As the morning sun warmed the plaster, it cured into a smooth, velvety of white pearlescent sheen under the sunlight. It instantly brightened the entire central courtyard under the awed stares. Around the deep set oak window frames, they applied a rich warm red ochre derived from crushed mountain himatite.
This created a strong contrast against the ivory walls and brought warmth and life to the villa's facade without looking gaudy. They carved wooden brackets supporting the heavy roof beams were painted in a vibrant, rich emerald green. While the recessed panels between the carved rafters were filled with a deep, azure blue, accented with delicate geometric lines of white lime.
Looking up from the veranda, the roof underside looked like a brilliant mosaic of earth and sky. Finally, all the ironwood pillars entry doors was coated in heated tung oil blended with pine resin leaving a glossy rich chocolate colour. The scaffolding was pulled back and the exterior completed. As Su Xiao surveyed the exterior work from the central courtyard, she was entranced by the breathtaking color contrast.
The next step was the interior of the house. To avoid dust or dampness that could absorb cold, the rooms had to plastered inside. A thick base layer of lime mixed with chopped straw and clay is plastered on the wall. This creates, a breathable insulating layer that traps warmth from the heating system. The walls are then plastered with a silky-smooth white slaked lime mixed with mica dust which gives off a subtle, warm shimmer when sunlight hits the wall through the windows.
Then, the exposed interior wooden roof beams and structural posts are hand rubbed with a dark tung oil to match the exterior cedar, creating a clean contrast against the walls. The master's bedroom was supervised by Su Xiao including the kids room. It is painted with a soft, warm cream-ochre lime wash creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere that reflects and light into a soft golden glow.
The plaster is sealed with a light glaze made from boiled resin and oil which repels insects and gives the room a smooth shine with a woody, sweet scent. The kids room gets a soft green made from finely ground mineral clays mixed into lime. It gives the room a bright, airy and calmly feeling. Su Xiao smiled at the color, it felt like stepping into nature.
'The kids will love it'.
The bottom interior is lined with smooth, cedar wood paneling which keeps the walls warm and not chipping. The house was finally completed and just needed furnitures and lightning to pack in.
"That's enough work for the morning. Go to the kitchen area and get your meals".
"Thank you Miss"
Chorus of appreciation rang out as they dismissed themselves. Su Xiao walked out of the house to the other courtyard. Mu Wei had already gone a long way with the construction of the brothers house. A smooth layer of lime and gravel mortar was poured over and tampee down until perfectly level. Then the massive ironwood pillars were hoisted into their sockets directly.
Heavy cedar beams were lifted into place atop the ironwood pillars locking the walls and wings into a rigid, unified box. Then, heavy triangular cedar roof trusses were raised over the central hall and sloped downward over the East and West wings. Slender purlins were carved across the trusses, followed by a tight layer of tongue-and-groove wooden ceiling planks that creates a clean wooden ceiling from inside.
Over the resin base, heavy grey fired clay roof tiles were interlocked row by row, sealed at the ridge with thick lime mortar. Thick terracotta pipes were connected from the main trunk line through the gravel bed and looped beneath the central hall and both sleeping wings. Next was deep red bricks laid between the standing ironwood pillars, enclosing the outer shell of the house and creating recessed alcoves for the windows.
Hand fitted out frame with double shutters was set into every window opening, fitted with translucent mica panels to let in daylight while sealing out the cold. She stood there and they completed the work without interrupting. Mu Wei dismissed the men to go have their meals before walking to her. He instinctively grabbed her hands to warm them before speaking.
"Aren't you cold?"
"No. I'm so excited I can't feel the cold".
Mu Wei chuckled at her excitement as his eyes softened watching her talk about the house. Unable to resist, he leaned in for a quick peck and moved away. Su Xiao was stunned before breaking out in a deep blush. She looked around to make sure no one was watching before she leaned in for a quick kiss on his lips and smirked smugly.
"Thats what I call a peck"
Mu Wei's eyes darkened dangerously as he leaned closer.
"No, no! We have work to do".
And with that, she entwined their hands and dragged him along with her. Mu Wei could only shake his hand in defeat as he followed her. They arrived at the Bai Ling's residence where the workers were about to start work. They moved there pots and scaffolding there and began work. A clean charcoal slate-grey lime wash along the bottom of the wall. The exterior walls are paired with smooth slaked lime plaster and fine sand, turning into a soft, warm stone cream.
The window shutters, entry door and other wood is coated with dark tung oil giving off an elegant look. Then the eaves and structural rafters are also painted with tung oil, looking glossy. After completing the exterior, it was time for the interiors. The main hall was a smooth, matte off white lime plaster creating a clean, bright visual warmth. The couple's bedroom was a pale linen cream wash, muted and soft under lamp light.
Everything was done and was only left for the furniture to move in. As the couple looked at their nest, cozy and elegant residence, they felt deeply emotional. They could only offer the gratitude and promise in their heart never to betray their masters.