Complete Renovation of a Traditional Stone Roof in the Italian Alps

The renovation of the first roof in one video. I started in July 2022 and got it weather tight just before the snow arrived in November. The rain gutters are made of wood, which took me a long time, dealing with the challenges of winter. In early February the roof was already finished, but I wanted to include the finishing of outside walls in this video as well, which was done in between other jobs. If you want to see the full works and everyday life on the homestead, you can watch weekly videos, which are numbered.
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0:00 Intro
0:31 Scaffolding
2:50 Taking the stones off
5:45 The building plan
6:45 New beams arrived
12:38 Concrete ring beam
19:37 Rafters
28:28 Roof boards
34:24 Vapor barriors and insulation
40:57 Raising the stone walls
46:22 Skylight
56:13 Battens and walls
1:00:00 Putting the stones back on
1:03:34 Finding more stones
1:10:17 Start with the rain gutters
1:15:35 Finishing the skylight
1:20:00 First snow
1:23:57 Closing the roof
1:27:00 Roof perimeter
1:29:49 First rain gutter
1:35:00 Second rain gutter
1:38:00 Taking down the scaffolding
1:41:00 Finishing up the other side
1:48:00 Finishing the walls
1:53:48 Outro Monologue

[@mj2745]

I've watched all of it from the beginning so I cheated in this one but wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed watching your progress, the hardships (that terrible winter storm, which made me weep for you), not just your deliberation and steadfast commitment to maintaining the historical value of the buildings, but the aesthetics of the environment throughout all the changing seasons has been breathtaking. I have loved your photography and the way you frequently stop to enjoy the beauty you are in. It's a labour of love. I'm interested to know what your future plans for it are? Will it be your forever home? Will you rent it out for stays? A marvellous experience for all those who have come to help you. I love watching your videos Martijn, and will continue to do so, all the way from Oz.

[@dorianmorton67]

Same here. 🇨🇦❤️

[@faithful451]

I think I remember hearing him say he's going to rent it for AirBNB but could be wrong.

[@jeantaylor9119]

Same…lol

[@darienneflint9445]

100% agree with your notes. From another Ozzie fan

[@caroljoan3792]

​@@faithful451 I remember the same but I thought he said he would live in one and rent one. I too may be wrong.

[@fiberbeads]

This distilled version of the agony and ecstasy of the last year is very good! However, I feel sad for the newcomers who might not understand the the joy of the progress and the slowly unfolding and yielding of the seasons you worked through; sadness at the end of each weekly video!--and the cups of coffee and many loaves of freshly baked bread that saw you through sunrises and sunsets. If you are new to the channel--do yourself the greatest favor and go back to the beginning. Don't cheat yourself a moment of this masterful undertaking. But hurry up and watch them so you can join all of us for the newest endeavor. We are, after all, a family in our best wishes for Martijn's next successes.

[@amyclea]

You know its summer when the reruns begin.

[@judystark72]

You’re so funny. You must have been born around the same time as I was.

[@dexterdog62]

@@judystark72 guess we’re all about the same age!

[@lenoxlenox9447]

Still it’s fantastic editing

[@TBrl8]

He did warn you, Joe.

[@gaylereid8264]

🤣😂🤣😂😃😃😃😃

[@TheOneHundredPercent]

These videos aren't jst interesting viewing, they have a calming, mediative quality to them.

[@BurgerKing64]

The self built crane is pure genius…😊

[@Pilot333]

That is my favorite cinematic-Martijn-moment.... so magical

[@yossarianbombardier6823]

You've had terrific helpers along the way Martijn, all good people. The two who have really impressed me is the Suzuki and the little trailer...the amount of materials and equipment they have carried up and down the mountain is mind blowing....sure, they've had their moments in snow and rain and slippery conditions but they never complain.

[@jujopobadora7571]

😊🥰😍

[@ninemoonplanet]

I have watched your progress from trying to build the tent platform, the table and benches, up to the series on rebuilding the roof in the traditional ways. What's always caught my attention is the craftsmanship, the eye for details, the patience needed during the storms, the disappointment, the revised plans. This craftsmanship is something a lot of people ignore, don't want to do, prefer pre-made instead of the hand crafted. Thank you Martijn for your skills and your ability to provide such expertise in videography and building. 🇨🇦

[@ninemoonplanet]

I wasn't paying attention to why that cement collar was necessary, seismic makes very good sense. I saw that's now the law in Italy, wonder if it's also applicable in other European countries as well.

