Interview W/ GA Adobe Founder, Project Hope & Education Program
We Get Questions !
Here are the answers from a recent interview with
Rogue Eco-Architect & Georgia Adobe Founder ,
Joe Woodall
Nothing Like A Georgia Drivers License Dept. Picture To Make A Man Look Good !
Georgia Adobe Materials, Construction And Methodology
The ability of a structure to be comfortable inside and stable too with a rapid assembly and low specific skill requirements, all managed by a watchful eye to the finish detail, has long been the requirements of modern construction.
Building Codes have been developed around specific industries and select product manufacturers ability, to make a profitable product group, that can be transported across great distances and still be handled easily at most all stages of product deployment. Sealed tight and with little fresh air movement through the building , these modern structures harbor chemicals from the manufacturing process within themselves, that continuously leach lethal toxins into the breathable air spaces for decades to come, making for a truly unhealthy living situation for the occupants.
Wood is an organic material , that rots over time; thus while allowing moisture to come inside it due to its porous nature it becomes biodegradable . In order for it to be available in our future it must be constantly harvested, from young quick growth tree stock, that can be chemically glued together into a useable state, such as in sheet lumber products. These conditions all make it a poor choice as a structural building material, on so many levels not to even mention the environment. Other exterior factors work on a buildings materials too; including for example earthquakes and winds
( Shaking) with their horizontal movements streamed across a structures envelope, weaken a structure even further than comes from natural use. Light weight stick built type construction hasn't a natural ability either , to withstand rapid temperature changes very well, further complicating a builders materials selection.
While stronger and more thermally efficient , insulated concrete will crack or fracture, requiring the builder to add internal steel fasteners, just to hold it all together or perhaps select a less ridged building material, with the capacity to move and then return to a useful resting place. Everything has its cost and though concrete answers many of the above requirements, it comes at too high an environmental price.
Better environmentally would be the use of local materials, perhaps even sourced at the construction site. Nothing could be easier found than raw Earth itself and it would be an ideal structural material, with the many of the positive and flexible abilities required , if only we could construct the building, from independent and small units, though all tied together but, still with a rubbery quality, allowing structure movements, to become absorbed without massive failures.
This is where Georgia Adobe's Rammed Earth Process becomes the obvious answer to us. With a rapid assembly, Earth is literally rammed into and permanently encased , into small forms. With the building, earth sheltered and insulated too from any rapid outside temperature swings, the occupants are seldom effected by the weather. It won't rot, as organic materials do, it doesn't off gas any harmful chemicals, and it's structurally sound in compaction, just like concrete is but, without the cost associated with massive Portland cement uses. Add all this to a building designed to heat and cool itself , grow its own food, capture water and reuse that water as many as 4 times plus a structure that makes its own power and fuels too brings modern construction a step forward to true self-sustainability - independence & Freedom , while being built from nearly carbon -0- materials.
The only thing left to do today , is find locations to build the Georgia Adobe at and within codified areas, all the while the big money boys in the building materials business will be watching their profits bleed away , and the bankers will find out you don't require a loan any longer, to build a family home, as you can build a Georgia Adobe with up to as much as 80% free or recycled materials. Then you have created a home that can take care of you for the next century or so - instead of the other way around !
Question
* Why do you use Rammed Earth, Adobe Blocks and ( bottles, soda cans, used tires, Etc. ) instead of cement blocks, as the main material for most underground buildings?
Joe :
Well, their free, for 1 really good reason. Those same materials are easily handled by most any person of average strength so, no strained backs ( including mine ) due to lifting 75+ pound cement blocks. There in the way in landfills and by using Free Earth & Sand mixtures for example in Adobe Mixes , there is the ability to not use anymore Portland Cement than is mandatory.
Question
* How can " I " learn to build with these materials affordably ?
Joe :
Come on down to Georgia ! Sign up to be a volunteer on a Georgia Adobe Construction Project and develop your hands on building skills,
Attend a paid for Georgia Adobe college level Training Session , ( WERE BUILDING A SCHOOL JUST FOR THAT ) , or today Have Georgia Adobe Put On A Special Training Seminar - Just For Your Group, Follow us on our public forum Georgia Adobe Facebook page & Yahoo Group Page ( Links Below ) then Ask Questions. You can also, build small test structure too.
