Ian’s precise description of what they were will live with me forever. He said Gabions were “steel wire baskets that you (i.e. me) and the kids can fill with local stones to make a nice feature that we can look back on as something we contributed to the build”.
Fast forward two years to one of the early meetings with Roy the builder and when we were discussing who he was planning to use for the various trades. He said for the Gabions his old friend Alex the stonemason would be ideal.
I replied with the description Ian the architect had used to which Roy’s eyes sparkled and a wry grin crossed his face. “No,” said Roy flatly, “the Gabions are very high, very heavy and very visible, so you and the kids chucking stones in a basket will not do”.
Well, last week we finally completed all the Gabions. Some make up sections of the external walls if the house, and we have three sections of Gabion outwith the house structure giving feature and screening.
We are absolutely thrilled with the results, making the house blend beautifully with the rocky hillside around. We hope you agree!
