#8 Learning & sharing (20 December 2024)
Benchtop materials, mortise locks, plasterboard alternatives made from packaging waste, and wisdom from the House of Hermès....
Thanks to everyone who’s jumped on board and subscribed to this ‘learning in public’ experiment over the last 8 weeks. I’m planning to take a little break from weekly posts (but not from learning!) over the Christmas/New Year period, and will be back from 10 January.
Things I learned this week…
Needing some inspiration for benchtops? This article contains with a range of alternatives to engineered stone [HT to Amelia Lee (the Undercover Architect) for sharing this one].
We’ve started migrating our construction management software to Wunderbuild so there’s been lots of learning there. Am feeling excited about the efficiencies for estimating as well as an improved client experience.
James Hardie and Weathertex have free takeoff services.
I’ve heard the guys at work talk about mortise locks, but didn’t really know what they were (or how to spell ‘mortise’!). So this week I thought I’d better do some research. I also asked ChatGPT to provide me a picture. I have zero experience installing locks - but even I know that’s not right! 😂
We usually avoid placing electrical services on a wall with a cavity slider, but I’ve recently learned about the RangerBuilt Cavity Switch Unit which allows the installation of light switches and power points onto a cavity sliding door unit.
RangerBuilt Cavity Switch Unit Another product discovery this week is Saveboard - an alternative to traditional building materials like plywood or plasterboard, made from everyday packaging waste such as milk cartons, ingredients bags, coffee cups and soft plastics. I really like the exposed pre-finished wall and ceiling linings which allow you to see the makeup of the board.
Things to share
House inspo for this week… this renovated 1960s shack in Frankston South which I saw featured on The Design Files Instagram account.
Some excerpts from the 60 Minutes interview with Hermès artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas have popped up in my social media feeds this week prompting lots of reflection about the value of craftsmanship. In residential construction we’re certainly seeing the continued push for bigger, cheaper, faster, faster, faster! But what if we began to the appreciate the wisdom and value in patience, taking real care, going slowly, and honouring the craft of building homes (not just houses)?
If you’re new here, you might want to check out the archive of previous posts. And if you know someone working in construction or doing their own build/renovation project, I’d be thrilled if you’d share the newsletter with them.