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Switching on our own lights, getting water from the tap and being able to get to work: at Paul Krugerstraat, none of that could be taken for granted. After buying the premises, we were left without the existing utility supplies. We needed our own connections to make proper use of this The Owl’s Nest location.
That also meant building a utility meter cupboard. With help from volunteers, space was cleared, a masonry foundation was built, a floor was poured and a cupboard was constructed. The project photos show how much work went into that seemingly ordinary cupboard.
No electricity, no water and no gas: without utilities, setting up a workshop soon becomes difficult. At first, we had to make do with temporary arrangements.
For a while, we were able to use electricity from Mr Hartendorp, our neighbour at number 34. Water was supplied through a submeter. That helped us move forward, but we still needed our own connections to use the location independently.
We considered several possible locations. In the end, the space directly beside the entrance doors made the most sense. The meter cupboard had to fit into the existing building there.
Once the location had been chosen, the preparation could begin. The floor was opened up to make room for the foundation and the service ducts. The photos show the transition from breaking out the floor to the first stages of construction.
A masonry foundation was built beneath the meter cupboard. New sections of brickwork were constructed on either side of the opening in the floor. This gave the cupboard a firm base while leaving room for the service ducts.
The photos show two stages: first the new brickwork, then the ducts with the timber frame around them. Much of this work would later be hidden beneath the cupboard, but it is just as much a part of the finished result.
A sound, solid floor was needed beneath the meter cupboard. A floor was poured and carefully tamped down. It also needed to fit closely around the service ducts.
In the first photo, the poured floor is being tamped down. In the second, it is still liquid. These stages would later be hidden from view, but they were necessary to finish the base of the meter cupboard properly.
The cupboard took shape around the prepared area. Here, the green interior, the timber frame and the junction with the floor are still under construction. The woodwork had to fit the existing space beside the door.
With the door in place, the cupboard began to look finished from the outside too. Painting and making the openings near the top and bottom of the door were part of those final construction stages. The photo shows the door before the ventilation grilles were fitted.
Once we had our own utility connections, it was an enormous relief. We no longer had to rely on temporary supplies. At last, we had our own electricity, water and gas, and could make proper use of this The Owl’s Nest location.
The meter cupboard meant much more than completing a building job. We could get on with developing the workshop and everything we wanted to make possible here. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped us get this far!
Volunteering also means making the next steps possible. Tamping down a floor, fitting woodwork or helping with the finishing touches: together, those contributions allowed us to continue developing and using the location.
This is a practical example of a completed project. Would you like to contribute to the work at The Owl’s Nest? Read more about volunteering, explore the current requests for volunteers, or contact us to discuss what would suit you.
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