[@stephanieazoulay1807]

There is something so timeless about you and your hardship. Your style, the love you have for traditional work, watching your video is like reading a John Steinbeck book, describing the first American pioneers that build California… you probably could have been one of his characters facing hard work, never complaining, just brave and humble. Truly beautiful and inspiring…thank you Martijn 🙏🙏

[@forecast_hinderer]

Of all the helpers, there’s more of a perceivable symbiosis between Ollie and yourself. Looking forward to any future visits from him 🍻

[@mr_effff]

Was just going to say the same myself 👍

[@ilhamtlam5250]

The workers who lowered and lifted the stones 😂 They didn't come back and they won't come back forever

[@dottiebaker6623]

Even watching all this for the second time, it's amazing. But the most impressive is still the quarrying of the large stone slabs from the traditional place. What a lot of work! I hope when you edited this video you were proud of yourself all over again. You deserve it!

[@ubehappy395]

Me too

[@marcoarnoldi9292]

Ciao Martin grande, hai voluto condensare in questo video un' anno di duro lavoro, bellissimo vedere fin dal primo giorno le fasi del tuo progetto, splendide immagini i colori della natura, i tramonti i progressi lavorativi e l' ingegno, direi che i risultati si vedono anche se è stata dura, apprezzo la scelta di mantenere il tetto con le sue pietre originali senza stravolgere l' equilibrio della natura, sei una persona molto capace complimenti è bello seguirti 👏

[@TiggertheTabby]

Although I have seen the progress of the roof over the last 10 months, I will still watch this over two nights. This way I will get two great nights of viewing 💚🦥

[@muldfox]

Saturday is the new Sunday? Love it. Thanks Martijn, hope you're having a great weekend.

[@vickibythelake]

What a treat, my favourite show to watch before sleeping! Sends me off to peaceful slumber! TY :)

[@mariekepost8934]

Genieten Martijn!!!! Elke week weer!!! Dank Je wel!!!

[@Reet64]

I’m working up a sweat over here just rewatching this. So much work went into that roof. And there’s one more to come. But you’ll be better prepared for it having done the first.

[@aussiekerry3101]

You’re early this week Martijn - such an inspiration to so many - have a beautiful fulfilling week! 💕🤗 Thank you for your beautiful videos 🙏🏻

[@MaryOKC]

I’ve said this before - the workmanship is brilliant. My dad was a carpenter/brick layer and also worked with stone a stone mason - we lived in the mountains of northern Idaho where we were two mountains away from the nearest town so everything he did or built was as remarkable as what you’ve done . .. I haven’t seen anything as remarkable as my dads craftsmanship until watching this video - commendable. ..remarkable .. I’m glad I found your channel. Be safe.

[@zleach131]

your patience with this particular job is beyond amazing!!! gorgeous work and so magical!!!

[@cherylmoss3632]

Getting tedious...progress too slow. Not much satisfaction anymore.

[@zleach131]

@@cherylmoss3632 fast forward is always an option....I don't always have the to watch the whole thing so I speed it up. this man is totally amazing.

[@chadsimmons6347]

The cabin is tiny, like 10-ft X 10-ft we build them in 1-weekend

[@zleach131]

@@chadsimmons6347 AMAZING!!! love it!!

[@Javainthebox]

What a beautiful compilation, Martijn. The loving craftsmanship that went into your roof has been such a joy to watch, and I’ve learned along the way. As always, thank you for letting us take this walk through this chapter of your life with you. It’s an honor. 🙏🏼❤️

[@kimberleybrown3107]

I love the comaraderie of men, working and laughing while doing something (literally, in this case,) constructive together. Johannes has a laugh that warms the world.

[@Kalikat-uk5ve]

I'm late to this video. By a year!. I just found this channel. Im so glad to have found it! I would like to say you are one lucky man, or blessed, or what have you. I say that because your living on a mountain top that looks heavenly no matter the view. And how fortuitous, to live on the Italian alps and literally have people come from all around you to offer their assistance to you, and did it for no other reason, except to lend a hand to a neighbor, and of course "beer o'clock!" You can't beat that! What a lovely life you must have. Good luck to you dear sir.

