History & Basics of Adobe Construction
Instruction Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 5 hours per week

This course focuses on the fundamentals of making your own adobe blocks - a great way to learn the basics of adobe construction. We begin with a historical overview of adobe architecture in the Southwest of the USA. We cover soil selection & testing, block production, transport and storage. We also look at alternative earthen building traditions and techniques used around the world and why adobe makes sense for the owner builder.
Topics
- history of adobe architecture and construction in the Southwest of the USA and worldwide
- overview of alternative earthen wall building techniques past and present
- overview of earthen home characteristics and why earth makes sense as a building material
- overview of the main building components of an adobe house from foundation to roof
- overview of the main adobe architectural styles found in New Mexico - their pros and cons
- overview of basic tools needed for adobe construction
- locating soil and aggregates for adobe construction
- performing and evaluating soil tests to determine soil suitability
- making a 2-brick adobe form
- making a soil screen
- mixing soil for adobe blocks and mortar
- producing and curing adobe blocks
- transporting and storing adobe blocks
- testing adobe blocks for strength and water resistance - field and lab tests
- calculating adobe blocks and mortar needed for a project