We started the hard task of framing the connecting elements. I had made the desigh decision to create a front entry that would have symmetrical elements on either side. This meant duplicating all the elements of the existing six foot long dome extension that had served as the front entry, now on the right of the new entry, in the extension to the left that led to the pavilion. Some of the unique features of this dome extension include a 10 foot high cieling, a sloped wall, a large fixed glass window in the sloped wall and a 2'x3' skylight.
In the photo to the left you can also see we have framed the front deck and we are starting to frame the front entry's overhung roof structure. The next photo gives you a better view of the roof framing, including a 4' x 4' skylight opening at the cross-roads of the entry roofs and how the roof line of the connection merges with the pavilion roof line. To the right is the new bathroom roof with its own framed skylight opening.

     The two bathroom windows are shown framed in this view from the makai (ocean) side of the connecting link. There is also a back door that lets out onto the dome's surrounding decks.

     A good view of the almost completed framing is shown in the following photo taken from the top of our property. The next two photos show the completed entry framing with Karen and Debra (Babu's significant other) standing where the entry door will be fitted. There will be glass panels on either side and above this entry door. We are thinking of a door with a large glass panel in it and of integrating the glass panels with a stained glass motif that will extend through all of the panels. Note the front deck joists that extend 8 ft. out with the central entry stair allowance. The entry roof overhang for shelter before entering the house itself, repeats the dome extension geometry.

     The next photo shows the framing of the free-standing wall inside the mauka side of the pavilion. This wall will have shelves on both sides and a 12" deep cabinet in its center portion (in which a mattress will stand). The expandable platform will be located in front of this cabinet and a track light will be mounted to the wall's overhead soffit. A framed closet can be seen behind this wall and will be complimented with shelving on both sides of this closet (when used as a guest room). Note also that the pre-cut roof panels are being mounted to the rafters. These panels, made by Timberwork in Oregon, consist of 1x6 Cedar T&G boards nailed to a 5/8" thk plywood subsrate, with the cedar facing inward (the cieling of the pavilion).

This last photo shows the beginning of the bench framing, with the pre-cut arm rests fastened in place. Note the supports on both sides of the arm-rest for the plywood seat and back. Intermediate supports are still to be framed. We are now proceeding with skinning the structure with roof decking and T1-11 siding.