Large windows dominate the west wall of the
sanctuary. The solid walls left and right of the center window will be wired to
some day (finances permitting) accommodate large screen television monitors for
use during services and meetings.
Most of the framing for the stage has been installed in the west end of the sanctuary. When finished, the stage will be one foot high with a six-inch-high step that is eighteen inches deep. To allow wheelchair access to the stage, an ADA compliant ramp will be added along the left (south) wall. Before the floor decking is attached, wiring for electric power, audio/visual and data will be installed under the stage.
Framers are attaching studs for drywall to what was once the exterior wall of the church adjacent to the patio. (We used to stack firewood against this wall.) It is now the interior wall of the infant/toddler room. The large opening in the distance will frame a large window that will look out onto our backyard.
The clerestory window in the choir/RE room has been framed in. The vaulted ceiling of the room will follow the roof line to the horizontal top plate where it will flatten out. A vent for the HVAC system will fill the triangular space above the window and ceiling.
The framing in the center of the photo will house the 2' diameter HVAC duct that will direct warm or cool air from the heating and cooling system through the ducts under the floor to the vents in the sanctuary. To the right is the attic that will house much of the HVAC equipment. To the left, flexible conduit that will provide power to the ceiling light fixtures in the sanctuary hangs until needed. This room will have the access ladder to the attic, and will house the A/V controls and the circuit breaker panels.
This view of the attic is taken from the choir/RE room. The wood framing, which will soon disappear under insulation and drywall, makes an interesting and, to some, a beautiful pattern.
Electricians are also at work on the interior installing wiring, conduits and boxes that will be used for AC outlets, light fixtures, light switches, and data.
For a building to be "dried in," the interior must be protected from rain and weather. That requires that the roof and walls are built and covered with protective material, and the window openings either have windows or a temporary covering. Because two large sections of roof are not yet framed in, it's unlikely that the new addition will be completely dried in today, but framers and roofers have begun adding the protective materials.
Roofers are using a product called Rhino Roof U20, a synthetic air, water and vapor barrier for use under asphalt shingles – which we are using. According to the product website, Rhino Roof U20 is 12 times stronger than normal roofing felt, provides a slip resistant walking surface, lays flat, does not absorb moisture and contributes to LEED points. While we are not going to be LEED certified, we are trying to construct our building with as small a carbon footprint as possible.
Tyvek building wrap, a product of DuPont, is being added over the sheathing. According to the product website, Tyvek provides an air and water barrier, which controls air leakage, and helps reduce the load on the heating and cooling system, thereby saving money. It also keeps water out, but allows "water vapor to escape when moisture does get in, letting wall systems dry, helping prevent mold, and protecting and improving building air quality." Those of us who remember the construction of the Spring Hill Suites across from Rollier's Hardware can attest to the durability of the product. It was exposed for so long, that many of us still refer to it as the Tyvek Hotel.
The roof on our building will be covered with asphalt shingles and rolled rubber roofing. The shingles will go on the sloped roof, and the rolled roofing will go on the flat roof. In the photo to the left, stacks of foam insulation await installation on the roof of the sanctuary.
Pallets of shingles also stand by waiting to be called to duty.
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