The modification bug makes a comeback
Many obsolete camera components are still very usable with some modification. And once the modification bug re-emerges, one bite is all it takes to get your creative juices flowing again, writes Abré J Steyn.
In with the old
I got a call from a prospective farmer in the battlefields area of KZN, to come and see three derelict old farm houses on three adjacent farms in the area. Erich was to establish a new farming venture on one of these farms; and required a home for the manager to be.
Glamorising low-cost housing
I recently received a call from a regular Farmer's Weekly reader and acquaintance who likes the way I improvise on cutting building costs.
A good use of space
Hi Jonno,
I've decided to demolish the small cottage close to my house and rebuild one further down the property with a maximum size of 80m².
The modification bug bites
If a piece of equipment is to work better, you have to modify it. But once you start modifying, it's difficult to stop, writes Abré J Steyn.
A cozy retirement
Dear Jonno,
I am looking to put up a small house on my brother-in-law's farm outside Lusaka.
One happy family
I had a call from Ben in the Dundee Area of the Natal Midlands. "We need to make space on our farm for the next generation" He said.
‘n Boer maak ‘n plan
As poaching has threatened almost one rhino a day this year alone, South African farmers have resorted to desperate measures. With this in mind, Abré J Steyn decides to revisit the idea of horn farming.
Building with Straw
Strawbale houses aren't as flimsy as many think - some date back 600 years. Plus, they're cheap and easy to build, writes Abre J Steyn.
A new home in Zimbabwe
Hi Jonno,
I have just secured a stand in one of the towns in Zimbabwe. The size of the stand is 140m2 (14m x 10m)....
Making sense of sound
It's easy to take hearing for granted as most of us know nothing about how the delicate ear interprets sound waves, writes Abré J Steyn.
Making money from farmstays
Namibia is far more successful than South Africa when it comes to guest farm accommodation.
Young family home
Greetings Rob,
Thanks for the invite to see the site and discuss the new house for your son.I know that you said it should be...
Hush!
Sound always carries a message in the animal kingdom and the design of an animal's ear tells us something about its habitat, writes Abré J Steyn.
Cost-effective crèche design
I got a call from a mining company in the Natal Midlands. For their mining licence to be renewed, certain socio-economic services and structures were required. A crèche was one of them.
Cosy log-building in Gonubie
Bev and Dave have bought into a gated housing development, overlooking the Gonubie River and the ocean beyond.
However, while views always take precedence, that...
Thatched Game farm home near Vryburg
Gill, Adele and Dick gave me a call to see the proposed development site on their 5000ha game farm near Vryburg.
The old professor, Ben Engelbrecht
Careful observation and experimentation made theology professor Ben Engelbrecht an expert lure fisherman at a time when nobody knew very much about the art, writes Abré J Steyn.
Farm-style favourite
Barry and Carol called in to see me. They have a newly-acquired game farm in the Thabazimbi area, and require a new homestead there. issue date: 13 August 2010
