Build a Pagoda / Greenhouse
Once you have your materials and tools, clear and level an area 4m sq with the front positioned for the view and optimising the sun.
At the back right corner mark (yellow line marker spray) an X on the ground (this is the position of the main vertical post). From this point mark two lines at right angles, length 332cm long. Then using string and marker draw a quarter circle on the ground from the X to join these two lines. (See image A)
At the X dig a hole, spade width and 50cm deep. Screw together (with metal angle) the three lengths of 350cm timber (See image C) and then use post mix to concrete main post into hole.
At Y dig another hole. Use M10 100mm nut/bolt join together a roof truss and wall vertical, screw one end into top of main pillar (See image D) and other end into Y hole, brace and check vertical then use post mix to concrete into hole.
At this latest hole at ground level, place a wall section piece against the side of the wall vertical, where it meets the yellow quarter circle at the other end dig the next hole. Use M10 100mm nut/bolt join together together a roof truss and wall vertical, screw one end into top of main pillar and other end into hole. Place a wall section with its long edge at 19cm pencil mark on the both wall verticals, ensure level on all axis , then use post mix to concrete into hole.
Repeat the above three more times and you now have the main structure done YAY
Prepare your 4” x 2” timber
You will need..
- Three 350cm long, cut at 15º angle at top (main pillar)
- Five 444cm long, cut at 15º angle at top (roof trusses)
- from top Pencil mark at 20cm and 10mm hole at 374cm
- Five 260cm long (wall verticals)
- from top Pencil mark at 19cm and 10mm hole at 3cm
- 48 138.7cm (inner 137+4.5=141.5 centres) long, cut at 12º angle at side (wall section)
Consider m8 plastic dowel pins
Around 110m of wood x £2.50/m = £275. If it is a community project your timber merchant may be willing to give a discount and pre cut it for you. Consider asking local builders/ landscapers if they have any formwork timber they have finished with you may get it for free!
Acrylic Glazing
This will let light flood in to all four roof sections and wall sections (which are easily removable)
- Two Axiome Clear 10mm Twinwall Polycarbonate Sheet - 1400mm / 2000mm (cut in half by company)
- Two Axiome Clear 16mm Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheet - 1700mm / 4000mm (cut diagonally to give us four roof sections)
- Five Snapa Snap Fix Glazing Bar - 4.0m
Cost of above £585 (free delivery and they gave us £100 off for social media promotion) or £400 for just half roof glazed
Flooring
Add 14 lengths of 4.8m 4x2 for the floor and joists along with a layer of weed suppressant if that is how you wish to do this part.
Tools required
- Mitre saw
- Electric drill/ screwdriver
- Long spirit level
- Socket set
- Hand saw
Materials required
SO if like us you can get wood for free this type of multi functional building could be created for from £500 and 40 hours work :-)
Lessons Learned
- Pre drill as much as you can
- Full glazing rather than half next time! 170x400cm
- Pixel walls were fun but choose your own idea
- Lower floor to avoid a step in
Trivia
The shape is based on a hexadecagon (16 sided 22.5 deg)
If you need further information do let us know
Link to (far to many!) project photos
:-)
Joe
Special thanks to:
Piers Colby, Blakedown Landscaping, David Legrice, Cllr Tess Gandy, East Suffolk Council (Enabling Communities fund), ClearAmber, GreenJack Brewery, Nadime and many members of the community
United Kingdom