---

Like a tree stump firmly rooted in the ground, the foundation and footing extended up to the ground slab. Then the walls grew one course at a time, interlocking blocks that hugged each other tightly, with the only openings left for a door and a window. As if wearing a belt, the rebar was wrapped around the structure, Cast and left to cure for 7 days.

Now the formwork is peeled out, revealing the lintel on which we are adding more block work to create better headroom. Round went the first, a second and a third course. Security officials love standing erect; let's keep him comfortable so he can keep us safe.

With the head room now set, let's look at the walls, rough and coursed; let's give it some skin.
Walls without plaster are like a body without skin. Strong, but exposed.

Plastering starts with cement and fine sand. Plaster mortar at a ratio of 1:4. A scoop with a trowel and a bump on the wall. It makes a little splash but most of it sticks. I wish it were “lime mortar", stiffer and smoother. Snapping out of wishful thinking. Many more scoops and bumps covering the blocks in rumbling hills and valleys of plaster mortar.

Now comes the ranging and levelling plumb, cutting off excess hill tips. A rubbing stick and stone evens everything with a little water to shine and a scaffold to climb.

Plastering is a cloak that protects the blocks against direct sun, wind and rain and also gives it a smooth finish for beauty. It hides minor defects, acting as a waterproofing and thermal insulation layer.

The same sequence repeats, smear, smooth and rub till it shines. Sometimes it peels off. We expected that. After a little treatment with some fresh cement and water, once it's a little stickier, it's slapped back on the wall.

The carpenter will soon come again, this time he will be up on the roof with loud bangs again. Progress is obvious and success is certain, we have made it this far.

Conclusion

A collection of little acts, powered by determination and confidence, Brick by brick and scoop after scoop. The guard post is no longer just structure — it’s taking shape, it's becoming shelter.

Up-Next, the carpenter and the roof

1: From Dust to Duty Post:
2: The Rise of the Walls:
3: Cloaking the Walls

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Media Credit

Composer	@manuelhooks
Graphics	by manuelhooks
Captured with	Galaxy-A15
Activiry	Construction
Posting Date	Sat. 20th June
	(@) 2026

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