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