[@Himal_1]

There is no words other than these. Very well said! ❤

[@nancywhite1439]

Wow, Martijn! Complete surprise & delight this Saturday morning to awaken to this multi-layered recap of what you (& with helpful friends) did re-roofing with total renovation! This could be used as a tutorial in building trade schools to educate the students how it is really done using the tried and true methods & even local materials whenever available. {Quite special that you included some clips of making the real bread too!} You’ve been through so much, & by extension to us too. Thank you for this retrospective to review the progress of your amazing project♥️

[@cpollner]

Loved your comments!

[@sdqsdq6274]

what a journey ! whats interesting is the camaraderie of men, random people popping by to help , if i in italy ,i dont mind dropping by to help too , lol

[@patbrady9531]

In addition to exquisite woodworking, masonry, and engineering skills, your filming skills are superb. You deserve awards. Thank you, thank you for giving us these beautiful vlogs.

[@louisclaerhout]

Welcome to the most peacefull place of the internet!

[@joyceglasgow2356]

Happy early Summer Solstice!🌞

[@casper9517]

Dat is lekker wakker worden 🙏

[@simonerhard3757]

The length of your videos is perfect for unwinding. I love watching them to relax

[@taha_okasha]

finally 2 hours of satisfaction :'D

[@sharynhassard1625]

I've stopped all addictions ie alcohol cigarettes recreational aids men ...only to become totally addicted to yr little part of Italy!! Thank you for all yr effort. You are a shining star Martijn. 🎉

[@lottie2525]

For a minute there I thought you'd started work on the roof of the second cabin. How wonderful, a ready-made binge rewatch of the roof renovation. I'd forgotten the sheer physicality involved. Great that you had volunteers to help you.

[@MrHehaaw]

Been watching your video ever since you got featured on Kirsten Dirksen video. Your cinematography always blew me away. Great video as always.

[@tanyabooysen3958]

My Saturday morning treat,life is good even if I have back pain this will take my mind off it,thanks Martijn.

[@pianoplayrpiano99]

Thank you for including clips that you didn't have time to include in your weekly videos!

[@naomilugo7368]

Mmartijn,it looks beautiful,it going to be wonderful when you finish. I look forward every Sunday for your video. God bless

[@mkmason7727]

Rest in peace little trailer! This was a lovely reminder of all it did for you before it reached the end of its capabilities ❤

[@georgeattig8088]

Fantastic video documenting the process of restoring stone tile roofs. It should be required viewing in university historic preservation courses and the like. Thank you for uploading on Saturday. It’ll give me a chance to watch it again tomorrow (Sunday) just out of habit. Also glad to see the bread making sequence. Take care and stay safe 🙂

[@vanitachandra9464]

Brilliant video. What a fabulous idea making a video of just this one big job -the replacement of the roof in its entire sequence. It is a wonderful tribute also to all those like-minded, amazing guys who came to lend a hand. It reminded us of the hard work involved. and your integrity in honouring the methods of the past in your reconstruction. A beautiful acknowledgement and respectful pause in your dream project. Thank you

[@kirstinseaver574]

Awesome… another early surprise instalment of bliss 😍🙏

[@lonewolfgeoff]

seeing this from start to end is amazing! you should be extremely proud to have done this! I bet when you watched this as you edited your jaw dropped seeing it from the cameras point of view... so much hard work for such an awesome result! these videos show what having a vision, hard work and help from folks can achieve! i know even more greatness is to come, im so glad i found your channel and watched all the vids! take care 😊

[@malingengalo999]

It’s just amazing that you’re doing it all by yourself with some assistance there and there. You’re an inspiration to many, more and more to me. I’m always eagerly waiting for a new episode. Fantastic video indeed.

[@olegbruhavetsky]

I have been watching your construction from the very beginning. It is quite difficult to build an ordinary wooden house on the plain. You are building a house with a stone roof in the mountains!!! Today I once again convinced that you are not just a master. You are the Great Master! Good luck!

[@linajackson4545]

I miss those cows. Haven’t seen any this year yet. They never get old. This roof was an absolutely epic part of the restoration and now we get to appreciate the huge amount of work involved all over again.

