The architects drawings specified the stud walls to be built from 3"x2" timber. However, a while back I started building the top floor shower room walls in this size timber, and to me it felt quite flimsy.

If there's one thing I really wanted to avoid, it was stud walls that didn't feel solid and that let sound through. 

So I started again, and built them all in 4"x2" timber (well it's actually "regularised" 100mmx50mm, which is actually closer to 95mmx45mm, but to all intents and purposes it's 4x2....). I've also built them with the studs spaced at 400mm centres. They now feel very reassuringly solid ! 

(Hint: Click on photos to open fullsize!)

Starting the wall between main bathroom, and bedroom 3. 

The idea behind the double sole plate, is to allow for any up/down movement in the floor. By leaving the nails proud, if the floor moves downwards, the two sole plates will separate. If the plasterboard and skirting board are only fixed to the upper sole plate, then no cracks should appear in the wall....that's the idea anyway. 

Turning the corner where the shower is going to go.
It was roundabout this time that I had my car crash, and progress was held up for several weeks.

The doorways into the bathroom and bedroom 3 complete. 

The angled wall of bedroom 2. I remember reading somewhere that if you build anything involving unusual angles or curves, then time and/or cost will increase. It's true - just knocking up this small bit of angled wall took a lot longer than expected.