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OFFGRID CONSTRUCTION ADOBEOffgrid construction adobe has the energy efficiency where the cost can be realized over the life of the home. Today's cost in 2007 is about $5.00 sqft. This is for the exterior shell only. Adobe construction is labor intensive. The decidedly desert feel is attractive and unmistakably adobe. The recessed windows and doors offers the old fortress look and feel. What goes into making adobe bricks? One of the ways to make adobe is from dirt and water. Sometimes straw or grass is mixed in if the clay content is too high. The traditional adobe brick is 4 X 10 X 14 which weighs about 30 pounds. Making the adobe larger may make it too difficult to handle. Dirt and water are mixed and poured into a form. The adobe sets for a couple of hours and is removed from the form. When the edges turn white the brick is layed on end to dry. Adobe can be molded with cutouts to accept electrical and plumbing fixtures. It takes alot of bricks to make an adobe home. Adobe bricks should not be used below ground level. They should sit on footings twice their width for a single story building. If you are building the home yourself, consider a small home. Design organization into your plan and get rid of unnecessary items.
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