12-24-2009, 07:23 AM
Yes, I think that if you have a natural depression that is not quite large enough for a house, it may be worthwhile to expand it. In fact, I am not sure, but I think that is what was done with my place: natural depression that was graded, cleaned out, expanded a little bit and filled with gravel (or something). My catchment is ALSO in that depression, but the house is above the catchment because it is on post and pier and the catchment is not.
I have seen many such depressions, or pukas, in lots in my area. In fact, there was one down the street that I looked at. There was a large ridge where the lava built up and stopped, with a lower lying surface area behind it, big enough to put a house in. However, at the time, I looked at the ridge as an obstacle, rather than an opportunity. It was actually an opportunity ---- a great opportunity as the house would have had a spectacular ocean view if perched in the puka with an entrance at the level of the ridge. Silly me. In my area, it is necessary to work with the contours of the surface to the greatest extent possible. In your area, I think you have a'a rubble, which I have the impression is easier to work with, at least when it comes to plants.
I have seen many such depressions, or pukas, in lots in my area. In fact, there was one down the street that I looked at. There was a large ridge where the lava built up and stopped, with a lower lying surface area behind it, big enough to put a house in. However, at the time, I looked at the ridge as an obstacle, rather than an opportunity. It was actually an opportunity ---- a great opportunity as the house would have had a spectacular ocean view if perched in the puka with an entrance at the level of the ridge. Silly me. In my area, it is necessary to work with the contours of the surface to the greatest extent possible. In your area, I think you have a'a rubble, which I have the impression is easier to work with, at least when it comes to plants.