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"Typically we bring soil in to build the walls. It isn't costlier than
using your own soil as on site soil usually needs more cement and at times
the blend of another material as well."
This quote was from the rammed-earth contractor. Kind of surprised me.
Suprises me as well. Needless to say soil suitability for adobes or rammed earth walls is very site specific. Try wikkipedia for more info on this topic. There are several books available as well.
I have considered finding a Pumice deposit near wher I would build and cast enough adobe size blocks for the job. Then build as if I were using concrete block but with a much lighter and more insulating material.
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Congratulations! Please post some pictures. I think we would all appreciate some rough costs as well. Nothing detailed but enough to give some of us an idea of what to expect.
Hi WLUTZ, Could you pass on the contact information for this rammed earth contractor? Were they reliable and did they do a good job? I am a architect/builder putting up a house in Abiquiu and I've been looking all over for a good rammed earth sub. Thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by WLUTZ
Finally received an e-mail back from a rammed earth contractor ........1 month later!!
For those interested:
Slope of the lot is a concern/question of the contractor.
The raw (earth) material does not have to be on-site. The best earth is trucked in and cost is pretty comparable to using on-site earth and having to add particular amendments.
They offered to view the lot in person (free of charge I did not ask).
Google Search of "Rammed Earth Homes In New Mexico":
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GregW, thanks for the link to the pumice concrete. I hadn't run across it before though I see you posted it some time ago. We're building a garage/casita this next year and are pretty well settled on performwall Performwall Panel System which I've seen used here in Mesilla. Watched an old historic adobe get a large addition for a commecial use, a pottery gallery, and it went up super fast, had the best qualities of adobe but with significant r value plus the speed and strength of construction. The folks who built it are very happy with the end result.
This is the building http://www.seekingshama.com/wp-conte...ry-400x298.jpg
I'll take a longer look at the pumice walls though. Seems like a good system and material.
Have you heard of any downside to it?
Thanks again.
...is about houses being built in the Soledad Canyon subdivision in the foothills of the Oregon Mtns. There are quite a few different customized houses in that area. Rammed earth is just one form.
Access to the area is via University Blvd going east past Picacho Peak.
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GregW
