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Adobe House Design

Adobe House Design

Depending upon where we live on the earth, we will find different climates, as well as different resources and methods for building construction.Working with the tools, materials, and techniques most appropriate to the local area
when we build our houses can save both money and energy.

Adobe (clay) building construction is one of the oldest and most widely used building methods. It is most economical in regions with prevalent adobe soils and a
relatively dry climate, with bricks made and cured on-site.


  • In the U.S. adobe is primarily found in the Southwest and California. In regions that have hot, dry summers and cold winters, adobe buildings can be
    built without insulation, since it’s mass provides a “thermal flywheel” that moderates temperature swings and ensures a comfortable home.
  • In less sunny areas, it is advisable to provide insulation, such as foam board applied to
    the exterior of the walls, then plastered over with stucco cement or adobe mud plaster.
  • Building with adobe requires a lot of hands-on work. However, if the house is owner-built,
    using materials found on site, it can be inexpensive.
  • The major concern with adobe is seismic resistance. Classic adobe buildings have withstood centuries of earthquakes because their buttressed walls are relatively thick for their height, and are topped with sturdy wood
    beams.
  • Modern, thin-walled adobe structures have proven to be unsafe in an earthquake, unless carefully reinforced with steel and concrete, braced frequently, tied together with a beam, and securely linked to their foundations.

Read more: Crafts & Design, Materials & Architecture

Excerpted from the Real Goods Solar Living Source Book, edited by Doug Pratt and executive editor John Schaeffer.Copyright (c) 1999, Real Goods. Reprinted by permsision of Chelsea Green Publishing Company and Real Goods.
Excerpted from Real Goods Solar Living Source Book,edited by Doug Pratt and executive editor John Schaeffer.

Annie B. Bond

Annie is a renowned expert in non-toxic and green living. Named one of the top 20 environmental leaders by Body and Soul Magazine, Annie has authored four books, including "Home Enlightenment" (Rodale Press, 2005) and "Better Basics for the Home" (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

Go to the Source

The Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook

The Sourcebook remains the best introduction to energy-efficient technology for common folks.
-Whole Earth Review

From novices to pros, this book explains renewable energy and efficient building practices. Great reference to start design and cost estimation from each section. One of the best features of this book is the addition of the National Electric Code for RE systems. It's possible to pick a building material to build a house, design a solar electric system, decide on appliances, determine the use of a greywater system, and more from 562 pages. No more looking up pages on the net!buy now

3 comments

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6:24PM PST on Feb 7, 2011

Adobe homes are nice and there are many here in the Southwest (mostly in New Mexico) . Thanks.

1:03PM PDT on Jul 29, 2010

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3:02AM PST on Jan 16, 2008

www.eartharchitecture.org/ shows how houses can be made from earth, saving forests and transportation.

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