The PaGoat-a (possibly the fourth and final name for the structure) was one of the most interesting and enterprising structures we’ve put together in awhile. While it looks like a fairly easy structure to erect, it took a lot of ingenuity as far as creating the structural soundness of the building. When our good friend and electrician, who we’ve worked with for years, first mentioned the idea of what he wanted, he described something permanent that could be used during the summer and throughout the winter, something that could be built around the pre-existing rock wall circle while still being able to enjoy the fire pit in the center. We were really excited starting this project, knowing that with his vision and easy-going nature, we would be able to take the reins a little more and have more freedom with the design.
When we began, we set the eight piers in the shape of an octagon, 22ft wide, avoiding trees, large boulders, while keeping the existing openings in the rock wall in mind. We were able to get all our lumber milled at a local sawmill and start the process of putting up the post and beam structure. After the first level of beams went up, creating the large, lower octagon, we grappled with the way in which we were going to hoist the 500lbs compression ring 14ft in the air while we set it with the sixteen rafters that would be holding it up. It took a lot of manpower, and a little help of a bucket lift, but we were able to get the first compression ring set. To help with the air flow that would be needed for the fire pit, we built an open knee wall that would allow smoke to flow up and out of the structure. On top of the knee wall, we sat another octagon ring with the rafters supporting the second compression ring at the very tip of the structure. After getting the metal roofing on, the owner fed power out to the structure, running rope lights above each level of purlins in the lower ceiling and upper cupola ceiling, giving the rafters and purlins the spiderweb effect which drastically changes how the space feels after dark, giving it a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
With the PaGoat-a “dried in”, for the winter, the owner is now able to entertain outside, even in the snowiest of conditions.
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