Skill training and preparation for a bigger project
Author Dada Krpasundarananda
South Africa, Durban
Authors Cal-Earth
Skill training and preparation for a bigger project
Strengths: “Super Adobe” is a simple and versatile building system by Nader Khalili that empowers people to build their own home. It's fun to build, fire proof, tornado proof, highly earthquake resistant, high thermal mass to keep comfortable temperature. It can be beautiful and creatively finished for dignified short term living in emergency shelters or long term in domes like this. Energy used to build is used effectively as the earth mix is only handled once and goes straight where it's needed.
Difficulties: It's a bit labor intensive. (though a lot less than other earth building systems) It has an unconventional shape that many people need to get used to. Furniture and finishing is also harder to make though it inspires creativity! In many poorer countries earth buildings are for the poorest so people some don't want to associate with it and prefer the concrete square boxes from the wealthy West even though they give less comfort.
Extra information: More on Super Adobe: www.calearth.org The cost was for the finished shell with 10m2 floor space. More detailed information on the construction of this dome (2 parts): http://news.dadaksa.com/travel_zine_01_49/log35.htm http://news.dadaksa.com/travel_zine_01_49/log36.htm
urbaninform Competition 2010 is launched! September 01, 2010
urbaninform at MoMA, New York! July 20, 2010
All news