We are finally getting the project off the drawing board.
The goal is to have renewable energy installed on our roof, and to have a roof that won’t leak. In the process of working toward that, we have realized we need to do a lot more. Including: overhaul the structural load-bearing capacity of the house, re-build the roof, and remove the three old boilers and hot water heater and get a new super-efficient device which will do everything all at once.
The first thing to do is the structural work. With our trusty architect Garth Goldstein, we have identified what needs work and enlisted the services of Community Builders Cooperative, a construction and renovation group based in Somerville. They are indeed a worker-owned cooperative and it’s exciting to work with an ally in the Cooperative movement.
Here are some pictures of the work.
Our building permit
A hole for a new post footing – to support more weight up above.
Debris removed from the four new holes. This was hauled out later.
Here is a new steel post on the newly poured concrete footing, supporting the new load-bearing beam in the basement. At this point the house is already shaking less!
Now going to the first floor, the old post flanked by new temporary supports.
And here is Garth the Architect and Steve the Carpenter looking at the replaced/enhanced structural members on the first floor. I thought I had a picture of the finished product; if I find it, I’ll put it up here. We are all happy to talk about this component of the total project any time. Just email us.
The Cambridge Coop is excited to host a benefit dinner for the Youth Movement of Cuidad Sandino, in Nicaragua with special guest Oscar Mayorga!
Cambridge Cooperative Club 