the event of a catastrophic collapse.

We’ve received a permit for a septic field across the driveway (to the South) and have discussed with our power supplier (Central Alabama Electric Cooperative) about burying the supply line along our driveway and mounting the transformer on a concrete pad on the East side of the house. That location will facilitate distribution of electricity to other structures on the property to supplement (if needed) the solar arrays, wind turbines and storage systems on those buildings.