[@TheRasiani]

That roof is a meticulous work of art that will last 50 years.

[@aimswanson1]

Congratulations on this feature film documentary. Your photography is always awesome. I hope you can enter this film in film contests. I think it deserves an award or two.

[@Plantagenaut]

Ouch! My back is in pain watching you, all! Beautiful mountains! 🌧⛰🌧

[@fionaheales8481]

I am so happy to be part of your you tube family for so long now. Exceptional vid, Exceptional workmanship and all round a winner. Well done from Western Australia 😊😊😊😊😊

[@Mimi1943100]

Challenges appear to be a strong suit in your life. While it must not have been the first, the two tours of bicycling that resulted with a ride around the World probably caused you to reach deep within yourself in order to complete the mission. Restoring the rock buildings appear to be no different. Each challenge shows that you are able to pull deep within yourself to overcome the odds in order to overcome whatever might block reaching the final goal. It also reveals how and why you are able to live alone as you are content with whom you are living. The image in the mirror does not lie. Few find the peace that radiates from your soul!

[@cathy7561]

What a labour of love. When l saw the wooden planer box memories of my father flooded back. He had one and l loved the smell of the shaved wood and the feel of the shavings in my small hands as l played with them. Thank you and many good wishes for a smooth flow as you continue this journey. 😊

[@mariastellamelendez8670]

As I watched this video I could not be amazed at the enormity of your accomplishment. Thanks for keeping in the natural sounds of birdsong, wind, and thunder, etc. You will be comfortable this winter in your cabin.

[@klazyy641]

It did my old soul good to travel back in time and re-watch the planning and rebuilding of the roof. It also helps that you have the naturalists and artists eye for the valley views and clouds winding their way around and among the valleys below your perch. Yup, a wonderful almost 2 hour viewing of your endeavors. Thank you.

[@velchuck]

Absolutely amazing and beautiful. When you look back to the beginning of the roof process and now the conclusion of the roof, it’s truly amazing. We tend to forget what went into the process. This compilation puts it all into perspective. Wow! I do admire your craftsmanship. My father loved working with chisels and plains. He would have loved to watch your videos. Many thanks.

[@patriciapepe3013]

Your work ethic is astounding and all your efforts show in your craftsmanship. Your natural surroundings are absolutely beautiful and I'm sure they provide you with much inspiration to adapt your renovations to fit in seamlessly with nature. The stone roof looks amazing!! I love watching you work and enjoy the beauty around you. You have made amazing progress and I look forward to seeing each video as you continue on this journey. Your property is a gem.

[@blairwoolverton397]

Totally HOOKED. Watched several more than once. Fascinating. How CAN you be so strong!!!.... and so steadfast. Oh, and lest I forget, quite good looking

[@lenireimer3243]

I watched this project from the beginning--very rewarding to go down memory lane and see the progress--the helping hands--the hard work--as i watched it I thought of sweat and tears--you are the only one to know if there were tears--but that hard work I know produced "sweat" --Thank you for taking us--me along the journey of hard work ethics. For all those that have not watched the cycling videos of Martijn--do so; you will not be disappointed,; he is a professional at every task that is worth his time and effort.

[@debbielewis6479]

It's so enjoyable watching you work on your home. In some ways, it appears to be a labour of love. But, I think it goes even beyond that. There is an artistry to it because you seem to have a passion for doing things in a natural way, i.e., making the wooden gutters. And, not going with the rocks that you can buy at the home improvement center, but using the original rocks from the roof and harvesting additional needed rocks from the rock quarry. It's hard work, yet you never seem to let it upset you. Plus, your photography is breathtakingly beautiful. Even the rainshowers sound more beautiful there. Hope you'll take a little break once you complete home number one. Just so you can reflect on your hard work and appreciate the whole experience BEFORE you start on house number two. Watching you is an inspiration. Be safe and be well. 🙂

[@iansimpson6300]

I really admire you Martijn I followed you since the start of your journey but one forgets the staggering amount of work the project has entailed up to now

[@laladata8257]

Belanda terkenal dengan bangunannya yang kuat, di Indonesia banyak gedung dan rumah peninggalan belanda masih sangat kokoh berdirinya

[@linajackson4545]

Aku senang sekali bahwa ada orang Indonesia yg nonton KZbin channel ini juga. Bagus kan bekerjaanya dan visi untuk rumah kecil ini? Aku juga nonton dari waktu pekerjaanya mulai beberapa tahun yg lalu. Saya orang asing dari Australia dan sarjana bahasa Indonesia sejak tahun 1970s. Saya juga setuju kalau mampir Belanda, rasanya seperti Indonesia khususnya karena banyak sekali rumah di Belanda precis banyak rumah di Indonesia.

