The weather can slow us down but it won’t stop us! Putting in the work on this beautiful land so many others get to experience the beauty. #shilohridge #rrg #development #landsteward #excavation #redrivergorge #newconstruction #designbuild #cabin #kubota

Moving and grooving thanks to the dry weather! ##redrivergorge #rrg #construction #kubota #cabin #newconstruction #designbuild #customcabin #excavation

We’ve been working on a project we are excited to share with you! A small boutique cabin community that checks all the boxes. Be on the lookout for more info to come.

#designbuild #redrivergorge #elevatethestandard #loveyourneighbor #dogood #rrg #construction #newconstruction #architecture #shilohridgerrg

Don’t skip the shake. At Mountain Building Co. we know a basement stem wall is more than concrete—it’s the backbone that holds your entire home steady, whether you’re building near the cliffs of the Red River Gorge or right in town. We use a concrete vibrator on every stem wall pour to drive out hidden air pockets, pack the mix tightly against the forms, and lock it securely around the rebar. This extra step creates a dense, moisture-resistant wall that resists cracking, keeps water out, and delivers long-term structural strength. Solid foundations are what allow the beauty of a Red River Gorge build to stand the test of time, and we never cut corners where it matters most.

#MountainBuildingCo #ConcreteTips #BuiltToLast #DontSkipTheShake #RedRiverGorge #KentuckyBuilds #BasementStrong #FoundationMatters #ConcreteConstruction #StructuralIntegrity #QualityFirst

The Well Build is entering a major milestone. The basement walls are finally going up, creating the strong foundation this custom home needs for decades of stability. Over the next few weeks, the crew will begin framing and setting the massive timber beams that give the structure its character and strength. This is where planning meets execution—every measurement, every pour, and every beam matters.

We’re sharing the full journey so you can see what it really takes to turn raw land into a lasting home: design choices, material selection, and the on-site problem solving that keeps a project on track. Whether you’re planning your own build or just love seeing the process, this is the phase where things get real. 🏡🔨 #WellBuild #CustomHome #ConstructionJourney #TimberFrame #BasementBuild #FramingSoon #DreamHome #BuildingTips #HomeConstruction #BuildingProgress #RedRiverGorge #NaturalBridgeStatePark #DesignBuild

Almost there. Next comes the under water structure. Then we will be ready for rain! We will share the details soon!

#excavation #landdevelopment #natureoasis #designbuild #newconstruction #kubota #construction #rrg #redrivergorge #cabin #customcabin #nature

⸻
Lake Building 101 + 102: From Dirt to Ecosystem 🛠️🌊🦆

Dreaming of building a lake on your land? Here’s what it really takes — and what to expect once it’s alive with wildlife:

Step 1: Plan & Design – Location, size, watershed, and soil matter. A good design upfront saves headaches later.
Step 2: Soil Test – Clay is your best friend. Without enough of it, water will seep away. Sometimes builders add clay or bentonite to seal it.
Step 3: Excavate & Core Trench – Digging isn’t just moving dirt. A compacted clay “core” under the dam stops leaks. Build up in lifts and compact every layer.
Step 4: Shape the Dam – Stable slopes (3:1 backside, 2:1 water side) and a wide base protect against failure. Taller = wider.
Step 5: Drainage & Spillways – A must-have. Spillways prevent dam washouts during heavy rains.
Step 6: Finish & Fill – Smooth slopes, seed grass, and let the water rise. Now the real magic begins.

🌱 Bringing It to Life (Lake 102)
• Aquatic Plants – Keep it balanced (10–15% coverage). They oxygenate and shade the lake.
• Fish Stocking – Start with forage fish (bluegill, minnows) before introducing bass or catfish for a balanced food chain. You can even farm tilapia in Kentucky!
• Habitat Structures – Add logs, stumps, or rocks underwater to create shelter. Think fish apartments.
• Wildlife Visitors – Frogs, turtles, dragonflies, herons, and maybe ducks will find their way.
• Water Quality – Watch for algae blooms. Aeration or fountains can keep oxygen levels steady.

👉 A lake isn’t just a hole in the ground—it’s an engineered water system that transforms into a living ecosystem. Done right, it adds beauty, biodiversity, and long-term value to your land.

💬 Want me to drop a “Lake 201” post breaking down the details of the build and step-by-step of what happens once construction begins? Let me know in the comments.

Final step before the basement walls are formed for concrete.

The WELL Building Standard emphasizes controlling moisture to protect occupant health and building durability. Installing a capillary break beneath the basement stem wall stops water from wicking upward through concrete, where it can create hidden mold, degrade air quality, and compromise structure. By interrupting this movement at the foundation, we protect indoor environments, extend the life of the home, and maintain a healthier, drier living space.

#WELLBuildingStandard
#HealthyHomeDesign
#MoistureControl
#BuildingScience
#HomeDurability
#CapillaryBreak
#FoundationProtection
#IndoorAirQuality
#SustainableConstruction
#HealthyLivingSpaces

Take a little tour through the Gathering Grove @hootingowl_homestead we are coming into the final touches and are excited to see this all come together!

#redrivergorge #construction #commercialbuild #design #wilderness #nature #rrg #newconstruction #designbuild