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The Project is Parked.
For the moment anyway, the Minimalist Monument to Moi is stalled while we assess its viability in the face of mounting costs. These aren’t necessarily costs associated with the house …
Over the Internet vs Over Dinner.
My first contact with Yo Shimada was by email. We spoke about the idea of working together on my house in Australia. Though we spoke at length, swapping ideas and …
Issan Steak with Bamboo Salad and Signed Contract
On the 29th of November, 2012 I sent an email to Yo Shimada in Japan. It read: “Hello, I am most impressed by your house in Rokko and was interested …
The 450sqm Pregnancy
A lot has happened since my last post, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at the slow progress on the 450sqm of dirt that I’ll one day call “home”. …
Go!
Someone sage once told me that the hardest thing about house building is getting out of the ground. This I agree with. Making a start is surely difficult. The design …
Closing In
Brisbane has become a city of inclement weather. Climate change sceptics will argue that there is no trend or cause for alarm in the bad weather we’ve experienced in the last …
Moist. I hate that word too.
With the steel skeleton of my Minimalist Monument to Moi in place, the slab laid and the walls built, it is time to talk about moisture. Queensland is traditionally a …
I’m back. Do you recognise me?
Have you ever sat in the hair salon with your chair turned away from the mirror while they styled you? Or sat blindfolded? Who does that? Nobody. We always watch …
Back seat designer.
We’ve all done it: given “suggestions” to the driver from the back seat. It’s easy to do and at the time you’re convinced that you have a better understanding of …
Some wabi-sabi with your sushi?
We’re on the home straight now. I know that because I’ve seen painters and plasterers and electricians back on site. And I’ve had a conversation with the landscaper as well. …