1. Country Adobe & Compressed Earth Block Class (two days Hands-on)
October 11 & 12, 2008 (Sat-Sun)
Bosque, New Mexico
( Note: Monday, Oct. 13 is Columbus Day, a federal/state holiday)

This class devotes the weekend to preparing Adobe and CEB earthen materials, using tools of the trade and working on real walls. The idea is to teach you important basics and give you a sense of heft for the tools and materials. Please note that Saturday’s class will go to 5:30 pm and Sunday's class to 4 pm*. Both days start at 8 a.m.

The nearest town with a plentiful choice of motels and restaurants is Belén, located 8 miles north on a paved highway. Belén is 32 miles south of Albuquerque on Interstate 25. Local directions, map and list of accommodations when you register. Weather in mid October is warm with chilly evenings. This is a rustic class in the rural countryside. Dust, wind, and insects may exist. Old clothes are best, along with hat, gloves, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and good foot protection (please, no sandals or bare toes). A light jacket is a good idea for early mornings.

You may 'brownbag' your lunch at the hands-on site if you prefer or drive into Belén for lunch. Coffee, water and cold fruit juice are free on-site each day. SWSA will provide tools and materials. You may wish to bring some of your soil for testing (two 5 gallon buckets are ideal). Bring your notebook and camera. Safety will be stressed: SWSA will ask you to sign a work safety release as class begins.

*travel time from country site to the Albuquerque airport is about 50 minutes

Saturday October 11, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 am - Tools and Safety
Earthbuilders’ Encyclopedia CD distributed along with handouts. Safety is discussed as we review both common and unusual tools used with Adobe and Pressed Block. Show-and-tell tour of features around the site (adobe dome, Count Rumford fireplace, different wall finishes, different soils, etc.) Rather than call specific breaks, students can short-break as needed during hands-on periods. Coffee/water maintained on site.

9:30 a.m.-12:00 noon - First Hands-on period.
Instructors will direct students in setting up leads, preparing mud mortar, and laying adobes and compressed earth block to the string. Learn aspects of wall construction as we go along- speed leads, placing adobes, code overlaps, cutting and shaping of blocks, finishing joints, rough bucks and their attachments, electrical circuits, box attachment, in-wall reinforcement and more.

12:00noon -1:15 pm - Lunch break.
Brown bag on site or drive to Belén (8 miles).

1:15 p.m. - 5:30 pm -Second Hands-on period.
Continue wall construction from morning period. At mid-afternoon, change to building a Roman arch and make 3 different types of adobes using forms on site. Learn how stabilizers are proportioned and mixed. Clean up tools and wheelbarrows starting at 5:15 p.m. Class ends at 5:30

Sunday October 12, 2008

8:15 a.m. - 12:30 pm - Third Hands-on Period.
The morning is dedicated to Compressed Earth Block. Larry Elkins of Adobe International will visit and demonstrate one of his compressed earth block machines (bring at least 5 gallons of your soil if you wish for testing purposes and we will press your soil on site). Larry, Joe and students press different blocks with Cinva-Ram and Adobe International Hydraulic Press.

12:30- 1:45 pm - Lunch Break
Brown bag on site or drive to Belén

1:45 p.m.- 4:00 pm - Bond Beam Construction- fourth Hands-on period.
We’ll get up on the scaffolds, lay some adobes up high and set up bond beam forming. Use of 1” x 8”, tie wire, spreaders and form clips, steel layout, holey adobes, FHA straps for viga attachment and other standard bond beam components. For those leery of heights (you’ll be standing 6 feet off the ground), we have an actual size bond beam dummy set up on the ground for you to photograph.

Clean-up of tools and loading of students’ test blocks starts at 3:45 p.m. Certificates of Completion handed out. Class adjourns at 4 p.m.

Note: if truly bad weather occurs on either day, class may be moved indoors for continued instruction.

Cost: $255 one person, $433 for two registering together (web site adds state tax to these figures).
Class capacity: 18 students
Class Handouts: Earthbuilders’ Encyclopedia CD, various hard copy handouts.

