Project: Wheelchair ramp

The Ristee Church building is based upon a structure originally from the Soviet-era. There is a ramp and stairs that no longer lead into the building. One of our projects was to add a new set of stairs and a wheelchair ramp to the back entrance of the church.

Kevin surveying the original concrete block stairs.

Jim helping with the construction of the form for the new stairs and ramp by hammering out part of the old stairs.

The concrete arrives. It was another example of the contrasts present in Estonia. The mixer was state of the art with a powered and articulated chute that the operator controlled with a wireless remote control unit.

Once poured, the concrete has to be troweled smooth before it sets.

Once the concrete sets, the form will be removed. There is a rectangular hole at the top of the steps. This is necessary to allow access to a manhole cover now underneath the steps. A removable grate will be added later that will cover the hole and act as a snow grate for people to scrape their boots to room snow in the winter.