Xu refused to use handy but lifeless concrete for the foundations. He chose instead an old-fashioned method that uses natural stone but takes much more time. Starting with larger stones and gradually building up the base, it not only provides excellent drainage and ventilation, but can also be a home for plants and small wild animals.
蓋屋前的整地工作，許亞儒拒絕方便快速卻毫無生氣的水泥擋土牆，反而選擇古老費工的砌石工法，利用天然塊石，由大到小慢慢築砌，既能排水、呼吸，對植物和小動物而言，也是一個隱密的好棲所。