The client organisation insisted that a concrete bedding was installed. Wire mesh was laid down as a strengthener for the concrete then it was left for a few of days to dry out.

We did recommend using the Segal raised floor method where the building sits on four corner posts that rest, through gravity, on four concrete paving slabs.

This method could have avoided the use of any concrete and prevented any possibility of dampness. However the client wanted the retreat to be operational as soon as possible so concrete was chosen as it was a more expedient solution..

The client was especially interested in oriental carpentry techniques - so this project was a dream come true for Joel to really display his understanding of other cultural influences on carpentry design style.

Although it takes longer to build, Japanese techniques employ the principle of joining things with pegs through holes. This means the building is a lot more flexible in an earthquake zone and usually survives intact because of the natural 'give' in the structure. Nails are too restricting, and less flexible in tremor conditions.

The client felt that metal was going to be counter-productive to the energy flow in the retreat and so forbade the use of nails.