Cat Fence Update
More of the south wall is done. The large square block is limestone, which caps the 1894 cistern. The sloppy, surrounding concrete will be removed.. A table and four chairs will rest on the limestone. Above, will be a pergola topped with clear plastic roofing. To the left (where the grass is) will be a round pond. Above the pond, and springing from the top of the fence will be a waterfall feature, so, sitting at the table should be a lovely experience. The door will be the primary access from the east yard to the driveway. It had been temporarily installed in the Sewing Room of the Cross House to access the Sleeping Porch. I am thrilled to re-use it.
The raison d’etre of the two side walls? They are shear walls to prevent the outer wall from being knocked down by the wind. They will have metal on both sides. The diagonal 2x4s are added strengthening.
The outer edge of the pergola will be supported by two concrete block columns…
…salvaged from the non-original porch I removed from the Carriage House in 2024. I am sooooooo excited about re-using them.
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Ross, that corrugated metal reminds me of an auto salvage yard. I wouldn’t do it, but I guess form follows function. Es lebe die Katzen!
Hi, Michael, the reason for the metal is I need something the cats can’t climb. And, once the pergolas are installed (there will be two) and the pond and waterfall installed, I don’t think the yard will resemble an auto salvage yard.
Well, Ross— I did bless your cats. In German!
Just a grammar detail: “Es leben die Katzen!” (plural verb with plural noun)
And all of the cats are feminine, even the males.
Dankeschön!
Will the cats be able to scale the concrete pillars and cross the roof?
How likely are they to bolt through that door when it is opened? I have an “airlock” at my back alley; two gates so that if they get through the inner one I can shoo them back before opening the outer one to the alley. You might be able to reuse the door you just took out of the turret bathroom.
Nice plan to reuse everything and will be a lovely spot with the pond nearby. Very peaceful since it is far away from the main street out front. The granite looks in great shape and will look like an intentional patio rather than a cistern lid.
The slab isn’t granite — it’s limestone. The Flint Hills of Kansas are made of layers of limestone with flint deposits, and shale. Early sidewalks in Emporia were often made of limestone slabs mined nearby. You can still see them here and there in the original plat of the town when you’re out for a walk. They’re often a bit irregular in shape and they erode in a distinctive pitted pattern. It’s fun to find history literally at your feet.
Hurray for progress on so many fronts!
I can’t quite picture the completed project, but I’m sure it will be great.
Bravo Ross! The practice of repurposing materials continues. More economical, less waste and can be salvageable if need be. Progress!