our first month up north
In January 2023, we finally allocated an entire month to start the build of the Salt Shack. We wanted to start with the garage, to test a new concept for foundations. Instead of going into the ground, Sean developed a hight adjustable concrete foundation block that sits on the ground and upon which the building will sit later on. This way, the environmental impact remains minimal whilst also allowing the building including its foundations to be moved if the need ever arose.
We wanted to complete the build of the garage in one ‘go’, so we decided to spend one month up North, not knowing exactly how long it would take us. We had contemplated renting the Villa next door for the duration of the build but then decided it would be more fun to camp. Staying in a relatively remote area of Bali for so long, we needed to be well prepared: We spent a few weeks building a camp kitchen, we bought a tent, camping chairs & table, a large tarp to protect us from the sun (and later the rain), as well as a proper fridge for our supplies.
Meanwhile, our steel fabricator in Ubud had been making all the steel components, which were transported up North on a large truck. Everything needed to be coordinated well for a smooth start to the project.
Our steel fabricator in Ubud manufacturing the panels for the garage.
Concrete footings with adjustable steel brackets
While we set up our Camp and waited for the steel components and concrete footings to arrive from Ubud, our two local helpers started to clear the access to the site, which was overgrown and uneven. Bushes were moved to the other side of the block and earth was levelled to allow for even ground.
The first step was to measure the site and mark the exact location for each concrete footing. The footings were then placed directly onto the ground and adjusted one more time. After that, we put the steel bearers into place and screwed them onto the footings.
Our workers preparing the site
The block from above
Footings and steel bearers in place
To access the block of land easier and to start shaping the future driveway, our workers began to clear some overgrowth bordering the next block of land and dig a drainage channel (locally called subak) to catch rain water during the wet season. This subak will later continue along the entire length of the block and culminate in the ocean some 50 metres away.
Because the land has been sitting unattended for quite some time before we leased it, the coconut trees at the front were laden with fruit and needed urgent cleaning. If trees aren’t cleaned regularly, the old coconuts will eventually fall, which can become a real hazard. Luckily, one of our worker’s father was able to do this - no easy task. Each tree needs to be climbed by an experienced climber, usually barefoot and without any security ropes. After cutting off the old fronds, the coconuts are cut off with a sharp sickle, an ancient harvesting tool still used frequently in Bali.
