earth-building
does take place in the Southwest, where a combination
of Native American and Hispanic influences have fortified
these ancient, yet contemporary building arts. However,
there is an earth wall precedent in the eastern U.S.,
dating back to pre-Revolutionary times. Rammed Earth
has been practiced in wetter climates like England,
France, and Germany since the Roman occupation. European
immigrants to the American colonies built with earth, using the
skills of their homelands, especially before the advent
of sawmills. Such historic structures still serve in
New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
In
the Américas, we often see adobe in wet
tropical climates, such as México, or Honduras,
which can receive over 100 inches of rain a year.
Today, stabilization techniques keep moisture from
affecting the earth walls. Those who build in wetter
climates often choose either rammed earth or pressed
block, which require little curing time.
Adobe
construction, in combination with good passive
solar design, makes for an effective energy-saving
solution in cold winter areas. The use of high-mass
walls, insulation and a large south solar aperture,
can cut energy use in January by 60% or more. High-mass
earth walls also cut cooling costs in hot desert
locales. Earth walls allow you to buy smaller heating
and cooling units and run them for shorter periods
of time- a big defense against today's escalating
energy costs. The old adobe saying "cooler
in summer and warmer in winter" has some basis
in truth.
THE
LEARNING CURVE The
knowledge and skills don't happen overnight.
You'll need to view, read, visit, practice, talk
and draw. The more construction experience you
have, the sooner you'll be ready. At Southwest
Solaradobe School, we advise newcomers to start
learning at least two
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