Earthbuilding Services
Qualifications:
I completed my “Certificate in Adobe Construction” at Northern New Mexico College in 2006. Since then I have been on a journey to become a master earth builder. I further my theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience by regularly attending earthbuilding workshops and lectures and participating in building projects throughout the US and Europe.
Services Offered:
I am not interested in building an adobe home FOR you. I am interested in helping YOU get your own hands dirty with the construction of an adobe home. In this day and age it is rare to build a home with your own hands. Choosing adobe as the primary building material keeps this dream very much alive. I am a qualified and experienced earthbuilder but not a licensed contractor. Even with my assistance, you will need to pull the building permits for your project yourself as an “owner/builder” (a straightforward process in most states). I can assist you by:
- instructing you in the basics of adobe via my online courses
- offering you online or on-site home design and construction consultation
- helping you deal with local building inspectors in all adobe-related matters
- demonstrating key adobe construction techniques at your building site and working at your side during the construction process
I am dedicated to finding ways to keep the building process simple and sharing what I learn with others to ensure that earthbuilding remains a skill that anyone can master. I keep the building process as natural as possible and encourage:
- passive solar adobe design and planning
- maximizing local earthen material use in construction
- using rubble trench foundations to minimize concrete usage
- using natural (unstabilized) mud bricks for wall construction whenever possible
- integrating low-cost mud floors into homes as passive solar storage
- using natural mud plasters for interior and exterior walls
Please contact me if you are interested in hearing more about my my services or wish to discuss a project.