We constructed the undershot waterwheel for Kraay Family Farm two years ago. The challenge was to build it in sections for shipping while keeping it easy to assemble and balance. The Kraay family installed it and built the sluice boxes. We fabricated the mining cars (hidden) to catch the tailings this spring. It was magical to see the wheel spinning slowly and majestically. The attraction is now a popular landmark and feature on the farm.
Kraay tire horse
It is always exciting to see our completed projects on site. We design and build them in our studio over many weeks or even months. We build larger projects in sections that we are not able to assemble in our shop. Smaller pieces look very different in the studio than they do out on site. Once we finish the pieces, we carefully load them onto trailers and send them down the road. Often, our clients generously take the time to send pictures, which we greatly appreciate. But nothing beats walking up to a fully assembled project to see it in its permanent home in person. Our clients often do a fantastic job of landscaping around them to make them fit perfectly into their surroundings.
My visit to Kraay Family Farm was magical. The farm was moderately busy, and the sun was shining warmly. Best of all, I was guided by Rachel & Reuben Kraay. They and their crew have made amazing progress over the last three years, since my last visit. As we strolled around the farm, we discussed ongoing challenges and dreamed a little of future projects to make the property even better. We appreciate being included in the farm’s journey. Stay tuned for exciting developments…
Perfect execution!
When I was in my very early twenties, I pondered how I would make a living. I loved pen-and-ink drawing, but it was a struggle to jump to light speed and make drawing a full-time career. For a while, I thought I might enjoy being an architect. I took some classes at the British Columbia Institute of Technology to formally begin that years-long journey. I quickly discovered I didn't have a fondness for rulers and technical drawings, so I decided to focus on my art, which proved to be the right decision for me. In the decades since, I have enjoyed designing many buildings; however, I stick to creating the preliminary concepts and leave the detailed technical plans to others. It is the perfect fit! I take great delight in seeing the finished results, especially if the final result closely resembles my original ideas. Today I visited Kraay Family Farm in Lacombe, Alberta. I was delighted with the finished exit barn that I had the privilege of designing a couple of years ago. They absolutely nailed the execution, both inside and out! The beautiful building made me smile a big old grin. THANKS!