[@eponder8876]

I think your cabin can withstand anything Mother Nature can throw at it.Can’t wait to see what you will do to the inside.

[@kathrynmoll86]

With stonework, especially, many hands make light work! Impressive! A more comfortable living space indeed! Good job, Martin! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@tonidring4052]

Brilliant video. Great to see how hard work and friends transformed the cabin 💪😎🌈

[@stefaniabonotto2304]

Bravo .... I can't wait to see how you work inside the house

[@lisatanksley5317]

There’s nothing sexier to watch than a man building his own home! You’re going to have such a beautiful life there in the alps, In your beautifully restored stone cottage. 😉

[@jamesgroce1284]

Thank you, Martijn. Awesome story telling of an adventure worth doing over and over. Love your commitment to excellence and preservation of the old. There are so many life lesions in your episodes - overcoming adversity, the idea that all honest labor is noble, trusting your instincts. Take care of you, Martijn. God bless. James Groce, Cookeville, Tennessee USA

[@TheRasiani]

This 2 hour summary of the roof job is very good for anyone who might have missed the incremental process, but is curious as to how it was done. There is an amazing amount of layers of insulation, breathing space, sun roof, new beams, vapour barriers. Very detailed, very well thought out job.

[@TheRasiani]

Shoot, I had forgotten all about the concrete form he had to retrofit/build onto the existing structure of the roof! Putting in all that metal latticing and thin rebar to reinforce that concrete form was a total pain in the a**, I'm sure. Very finicky, awkward work in small space.

[@inmyopinion6836]

Martijin, you are among the world's luckiest men. What you are doing is the dream of so many of us. I often wonder if this proves reincarnation is real! The joy of creation and the beauty of raw nature, what a fulfilling life. Thanks for sharing!

[@carnitagroves7758]

I'm totally cool with this long ass video. Niiice!!! 😊

[@wiehetkleineeert]

It’s only been a year? Would have sworn it has been two already 🤩 Love your content Martijn: it’s a staple for my ‘Monday daddy day’, to have on in the background while I play ‘restore a cabin’ with Lego blocks with my 3 and 1 year old ❤

[@marthejung3835]

Es ist ja auch zwei Jahre her, Alles in Allem. Davor hat er die Infrastruktur geschaffen. Küche, Klo, Wasser, Solarstrom, Arbeitsplatz, Zeltunterbau usw.😊

[@dyer2cycle]

The craftsmanship here is impeccable...I just hope the laying of the vapor barriers vertically doesn't come back to bite him in the arse later in the form of leaks...those flagstones are beautiful, but look like a recipe for leaks...

[@estee9999]

Podziwiam Twoje poczucie estetyki, zwłaszcza tam gdzie chodzi o pozornie mniej ważne sprawy. Nie sądzę, żeby ludzie, którzy tworzyli te budowle troszczyli się o ładny wygląd kamieni.

[@saqattak14]

Martijn I admire you for you strength, your knowledge, your skills , everything you are doing Keep going man !

[@bilinguru]

I'm willing to bet that you now have the best constructed stone cabin in the region. Until you restore the second one, that is! The thought and care you put into all of your projects is truly inspiring.

[@ronels1216]

Fantastic job. I fell in love with those beautiful beams and gutters and gutterpipe. Absolute magic.

[@markoantonio1422]

I thought you completed this a few months back, this must be a compilation of that work.

[@andymccabe6712]

No flies on you, Mark.......!

[@candyclemens4432]

What a man!❤🎉 You make so many things look simple to do. Thanks to your family and friends too for helping you achieve such a great task. You are a breath of fresh air to my week. God bless you!😇

[@heinzgassner1057]

Amazing work. Precious. Full of value. Beyond logic, space and time. Congratulations to this pathless path of beauty.

