#133 Installing reused wooden windows on our fridgebox house
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#133 Installing Reused Wooden Windows on Our Fridgebox House
Four years ago, we acquired an abandoned piece of land with the aim of exploring sustainable living. Since then, we have been working on establishing a base camp, regenerating the landscape, and converting vehicles into houses, all while documenting our journey to share as open-source content. In our latest update, we're continuing our work on the FR Boox trailer, aiming to transform it into a cozy home.
In our previous update, we restored an old door for the entryway, and now we are ready to install some secondhand windows. We’ll be creating frames to fit them into the walls of the fridgebox.
Preparing the Frames
Back at the fridgebox, the next step is to install the windows. With plans to add one window on one side and two on another, we came equipped with a set of windows donated to us in Season 1. We’ve already repurposed some of these in our sketchnoting project. Before we can set the windows in place, we need to prepare some dry wood.
We found some old chestnut wood that was going to be discarded. While not in perfect condition, it had enough usable parts after sorting through it. We began the big task of cutting the wood into usable pieces before getting started on planing them. Since Julian needed a specific thickness for each layer of the window frame, we put in considerable effort to plane the wood adequately.
Once the wood was prepared, it was time to create the window frames, requiring precise cuts at 45-degree angles to follow the shape of the windows. Using clamps and glue, we assembled the frames, ensuring they were sturdy and sealed properly.
Final Assembly and Installation
With three frames completed, we moved on to create a window seal—an angled wooden piece to allow rainwater to run away from the windows. The frame wouldn't go straight into the fridgebox; instead, we first placed a wooden extractor in the gap to attach the frame to it.
As the glue dried, we sanded and varnished the frames to add a protective layer. After finishing all the details, we proceeded to install our first window! Happy with the completion of the horizontal window, we then turned our attention to the next two side windows, beginning the restoration of the secondhand options.
Reusing windows has its challenges, but we improved the installation system to ensure better integration with the existing structure. After trimming the fiberglass for openings, we prepared the frames to fit perfectly and secured everything in place with additional varnishing for durability.
Conclusion
After numerous hours of labor and creativity, all the windows are now installed on the fridgebox. Julian and his team took pride in this project, preparing everything for the upcoming winter. If you appreciate our efforts and wish to support our mission, consider checking out our Patreon page for exclusive content. Your feedback and suggestions are also welcome in the comments section.
Keywords
- Sustainable living
- Reused windows
- Fridgebox
- Woodworking
- Window frames
- Restoration
- Open-source project
- Base camp
FAQ
What is the purpose of the fridgebox project?
The fridgebox project aims to convert abandoned vehicles into sustainable living spaces, sharing the process as an open-source project.
What materials are being used for the window installation?
We are utilizing secondhand wooden windows and salvaged chestnut wood to create sturdy window frames.
How did you prepare the wood for the window frames?
The preparation involved sorting through discarded wood, cutting it into usable pieces, planing it to the required thickness, and assembling it into frames.
What challenges did you face during installation?
Some challenges included ensuring that the frames fit precisely into the existing structure and finding ways to seal gaps to prevent water intrusion.
Can viewers support your project?
Yes! Viewers can support our project on Patreon, where they can access exclusive content and updates.