Bogor Train Station

I live in Bogor, a small city near Jakarta (capital city of Indonesia). The train station in my city is not a big one; but it’s very useful for Bogor people.

The Weekend in Black and White

Walkways

Access routes that allow people to explore without trampling on plants or wearing out the grass should be as good looking as their surroundings. A width of at least 1.5 meters is suitable-enough to allow two people to walk comfortably side by side.

Curves are attractive, but not if they’re hairpins or too serpentine. Concrete was once the prime material for walkways but most of us have wearied of its uniform, bland appearance. In the following section are some ideas that give a more natural look while doing an efficient job.

Raised Walkway

A spectacular effect can be achieved by building a raised platform suspended from 75-100 mm treated pine poles and finishing the surround with river gravel and plants. The beams and decking can be of hardwood or treated pine.

You can span up to 1800 mm between the pine poles, they are secured to the beams with 12 mm diameter galvanised steel bolts. The walkway should be a minimum of one meter across (1.5 meters is ideal)-wide enough for two people to walk abreast.

The cross members are sknew-nailed o the beams. On a slopping site, step down in 150 mm drops for ease of walking.

A Running Girl on the Beach

The girl is Hana, my niece, seven years old. My husband, Rofi, captured her on Pangandaran Beach (Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia) a few days ago. It’s a pity that I can’t join them (my husband and my SIL family) playing on the beach.

The Weekend in Black and White

A Tree Gazebo

It’s already Monday night here. I’m late to post this meme since I’ve got very bad connection here!

This tree gazebo is located in Collection Park (the front yard of my college); it’s near the new café. you can see a tree gazebo. During my several visits to the café, I’ve never seen someone climb up the stairs. There’s no sign that forbids either. Perhaps I’ll ask someone there later.

Green Tea and Coffee

Every time we hang out, I often order green tea and my husband's choice is coffee. If you are in your favorite cafe, what do you prefer to drink?

The Weekend in Black and White

Installing French Doors

Do you wish sometimes that you were able to create the illusion of bringing the outdoors indoors? If you were to break through an eternal wall and put in a pair of French doors, the effect would be just that. If there’s a patio or deck outside, so much the better.

Check with your local council to see if you need plans and approvals. This is, after all, a structural alteration. However, the council inspector may feel these are not warranted for such a minor job, particularly if a window already exists, which means that the wall, ceiling and roof above are, in fact, properly supported.

Establishing the height
Check that the height from the floor to the top of window will accommodate standard doors. You need 10mm clearance at the bottom for vinyl or cork and 20mm for carpet.

Allow for the thickness of the jamb rebate at the top plus a 10mm clearance to make sure that there’s no weight on the jamb which might cause it to deflect. If the height is insufficient, you may have to have the French doors made especially for you. If it’s too high, you can always fill in the gap.

If the door has no roofed area outside it, as shown in our example, you’ll need to construct a sill across the bottom of the opening to keep the elements at bay.

Establishing the width
The opening width, if wider than the twin doors, is not so important as you can always put in a few extra studs. But if it is too narrow, the doors will have to be made to suit.

Allow for the two jambs rebates plus 10mm clearance on both sides. Lay out the height and width of the opening full size on a piece of timber 100x50 mm. Draw in the members and measure the sizes. That done, you can obtain a price from a joinery shop. Keep the piece of timber to help you to get the framing the correct size.

If you intend making your opening wider than a window, or to increase the height of the opening, you must seek the advice or assistance of a qualified builder in case you bring the roof and ceiling around your ears.