The idea behind this class is to prep you for Earthbuilding design, code and drafting basics so that you can use the fall/winter period to be ready for spring, 2009. While we will take a ‘lunchtime tour’, this will be an inside class. Our location will be the Courtyard by Marriott in North Albuquerque (Taos Room). A list of area facilities, including other local motels, will be sent once you are registered. Weather around Albuquerque at this time of year is usually warm, sunny days, but nights are getting chilly. A jacket is suggested. Coffee at class each morning. Please be prepared to take good notes. Note! If you attended the previous class on Oct.12/13, and are signed up for this class, collect your $40 rebate today.

Schedule

Saturday October 18, 2008
8:00 a.m.- 11:00 am - Code and Construction review for Adobe and Compressed Earth Block Walls (part1).
Students receive a New Mexico code handout and Earthbuilders' Encyclopedia CD. We will view some slides and drawings to clarify main points. We want you to understand the codes for Foundations, Fireplaces, Walls, Lateral Support, Rough Bucks, Bond Beams, Roof Framing and so forth. Illustrated handouts backup main construction points. If you don’t understand the code, you will probably have difficulty completing a set of plans and obtaining a building permit. If you have a contractor or architect who ‘says’ they know adobe or compressed earth block, learn the code and how they are built; then you’ll know who knows. Two breaks spaced during the morning session.

11:00- 1:15 pm - Munch-lunch tour to local adobe and viga supply yard
Consider this as a continuation of class, but outside with lunch. The idea is to keep the class together right through the period to maximize learning. Each student receives a clipboard to continue note taking in the field. Bring your camera. We will get a good look at how adobes are made and what you should consider about rough-cut lumber, vigas, latillas, corbels and other architectural elements used in adobe architecture. We will take your lunch order at mid-morning in class (typically burritos or burgers) and they will be waiting for you at the adobe yard. You buy, we fly. If you require a particular diet, please bring your own. We will have cold juices and water waiting for you at the adobe yard (we’ll buy those).

1:15 pm – 5:30 pm - Code and Construction review for Adobe and Compressed Earth Block Walls (part 2)
In the morning session, we probably got through foundations, fireplaces, roughbucks and walls. Now we tackle Bond Beams, Attachments, Vigas, Roofing and Insulation schemes. As we move through these topics, we’ll point out cost and style options. While Earthen construction has always been ‘green’, a portion of it has succumbed to petroleum-based materials over the years. What can you do to reduce your in-home carbon footprint? We’ll point out some greener alternatives that still meet code. Two 15 minute rest breaks spaced equally during the afternoon.

Sunday October 19, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 11:45 am - Passive Solar Design
We review the basics of what qualifies a structure as "passive solar". Plans (working drawings) are handed out during this period for Passive Solaradobe 1576 and are used as a teaching tool. Learn Orientation, Overhangs, types of Passive Solar, south glass to heated floor space ratios, room arrangements that work, managing mass, Insulation, cooling tips and ideas on adapting particular architectural styles to passive solar arrangements. Emphasis on locations between 3500’ (mid-desert locales) and 8000’ (high plateau or mountain locales) in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Breaks spaced through morning.

11:45 a.m.- 1 pm - Lunch break

1 p.m.- 2:15 p.m. - Meeting Energy Codes.
To obtain a building permit, you must also pass the energy code. While some might see this as another bureaucratic hurdle, it is actually part of your recipe for a successful, energy conservative home. Plan 1576 will serve as a base case example. In New Mexico, if you submit a passive solar plan, it is easier to pass the energy code, but you must provide calculations showing your structure will at least meet code minimums. We’ll go through the steps.

