Cave front design

Cave front design. Traditional? Different? Unique? The choice is yours, we were lucky enough to already have a breeze block front so it was just a case of deciding how we wanted the cave front to look. In our area most of the caves are stone fronted (but this is now quite expensive) so keeping with our rustic theme we decided to strip the breeze front of all the old limewash - because nothing sticks to it. This was a tedious job using a grinder but the only effective way of cleaning the blocks thoroughly. Total prep time was 3 long dusty days.

Grinding off limewash and paint...

In the photo above you will notice cracks in the front, this is due to cave movement, remember - in effect a cave is a living thing always on the move with the rest of the earth. Nothing to worry about though as this is normal, repairable and part of "little and often" minor repairs.

We chipped away with a bloster chisel around 2 inches either side of the cracks, hammered in some ribbed nails (like the type in pallets) and cemented the cracks back in again. Job done. Later, after aquiring some broken old wine vats we cemented these in at random above the door and windows and at the cave base, you can see similar effects using stone or slate.

Nearly done...

Then came the roof tiles just cemented in place on top of the highest block at the roof. At 32 cents each we opted for the more rustic coloured tiles although plain tiles are cheaper - either way it wont break the bank. So what to do with the rest? we contemplated just smooth render and paint but in the end decided on a more textured finish. This was created by applying a fine mix of cement with our hands - DO WEAR GLOVES!! The finish itself tends to blend quite effectivly with the area and we also have the option of going over it again in a different style should we choose to, basicly we have left our options open.

You will notice no finished photo......! and thats because its not. Our project was always planned as long term and will no doubt change and develop as we go along. Cosmetics are the best part of renovating a cave yourself not only due to the versatility of working on a cave but because it is at this point that no matter what you work on or acheive you get to see results and improvements that make a significant difference.