Riverbend – building the studio [part 1]

In researching different options for building my studio I came across Panel Concepts – a Michigan company that manufactures ‘kits’ using 4ft x 8ft panels.  We met in March to see a model and I liked what I saw.

Summer was busy but we were able to test a floating foundation system (using the shed) and cleared a 16ft x 20ft area for the studio.
  

In September I was ready to discuss ordering a kit – only to discover that the owner was retiring, the business was being sold and would move to Wyoming as of December 1st.  BUT… they were still taking orders for another week.  Checking the details of exactly what options I wanted… I placed an order for a 12ft x 16ft unit.

With only 4 weeks to get the foundation sorted and floor built… having a husband who is a ‘newly retired engineer looking for a challenging project’ REALLY came in handy for all the design work and calculations.

Step 1 : delivery of 3 cubic yards of small stone/pea gravel
  

Spread 4″ deep and layout the footing supports
  

Step 2 : Laying out the frame then a LOT of ‘measure twice…. cut once’ for the 16 supporting legs and 11 floor joists!  With the help of our daughter Andrea (an amazing woodworker in her own right!) we set to work….
       

…and 3 days later we had the base completed.

In mid October I got the phone call that my order was ready = on to the next step!