In my last blog post about this project we were just preparing the re-bar for the columns and beams of the concrete structure. Since then, we have completed all of the concrete structural work and have nearly completed the roof structure. Block work is about 80% complete and we are preparing to move on the roof tiling and rendering.
An island is born...
We have been a little hampered by heavy rain recently, but the future lake on this project is slowly growing in size. We have now created what is soon to be an island within the lake, once filled with water. We shall be transplanting some additional mature trees on to the island before the water rises, and there is also a lot more excavation to be done.
Breaking ground and earthmoving
We have recently begun work on a new large scale project. We will be building a home on a plot of land of just over 11.5 Rai (4.6 acres) in area. We have not yet finalised the design, though have established the 'footprint' of the home and have a high-level plan for the land and landscaping. The plot of land was previously used for rice farming and requires significant re-sculpting in order fit in with the design we are working on. It is desirable to raise the height of the land to various levels. We are digging a large ornamental lake of about 1.5 rai in order to provide the soil to fill the rest of the land. The lake itself will be 10 metres deep and feature a large island. The land is being filled up in layers of about half metre depth, stepping up to two metres in places.
Currently, we have completed about 30% of the lake excavation. We intend to have it completed by mid June. Finalising the design of the home and landscaping, however, will take several more months. This will be a long project with many interesting challenges and intend to blog about progress as we move forward.
Roof tiling and wall rendering
Since last posting about this project, we have completed all of the main concrete structural framework, poured the floor slabs and completed all of the major blockwork. Rendering is nearly complete as is the roof framework. We are mow moving onto the roof tiling. We have also been working on a number of other sub-projects located throughout the plot of land around the house, but I shall detail these later in a separate post.
Five Bedroom Laos Home Design
We have recently completed the design and engineering of a home which is to be built later this year in Vientiane, Laos. The design features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, open plan living and dining room, and home theatre. There is a strong emphasis on outdoor living with this home and there is an extensive terrace featuring a covered lounge and dining area and also a large sala. There are a number of large folding doors to completely open up the interior areas to flow onto the terrace.
Another home construction project begins
In January, we were approached by a client to design their new home. Having started the design and engineering in February we were complete by the end of March. The house has two bedrooms, three bathrooms, open plan kitchen, dining and living room, a large home theatre room, garage with automatic roller door, a laundry room and a covered terrace at the rear.
We began construction just before the break for the Songkran festival. Currently, we have poured all of the concrete footings and are tying all of the re-bar cages for the grade beams.
Main structure complete... on to decoration
I have previously posted about the design phase of this project. At that time, the project was scheduled to commence in August 2011. However, the client was not ready to begin until January of this year, since which time I have not made any further posts, yet there has been a lot of progress. In fact, all of the structural, block work and rendering has been completed. We are now in the process of fitting windows, tiling and painting.
As it is a long time since I have posted about this project, I shall include the original 3D rendering again.
Interior and exterior painting and tiling completed
The last time I posted about this project, we had completed the main concrete structure and were beginning the roof frame and block work. We have now completed these tasks, as well as the interior and exterior painting, floor tiling, architectural detailing and more. Windows are now nearly all installed, and we are entering the final phase of installing bathroom and kitchen fittings.
Home Build Completed
The last time I blogged about this project was on the 5th December, when we were working on the roof frame and block work. We have since completed the project, so I shall just include a few pictures of the various stages between then and now.
Installing heat reflective sheet and tiling.
Roof tiling and wall rendering.
Architectural detailing being applied around doors and windows etc...
Suspended gypsum ceiling installation.
We have in house designers who are happy to give any guidance needed to clients regarding the colour scheme and interior decoration of thier homes. When we present our 3D models during the design phase, we also include our recommended colour scheme and tiling scheme. However, the final choice of colour and interior decor is obviously entirely the choice of our clients.
Welcome to our new home on the web...
NKD, or Nong Khai Design Co., Ltd, has been growing steadily since its formation in early 2009. We have been expanding our workforce and also the services that we offer. We have also been steadily expanding our geographical coverage. Whilst it used to be that most of our work was conducted in and around Nong Khai town, this is no longer the case, with the majority of our projects being further afield in other districts, provinces and countries. It is because of our much larger geographical coverage, that we have decided to take the "Nong Khai" out of our web address. Our clients and suppliers have known us simply as NKD for a long time, and so we also felt it was time for a change of web address that reflected that, too.
Despite our change of website and our rebranding, we are still the same company employing the same great people, helping to make people to realise their dream homes. Whilst our head office is still in Nong Khai, other regional offices will be opening in the near future.
Anyone who had been following along with our blog on www.nongkhaidesign.com will have no doubt been wondering why there has not been many updates recently. With so many new and ongoing projects and with our major company re-structuring and re-branding, we had to put our company blog on hold. However, with the transition complete, regular blog updates will continue here. You can also find all of the blog posts from our old site right here on NKD House .com.