2:15p.m.-2:25 pm - Break

2:25- 4:30 pm - Requirements for Adobe, Mud Mortars and Compressed Earth Blocks.
If you want to make your own, this last section is critical. Or, if you want to make sure the block you may buy is up to code, it is equally critical. Your block must pass Compression and Modulus of Rupture standards. How do you find a suitable soil? Stabilization is popular and has real advantages, but how do you achieve it? We review simple field tests as well as professional lab tests to show you how, using emulsions, Portland cement or lime. Easy to understand, but important information for your project. Handouts and references provided.

Certificates of Completion handed out. Class ends at 4:30

Cost: $255 one person, $433 for two registering together (web site adds state tax to these figures).
Class capacity: 16 students
Class handouts: Earthbuilders’ Encyclopedia CD, Solaradobe Plan 1576, various hard copy handouts.

3. 2 & 1/2 Day Workshop in San Antonio, Texas for Compressed Earth Block Construction and Lime Stabilization (hosted by Tierra y Cal)
November 14, 15, and 16, 2008 (Fri-Sat-Sun)
San Antonio, Texas

Two earth building companies and their personnel are pooling their talents to bring you this class. From Texas, Lawrence Jetter and crew of Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies bring their knowledge of pressing machinery. From San Miguel de Allende, México, Jim Hallock, Mónica Healy and Jeff Rottler of Tierra y Cal, Proyectos Sustentables, bring their knowledge of lime stabilization in combination with compressed earth block construction. Students who persevere through all of the sessions to lunch on Sunday will receive a Certificate of Completion. Class cost includes an Earth Block Construction manual.

Friday, November 14, 2008
8:00 - 8:15 am - In the Classroom
Coffee and Introductions

8:15 - 11:45 am - How to Build a Compressed Earth Block (CEB) Building - Foundation through Bond Beam
The partners of Tierra y Cal present the step-by-step sequence using the manual you will have received.

11:45 - 1:00 pm - Lunch break.
Note: Maps to AECT will be handed out before lunch for the afternoon session.

1:00 - 4:45 pm - AECT’s manufacturing facility
We move to AECT’s manufacturing facility for soil selection and block manufacturing with Lawrence Jetter and lime stabilization with TyC. You will have the opportunity to press and test some block (bring 5 gallons of your dirt if you wish), and help to operate a pressing mac

4:45 - 5:15 pm - Question and Answer Session.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

8:00 - 11:45 am - AECT’s manufacturing facility
We are again at AECT’s facility to participate in hands-on construction of a small CEB building. Several different wall systems will be constructed in this exercise. Those students who have reviewed the manual on Friday night will certainly benefit the most from this day. The class will learn to build a wall to the speed lead and string and construct an arch using block pressed on the site. Lawrence will demonstrate his special pressed block tool set that includes his electrical conduit tool and "joint raker" tool. We'll set in an electrical circuit with a few plug boxes as we build the wall.

Cold water and drinks will be provided on site. Bring your hat, gloves, eye protection (such as polarized dark glasses) and foot protection (no bare toes please). Take breaks as you need them. Safety first.

11:45 - 1:15 pm - Lunch Break

1:15 - 4:45 pm - Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies
Class reconvenes at Lawrence Jetter's shop at Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies to continue construction. There will also be a short demonstration of lime plaster and clay plaster. Tool clean up starts at 4:30.

4:45 - 5:00 pm - Question and Answer Session.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

8:30 - 11:00 am - In the Classroom
Class continues inside the classroom. The morning will be devoted to passive systems and design that will enhance the performance of the Earth Block structure.

11:00 - 12:00 noon - Final Question and Answer Session.

12:00 noon - Certificates of Completion handed out.

Cost: $295.00 one person, $525.00 for two registering together and providing one payment for both. A discount rate of $250.00 (single) and $450.00 (double) will be given for early registration, prior to October 1. Refunds (minus $30.00 administration fee) will be given for cancellations prior to November 1.
Class capacity: 35 students

How to sign up: Send SWSA an email at adobebuilder@juno.com requesting registration particulars for the Tierra y Cal San Antonio November class. We’ll email them back to you. Please supply your name, address, phone, email and how many plan to attend.