Grandy's Hangout
This project entailed extending the hot air
(heating) duct and return air ducts to the Future Space. The 6" x 8"
sheet-metal stub-outs and control wiring were already in place - part of
the original construction. Adapters were affixed to the heating stub-outs
allowing standard 6" insulated ducting to be attached - the ducting
was run behind a knee wall to the Future Space. The ceiling rafters had
to be shimmed to take out the unevenness of the original framing. Cold-roof
construction was used with chutes atop the insulation (not visible) ducting
air from the eaves to a ceiling passage that discharges into the Future
Space.
Hanging the ceiling sheet rock was a joy
for a one-man operation! Various props were made to jam the 4 x 8 sheets
in place and screws were quickly driven before the sheet could fall and
crush the installer. The lighting chosen was 4 4-foot, double lamp fluorescent
troffers. A lighting expert would call this overkill, but with Grandy
about to stuff the closet with all sorts of material, much of the light
would get blocked. A fire door, similar to the one shown here was hung
at the other end of the room - that end had been a framed wall covered
with fire-rated sheet-rock. Now it is possible to pass through the Hangout
to the Future Space. This is the route that the grandchildren will take
on a cold winter night to get to their bunks.
Looking toward the Future Space from the
master bedroom closet, we see that Grandy has done her thing. There are
two stout metal hanging rods that run the length of the room. You see
one here, the other is to the right of this one. How does Grandy get to
it? On her hands and knees I would guess - it is as full of 'stuff' as
the one you can see. Except for the built-in shoebox holder, the left-hand
side remained open territory so that any champion 'stuffer' could do her
thing.
Two small chests from Glastonbury fit neatly
against the knee-wall. I am sure that the drawers are stuffed with goodies,
but how does one get the drawers open? By sliding all those plastic boxes
on the floor. I guess that is why we selected a carpet with a tight weave
- better sliding capability.