Adobe is a natural building material composed of sand, sandy clay and straw or other organic materials, which is shaped into bricks using wooden frames and dried in the sun. It is similar to cob and mud brick. Adobe structures are extremely durable and account for the oldest extant buildings on the planet. Adobe buildings also offer significant advantages in hot, dry climates; they remain cooler as adobe stores and releases heat very slowly.
Sometimes an asphalt emulsion is added to help waterproof the adobe bricks. A mixture of Portland cement and lime may also be added, but these materials will add to the cost. In parts of Latin America, fermented cactus juice is used for waterproofing.
Alternative healthier adobe replacement products for the chemical sensitive are also available. (due to the asphalt)
CEB’s or compressed earth blocks are entirely natural. Unlike modern adobe blocks, the CEB’s don't use asphalt or other potentially toxic additives.
A Colorado-based company, Earth Block Inc, has developed an especially efficient and affordable process for earth block production. They estimate that this plant in Loreto Bay has the capacity to produce 9,000 CEBs a day. (5,000 blocks are enough to build the exterior walls for a 1,500 square-foot home).
Because they are built with adobe, Pueblo homes are sometimes called adobes. Modern Pueblos are inspired by homes used by Native Americans since ancient times.
Because they are built with adobe, Pueblo homes are sometimes called adobes. Modern Pueblos are inspired by homes used by Native Americans since ancient times.
Traditional Pueblo houses have many of these features:
• Massive, round-edged walls made with adobe
• Flat roof with no overhang
• Stepped levels
• Rounded parapet
• Spouts in the parapet to direct rainwater
• Vigas (heavy timbers) extending through walls which serve as main roof support beams
• Latillas (poles) placed above vigas in angled pattern
• Deep window and door openings
• Simple windows
• Beehive corner fireplace
• Bancos (benches) that protrude from walls
• Nichos (niches) carved out of wall for display of religious icons
• Brick, wood, or flagstone floors
Due to Spanish influence, Pueblo Revival houses often have: • Porches held up with zapatas (posts)
• Enclosed patios
• Heavy wooden doors
• Elaborate corbels
|
The essential original. Six hundred of the most common building-code questions answered. Contains residential construction-code information gathered from more than 2,500 pages of major model U.S. building, plumbing, and electrical codes. |