[@FRUGALZZZ1]

Fantastic and inspirational, these updates are a pleasure to watch!

[@margaretjames6611]

The roof looks so sweet especially the gutters... I like..yes indeed

[@johnwaga3702]

An exceptional video, congratulations on such a high quality result.

[@stellaevans752]

Hi mountain man, your my hero,I love everything you do, your as strong as a lion and you have the patience of a saint, your also a lovely human being and I love your videos, the camera work is spectacular, I wish you love and better weather! Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@boeriksson9116]

I have watched all of your videos on this topic, with so much satisfaction - like everyone else have done. Last week we travelled with the Berninaexpress from Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, and I saw all these stone roofs on the traditional houses. So beautiful!

[@barbarakujawa320]

6:39 pm Pacific time June 18 2023. I am at a loss for words of praise. Impeccable, outstanding, beautiful. The roof is dynamic, the gutters, absolutely unique being handmade. 👍💕 bravo Doolard 👍💕

[@warpoart]

This is beautiful to watch. This reminds of a time when I was a remote backcountry trail builder in the USA and built many stone staircases and structures for hikers in our National Park System. You have a poetic sense of storytelling. Thank you for sharing this journey.

[@Floppycats]

The craftsmanship of those original ones is just amazing - those builders would have been incredible Tetrus players.

[@darienneflint9445]

Wow so enjoy the rebuild ... Most of all watching your incredible stamina doing so much heavy lifting etc etc on your own ... Certainly grateful you had help moving the stone from the rooftops

[@themisholis5847]

2 hours yesssssss!!!!!thanks Martijn.

[@DanYtb-tb4zd]

I think your next challenge will be a film director, after you finish the renovation and have a party with your guests. Great, well done!

[@tiogoala7654]

I think the next time you do the roof to the other house, you should remove the rocks and stand then upright. If you stand the rocks up and put them on a two wheeler cart it should be easier to move the large rocks.

[@colinsmith4241]

What a great video. You and your family are just great. But April is so far away. Get them back sooner? And cherish every moment. You’ve certainly lots of hours of video. During this time of being by yourself you have your great friends and us lot on your KZbin community. 😘

[@MyVespa1]

A carpenter, cook, artist. Bravo to you, Martin!

[@tom8357qld]

True artistry from the build to the workmanship and the thorough detailing. And to cap it off the cinematic experience. I’ve loved every weekly video. You’re an inspiration. From the desert of Mount Isa Australia

[@kinggentiaustria5333]

Many greetings from Vienna Austria 🇦🇹,, I watched all your videos,, you are doing a great job ,, and keep doing so , anything you did until now ,, you did it properly!!! 🙋🏼‍♂️🙋🏼‍♂️🙋🏼‍♂️🙋🏼‍♂️🙋🏼‍♂️

[@maryannlibanan3845]

Everything had been carefully planned the work had been meticulously done its just perfection! It's simply amazing and the bonus part for me is the skylight I can just imagine how magical stargazing would be like from inside the cabin. Kudos to everyone who helped.

[@ilonakatalindako-tolman5545]

It is just amazing how well you have planned and accomplished in such an old style maintenance. It surely looks like it will be in a condition for a very long time. Now I am anxious seeing how it will your inside housing. You have already gone in with the power, water and needed for the inside living, so now it is how you will make things a comfortable inside living...very anxious seeing what and how you will be getting it all done. 😊🎉you must be filling very nicely with the effort you have been planning, working and achieving your efforts❤

[@fredlarge8209]

It was as much fun the second time as it was the first go. Job well done.

[@almathees3839]

Incredible Journey on the cabin!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 The people who helped you w/ the Stones on the roof are truly dedicated! The Italian Alps & surrounding area Bellisima’s❤️🥰🫶🏻

[@cherylmcnair5594]

Good memories of watching your renovation, I have been hooked on every episode 😊

[@maggieteusch6221]

Just absolutely amazing how these were built. Your patience and strength is amazing to do such a project! I'm in awe of you and your beautiful piece of land.

[@gaylerobison9518]

Beautiful work, done right from start to finish. It'll last 100 years.