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[Don Bowen <don.bowen AT earthlink.net>]

At 12/2/2006, you wrote:
> I have lots of thoughts about this but I won't bore
> the group with all of them, at least not now.

Bore away, I am looking for information.



Don Bowen              Awl Knotted Up                       KI6DIU
http://www.braingarage.com
My travel journal
http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/journal/Journal.html

I am omnivagant.  
> From don.bowen AT earthlink.net  Sat Dec  2 17:54:31 2006
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Subject: Re: [Homestead] Solo building methods
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At 12/2/2006, you wrote:
> Conventional construction. Perhaps poured concrete
> floor, concrete block wall, truss roof.  To be easy
> that would require concrete from reddy mix, and
> trusses that come from the factory.

One method uses what is called SBC or Surface Bonding Concrete.  Regular 
concrete blocks are used.  The first course is set in mortar to insure 
level.  Remainder are just dry stacked with vertical rebar about every 4 
feet.  Then the outside and inside surfaces are finished with a coating of 
SBC and the holes are filled with concrete.

> Offhand straw bale wouldn't seem to be that labor
> intensive.  Sort of like building a brick wall with
> only a tenth of the number of bricks.  Or is this due
> to the need to stucco inside and out?

It seems to me that stacking is not the problem.  The stucco requires a 
waterproof layer, structural element then three layers.  There is a lot of 
work there.  SBC only requires a single layer on both sides.

> A structure built like a pole barn might be the simple
> construction though finishing it might offset the
> simple construction.

It is not so much a mater of simple but being able to be completed by a 
single person.

This thread is generating some new things for me and I will summarize then 
when it plays out.



Don Bowen              Awl Knotted Up                       KI6DIU
http://www.braingarage.com
My travel journal
http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/journal/Journal.html

I am omnivagant.  
> From shepperd AT austincc.edu  Sat Dec  2 18:29:21 2006
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Subject: Re: [Homestead] Solo building methods
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Don,

Adobe is a method that can be done solo.  You need a wheelbarrow, water, a 
shovel, and forms.  Each brick weighs between 30 - 35 pounds, so upper body 
strength is a useful tool, as well.  Twenty years ago, I could make 
approximately 100 adobe bricks a day.  I haven't made any since then, but 
know that I could not do that many on a regular basis.

Jerry Shepperd


At 02:44 PM 12/2/2006, you wrote:
> What is the considered opinion of the group on the easiest solo building
> method?
>
> Many construction methods appear to be labor intensive, cob, strawbale,
> rammed earth, stick frame, etc.  Looking at building from the viewpoint of
> a single person with all normal building skills, tools, and machinery what
> would be a viable method and what tools would be needed?
>
>
>
> Don Bowen              Awl Knotted Up                       KI6DIU
> http://www.braingarage.com
> My travel journal
> http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/journal/Journal.html
>
> I am omnivagant.
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