Solar Adobe School - Learn about Adobe Construction, Adobe Home Building, Adobe Bricks, Green Building, Rammed Earth, Pressed Block Construction, Earthen Construction, Adobe Drafting.

Planning for Adobe or Compressed Earth Block
(CEB)
Know-how, Spring 2013 ~

This spring, we are offering two classes, the first for Adobe and Compressed Earth Block on April 20/21 in North Albuquerque and the second for ADOBE and COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCK HANDS-ON at Bosque, NM ~ June 22 & 23, 2013 (scroll below).

Unknown elements in the economy continue to suggest a cautious approach to any fair sized project this spring. We suggest planning a home of 1000-1600 sq. ft. with provisions for expansion. We continue to believe that many builders are interested in greener, well appointed homes that use the sun and save on energy costs. A market exists for smaller, spec-built Adobes that better fit loan conditions and can be expanded a few years further on.

1. ADOBE/CEB EARTH DAY PLANNING CLASS 101
April 20 & 21, 2013 (sat/sun)
at Courtyard by Marriott in North Albuquerque, NM.

This Design-oriented 2-day Planning class is directed to the owner-coordinator or contractor who wishes to proceed with a home project of 1600 sq. ft. or less, using Adobe or Compressed Block. The idea is to review the basic steps, code requirements and costs to complete a basic, but solidly-built “starter home” that can be easily expanded. Students receive a set of working drawings (with energy calcs) for a solar~adobe home, along with The Earthbuilders’ Encyclopedia CD and various hard copy handouts designed to help them estimate costs.

At SWSA, we know from experience that it takes the average owner-coordinator twice as long to complete a project, compared to an experienced contractor. Knowing that, we want to direct you down design paths that meet code and save dollars. We also explain the common pitfalls. Mistakes often come from an ill-prepared set of plans or not being able to establish an accurate materials cost breakdown. Of course, success also depends on the quality of your help and the tools or machines you can operate. As we go through the steps, you’ll gain a sense of what you and crew will need to keep your project on a reasonable schedule.

The class includes two lunchtime tours which are considered part of class time. SWSA will treat you to lunch on Sunday when we will also tour a custom Adobe home by contractor C.E. Laird. Clipboards and cameras are suggested. Weather in late April is usually pleasant, but nights can be chilly. We suggest a hat and warm jacket in case a late spring storm visits the area.

We start at the foundation of a typical Adobe or CEB home and progress upward through the walls and openings to bond beam and roof. The student will be able to consider custom options vs. ordinary ones and material costs for each major component of the structure. The options taught will be within minimum code requirements following the New Mexico Earthen Building materials Code and the New Mexico Residential Applications Manual (energy code).

The issued plan set will be a reference through the two days and will help students understand why drafting for Adobe or CEB is different than for frame.

Schedule ~
SATURDAY APRIL 20 ~

8:00 - 8:55am Site Preparation/logistics
You’ll be picking up blocks weighing 30-40 lbs and placing them onto the wall. How can you lessen this logistical challenge? Where should materials be placed for safety and maximum efficiency? Cost (and health) saving begins here.

9:00 - 9:55am Tips on trenching and use of foundation materials
Should you use a ditch witch or a backhoe to dig your foundation? Where does the trusty shovel become necessary? What do you do with the material that is removed to help the project, rather than letting it become a logistical and costly removal challenge?

10:00 - 10:55am and 11:00am - 12:00pm Foundation/Stem Breakdowns and cost comparisons
With the trench dug, we will look at a standard foundation and an alternative cost-saving one; show how they are constructed and what it costs to build them. We will also study stem/floor options, including underfloor radiant systems.

12:00 - 2:00pm - lunchtime tour to VIGA AND ADOBE yard.

2:00 - 3:25pm and 3:35 - 4:25pm - Solar “Glass to Mass” ratios according to Climate Zone
Sun and Adobe work together, but what are the main passive solar techniques and how much of them do you need according to your site elevation and climate? What about interior wall mass? Where are frame walls handy? How do you qualify a passive solar design for the NM Energy Code? What about the very essential south solar overhang? Can you knock 60% off your January heating cost?

5:30 pm - class ends for the day.

SUNDAY APRIL 21 ~

8:00 -8:55am , 9:00 - 9:55am and 10:00 - 10:55am Adobe and CEB wall type options
There are a lot of earthen wall types - single, double, and double with an insulated space in-between. Cost comparisons and how they are constructed. What about a stove or fireplace in relation to your wall system?

11:00 - 11:55am Bond Beam design and options
Wood and concrete are the two options.
The code is very clear about their different requirements. How do you put them up and attach them? What can you do to make them part of your home appeal? Which is most expensive?

12:00 – 2:00pm LUNCH & adobe tour today.

2:00 - 3:00pm Bond Beams continued phasing into roofs

3:05 - 4:00pm Viga roofs vs.Truss Roofs
A traditional Southwestern roof shows off vigas with exposed deck or latillas. They are beautiful, but not cheap. Is there a compromise between them and a more economical or green system? What might the ultimate green roof consist of and has it been built and documented?

4:00 - 5:00pm – Exposed Walls, Sealers, Stuccos, Plasters
If you want to expose your walls to the outside, you’ll need to pay attention to stabilization requirements. If you want to expose them to the inside, you’ll need to understand certain sealing methods. If you want to use a lime stucco on either side, you’ll need to know how the Adobe or CEB wall is prepared and likewise if you wish to use a Portland-based plaster. What does the code say and what costs the most (or least)? Why is rajuelar a time-proven and green attachment system for lime stucco?

5:00pm - class ends.

Cost: $335 single/ $569 for two registering together (web site adds state tax to these figures).
Class capacity: 12 students
Students receive (included): set of working drawings for Solaradobe (or CEB) home, Earthbuilders’ Encyclopedia CD, various material cost handouts. Teaching methods: PowerPoint (ours isn’t boring), action sketches on large newsprint, blueprint reading, and show & tell using actual tools, materials or components, Q & A.