Question
*What problems with regards to building codes do you find when trying to build a Georgia Adobe ?
Joe:
Not a lot but we choose carefully where we will spend our time building for other people. The world at large , has adopted the International Building Codes, by UN. treaty, so this is the level, your going to be asked to prove your building plans at, when or if, you wish to get a building permit. Some areas don't require a permit or perhaps they do but, they don't have inspections for residential structures, so you should always check the codes locally before buying land, and then seek the least path of resistance, to your building, as a first rule. That said, one can not always build, in just perfect locations. If you are in an area, that has strict codes and inspections you can work within their codes but, it will cost you more to prove your structure meets their codes due to the cost of extra engineering stamp on plans , ( plus concrete placement in place of earth work ) and also extra Architectural re-drawings, that will most likely be required , upon any builder.
Remember that experimental structures , can often receive a code variance so, don't overlook that as a possibility to become the first family to plant the Georgia Adobe Flag, in your neighborhood ! Advancements in water reuse, are often a plus in many communities ,where drought conditions and water quality issues, are at hand and your building of a structure, that uses less water than conventional structures , reuses its water many times and a structure, that can collect its water from the sky and atmosphere, can certainly be a attention getter and a plus in your favor, and the friendly building inspections department will be showing their office ro the world in a favorable light, should you care to notify the newspapers and TV crews.
Question
* What is the basic principal, of the Georgia Adobe Design Process and how does this influence a building ?
Joe :
In a word - Nature.
Georgia Adobe designs, all our buildings, to blend with nature. We start with your needs and work, to blend the basic elements of all nature, into the structure. We recycle your buildings energies through thermal mass and water recycling so that you receive the most for the least and we build with recycled materials mostly too such as old Tires, Old Drink Cans and Glass and Plastic Bottles plus always as much Free Earth & Sand to create a carbon -0- structure !
Question
* What can nature teach us about any buildings design elements ?
Joe :
Well, In Nature one commonly finds the sphere, a dome, even the arch as naturally occurring design elements, throughout all creation. Hold a egg & feel its strength, its sheer power in your own hands. Interlace your fingers around that egg, placing it between your palms & make an attempt to crush it. Only then will you will gain the knowledge, of natures true strength. 
Georgia Adobe buildings also mimic nature, with elements including their placement of the structure in the landscape, to reusing again and again, the required natural resources; thus nothing is normally ever required, that the structure cannot develop. This creates a true self sustainable structure.
Forming Earth, Water, Air & Fire with Compound Arches & Compression , with proper reuse of all materials in a cycle were the tools that God used in crafting our planet and like so, we attempt to use these same tools at Georgia Adobe Rammed Earth & Renewable Energy, to craft your carbon -0- building. I think God would approve, of how we craft shelters for his people, within the planet - rather than just upon it and the way we reuse and preserve his gifts, to us all. Earth was perhaps, his greatest gift to man !
Question
* In what level , Can Georgia Adobe Benefit Our Commercial Project ?
Joe :
Project Plans Can Be Drafted To Any Depth Required. Landscape plans also. All who design & build a Georgia Adobe Structure are trained building professionals in Earthen Construction. No Matter what stage of development you require, emergency structures too - we can be there for you, Consult, design, break ground, to construction, water & sewage systems and ensure your home is a success. We can also work world wide as your contractor , building any size project required.
Question
* What Quick & Easy Additions can Georgia Adobe provide so we can see sustainable buildings here on our site soon ?
Joe :
Homes don't take too long depending upon the size of course.
Disaster emergency shelters can be built for foreclosure victims and others alike quickly.
We do Project Consultations online & in person if required inexpensively
Were Building Carbon -0- Structures Ground Up
Greywater Disposal Systems Can Be Designed Into Existing Sewage Disposal Systems & Built A New Always
Green Remodeling Of Existing Structures Is Quick , This Cuts Your Monthly Energy Expenses Down To Nearly Nothing.
Methane & Woodgas Gas Plants Designed & Built For Those With A Need.
