Deconstruction Works
The deconstruction of Allegro Confusione—as Carl’s mother "fondly" called Carl’s childhood home—has proceeded. As I type, the snow melts, and Nate, the framer, is preparing his crew to remove the vinyl siding and then the roof in preparation for reframing and rebuilding.
Two points: Like every other house Carl and I have bought with bright eyes and the conviction that the house is in move-in condition, there has been a lot more below-the-surface work to be done. Because, yes, of course! We could have left the Cape part of the house as it has been for 191 years, and the 1960s addition as it has been for 65 years, but how could we miss an opportunity to jigger and jury-rig cement foundation with holes in it? Never mind the fact that we would have to figure out now, rather than in two years, what to do with Darwin’s View?
And so it is nearly time to remove, raise, and rebuild the sagging roof. And demolish the cement garage and living room before the latter falls into the former.
And here, a clarification of the difference between “demolition” and “deconstruction.” As has been said, a photo (or two) is worth a thousand words.
15 Winter is Exhibit A of deconstruction. Deconstruction is a slow and methodical process. It requires thought. And provides the opportunity for those who work in de/construction to stare in awe at the wide planks. The thick beams. Appreciate the hard work and ingenuity of “how it was done in the old days."
Deconstruction Works has found new homes for our old oil tank. The oil boiler. The 1960s floor planks and flooring and paneling. And that of the 1836 floors of the Cape. The cabinets and windows and doors and showers and clawfoot bathtub and appliances...all are headed to happy new homes. Even the steel nails have been hammered out of the wood to be recycled, if not reused. All this would be a miracle if it weren’t a result of common sense and a phenomenal work ethic.
As winter nears its end, the framers are gearing up to begin leveling and reframing the 1830s Cape. They are studying the Architectural plan … because we have a plan. Unlike some people I could name.
The Cape will be reframed, according to the Architectural plans we have spent well over a year developing.
And the job is going to be permitted. According to the codes that will keep us safe and secure. Another difference between Allegro Confusion and that ridiculous ballroom.
We intend to rebuild it better and stronger for the future. As usual, it will be overachieving. To those looking in, it won’t be Exhibit A small footprint. Judge us as you will.
A cousin of Carl’s suggested we name the place Darwin’s Revenge. But that sounds like the past. For us to heal all the trauma and horror in our DNA, revenge won’t work. Healing requires tending to. Caring. And so, we wait. As the work progresses, I have no doubt, the name will come.