So Finally Shade Roof to beat the summar

The farm had a shade which fell few months back. Since then after many months of waiting to purchase stone pillars failed, we decided to use scarp iron poles to build a new one.  I left it to Subbu on the design part.  Only this time we wanted to raise the flooring.

This is what I sort of planned many months back and drew
on a piece of paper.

The following material goes into making a large shade roofing.

1. 6 Iron Pipes,  4 of 6 feet and 2 of 12 Feet height costing 45/- Kg of iron totalling Rs. 4500
2. 400 Nos Coconut tree leaves knitted  at 6/- each totalling 2400
3. Skilled Labor for 2 days @ 500 each person total 2 persons = 2000
4. Concrete for iron pillars and preparing the ground = 1000

The roofing is made of knitted dry coconut leafs. flooring is sand on raised pit.  It can host around 10 people comfortably or 15 people sitting.  It has come out little smaller than expected, but is cute and just enough considering many other aspects.  There is one issue, that is soil erosion on the sides. Have no idea how to contain that.  I also may need to arrange some solar lantern and a wire cot or bench.

And this is what achieved.  It is on a raised bed with Sand spread across.
There are bricks lined to decorte and hold the sand.
Originally i planned to spray cowdung. But that is not required now.

The roof inside

Kandan's Dog is the first soul to take rest.  Look at the relaxed posture.
He is enjoying his nap in hot Sun.

And my value addition. -  Hanging a mirror to a pole to groom oneself.

Shade Roof retirement and plan ahead

File Photo: Shade Roof just after windpump installation

We had a simple chat and planned the week ahead. Subbu is suffering from cold and fever. He said he wanted to avoid "injection" which will cure instantly. He chose to drink potion prepared from herbs. That was a good decision considering the fact that he has easy access to Herbs.

Shade Roof

 One of the legs of the shade roof  has got broken and the whole shade roof has sat down. This was built with casurina poles and coconut tree leafs.  Served its purpose for 3 long years in harsh climate.

File Photo: Workers resting and chatting.
Climate was very very hot outside

This is the shade under which our team rested all the while. Subbu has stayed overnight many days. Entire farm development happened in front of this.  This was also the place we used to invite our visitors to take some rest. Just sit flat on the ground and serve them some coconut juice.

Wrought Iron Park Bench - To be procured

It is high time that we completly remove it and reclaim the space.  I told Subbu to plan for a smaller roof, again with good quality leaf roof.  Meanwhile I promised I will source artistic wrought Iron Park benches and send it over there.  It costs around Rs. 5500/- per bench plus courier charges.  Since this is non-revenue expenditure I am just holding it back. Opposition from spouse is also another reason. looking for a good time to open the topic.

With two benches and a roof, we can manage to create homely atmosphere once again.

Meanwhile the leafs from this old shade roof has degraded. So it cannot be re-used. They will be used as mulching sheets eventually.  I also asked subbu to check if this can be used to shade the newly constructed compost tank. Earthworms may require shade.

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