The concrete sections have finally been installed. There was a problem with the logistics of loading and unloading which resulted in the lifting gear having to be returned to site for an additional half a day and therefore at additional expense. Hopefully the last unplanned for incident. The forms look good, however the moulding process has resulted in a colour variation that is not desired. It seems the preferred fabric used for the casting was used up half way through their build and an alternative, whilst appearing similar, has for some reason create a variation in the colour. It seems that we will have to paint the concrete in a special wash, designed for this very problem..so what I said about no more unforseen problems, lets hope tomorrow goes to plan.

The result of the delayed installation of the concrete is a day's delay to the living wall panels that fiit to the vertical walls between the concrete sections. They are expected tomorrow and should soften up the space

Chelsea Build day 1

Well it started today, apparently. I have been asked, kindly by Angus, the contractor to not bother turning up until the plants are due. Its quite a wrench to trust someone to build something that has developed a personality over the last 6 months; to give them the control over its delivery. But I do trust them, all. The plant suppliers at Aldingbourne, the concrete formers at the University of East London. They trust me to have designed something with integrity and communicated to them the necessary dimensions and drawings for parts to be built, now I hope that they all fit. Its a frustration to hear of progress from the other end of a phone, but even if I was there, and last year I was, there is actually little that I could do. Point a bit, shout, wave my hands and try to doodle my way out of a problem. Its best this way and there is so much new work coming in that I need to remember who the clients are and keep my promises.

A test cast from last week