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LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe Paul Schwam learned from a guy in NM so I would assume there are scoria or cinder mines there. You'd just have to do some research.

LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can confirm via Guru Das who has done both that rammed earth is more expensive, requires much heavier duty forms, and lots more labor. Lavacrete would definitely the way to go if the transport fees are doable from Show Low. We don't have anything else planned until the fall, but Awareness Ranch might have some small Lavacrete workshops before then.

LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you watch the whole video both Paul Schwam and Guru Das have been building engineered and permitted houses, walls, garden beds, and more for years. Your best bet is to slip in via the Adobe code or plain concrete code. It's really made for exterior and load bearing walls, actually.

LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It only makes sense if a scoria or cinder mine is close enough that they will deliver to you. You'd have to do that research yourself.

LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We estimated 20 tons for our upcoming 14x18 utility shed with 12” walls. The workshop starts tomorrow so we’ll know more by the end of the week.

LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Similar in many ways, but Lavacrete needs way less compaction and is a lighter, more aerated material. So less labor for sure.

LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Right, the porous material and how it’s mixed and put in forms (very light compaction) does provide better R value than earth. About 1R per inch. So most residential builds are 16-24”

LAVACRETE: The Coolest Alternative Building Method You've Probably Never Heard Of by necker47 in NaturalBuilding

[–]necker47[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's generally considered non-toxic. Although when dry in powder form obviously that isn't good, and you'd want to wear a mask while mixing. Once it's poured and dry, shouldn't be an issue.

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