How to use #Adobe: ancient techniques for modern DIYers
Adobe is more than just a dusty remnant. It is one of the oldest building materials used by humans, dating back to at least the 8th century BC. Although the word itself feels Spanish, its DNA is Arabic, derived from al-tub, meaning “brick”.
Native Americans mastered this skill long before European settlers arrived. Before touching sandstone, they dug pit dwellings and built buildings from sun-dried earth. Today, these cliff dwellings can still be seen in Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park.
This architectural style spreads naturally in warm and dry climates. It operated in Spain and throughout the Mediterranean. When the Spanish conquered America, they found that the indigenous peoples were already using it. In the United States, there are historical examples in Southern California and the southwestern states.
Take Santa Fe, New Mexico for example. The Palace of the Governors has been there since the beginning of the 17th century. Further north, the historic Taos Inn has adobe homes built in the 1800s. the San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church in Rancho de Taos draws visitors for the same reason. thick walls. Cool interiors. Timeless style.
“Rich merchants used the rich soil along the streams to build elaborate homes.”
An important example of Adobe architecture is the Great Mosque of Djenné in the center of Mali. It is located near the edge of the Sahara desert. Built in 1907 on the ruins of an earlier mosque, it is perhaps the most famous adobe building today.
Its walls are ridiculously thick, measuring a whopping 24 inches (61 centimeters). The height of the arch is 45 feet (13.7 meters). The footprint covers some 62,500 square feet (5,806 square meters).
Djenne was a center of trade and learning. Wealthy merchants built their homes using the abundant mud found along the creeks leading to the Bani River. The city itself is built on hills to protect it from seasonal floods. Many merchant houses still remain.
So how does this ancient technique apply to your DIY projects? The first step is to understand your soil.
Understanding the Mix
You can’t just pick up soil from your backyard and expect good results. Adobe requires a certain balance of clay and sand. Too much clay causes the walls to crack when they dry. Too much sand will prevent the bricks from sticking together.
This process is manual and labor intensive. Here’s what you need:
– Mixing zone (a clean concrete slab is best)
– shovel
-water source
– Wooden mold for brick molding
– Sunny, dry and dry place
This ratio is usually more favorable for sand than for clay. Mix until it feels like a stiff dough. No wet concrete. More like playdough that holds its shape.
Forming the Bricks
When the mixture is ready, make the bricks. Most traditional types are simple wooden boxes without a bottom. Pack the mud tightly. Shake or tap the mold to remove air bubbles. Air pockets create weaknesses.
Flatten the top of it. Scrape it clean. Leave it in the mold for 1-2 days until it is strong enough to handle.
Next comes the careful part. Flip