Alcohol Fuels Plants Designed , Permitting Assistance & Built turn key
On Site Construction Offices Built and delivered too
Scale Houses, Guard & Gate Keeper "Shacks" Built and delivered too
Restroom Facilities Built and delivered too
Crowd & Vehicle Control Dividers Built with Earth !
Storage Buildings Built Underground & Above also delivered complete.
Chemical Containment & Fireproof Structures Built for businesses that must have them.
Storm Shelters Built
Bus Shelters Built
Columns , Porticos & Archways Built
Green Roof Additions To Existing Structures Amd So Much More . Interested parties should call me personally to discuss their needs.
Question
*Can Underground Construction Be Built, So That It Won't Be Easily Found ?
Joe :
Ah', The answer is yes and I will stop right there, with the written details - call us to discuss this matter further.
Question
*We need a wine cellar 20 feet deep for a commercial winery. Can Rammed Earth Structures Be The Answer To Our Cost & Temperature Problems ?
Joe:
Yes, U shapes such as in other underground construction, cut into and along a slope will provide the caves required for your storage depth and tires can be the walls. Some additional buttressing, may also be required as comes from dome construction due to heights . The shell wall extending to the roof makes all stronger if constructed in round shapes. Domes are 20 times as strong as flat roofs !
Question
*Where is the best location to build; high on a hill , on flat lands or in a low spot in the landscape ?
Joe :
High up on a hill and digging out a cove, to construct into, is ok. Flat land and the common subdivision lots, that are pre-graded are fine too, as long as they were properly compacted and drain right. After all , your building something, that weighs much more than conventional structures and you would not want, a sinking foundation to develop. that might collect moisture due to a site problem. Due to moisture collecting in this way , stay away from these low land spots . They will perhaps, be better areas for ponds & gardens .
Question
* Our business needs a loading dock. Can you build us one with Rammed Earth ?
Joe :
Yes, Tires could be used to retain your soil and a concrete slab can be slightly counter levered to protect the sides and provide bumper guarding areas.
Question
* What About Retaining Walls, and swimming pools Can They Be Constructed Of Rammed Earth ?
Joe :
Yes, you bet they can, for pools & loading docks , tires make up your walls , they can be smoothed , finished , plastered and made water resistant through proper drainage and shielding of the wall. Everyone Please Feel Free To Submit Your Questions On Alternatives In Construction Or Renewable Energy & Georgia Adobe Will Post Our Answers !
Question :
* How will the latest Georgia Law changes as regards location of a mobile home, effect the construction of new Georgia Adobe Homes & or any other alternative construction ?
Joe :
You are referring to the older Mobile Home Law Changes ? I think it may open the State Of Georgia back up to Freedom To Build !
First off, Georgia Adobe also builds emergency shelters that are designed to be towed behind a truck so we can build a ultra small dwelling on wheels that a family can use in an emergency to live in while they are building a Proper Georgia Adobe Home.
Mobile homes can also now be of any age & the counties can't stop you from bringing them into that county. This means new or old, any & perhaps more affordable trailer homes, could be located at the construction site quickly, as the price for older mobile homes are at rock bottom. Then after the county inspections have been finished on the trailer , for your electricial, sewage, water etc. the homeowners could perhaps build on, with Georgia Adobe techniques, as they could afford to .
This will mean a great deal to those, who were just foreclosed upon and later perhaps they might would only be charged taxes on a mobile home, instead of a house, after the build on's were completed. That could bring a many thousand dollar advantage to future residents of Georgia and open up the entire state, as a building area for our company !
PROJECT HOPE
The U.S. CENSUS BUREAU Lists 3,140 counties or county-equivalent administrative units in the country. There are on average 62 counties per state. From data received in the year 2000 Census, the average U.S. county population is about 100,000 , all somewhat regulated as to how we may live & build. Still even today, within some states in North America, we have counties that don't require any building permits , don't have any county rules or even building inspection departments at all. That's Good News ! Help us mark Free Building Counties in Green, Identify Each Free Area
While these locations are not in the majority of North American & they are not in downtown areas ; they are typically in more rural areas but, they still are often within the modern driving range, to most metropolitan work areas. Thus the job you "may" still have, ( or wish to get later ) , can still be, gotten to.
All locations currently, do have some building codes you must face, just from the state level at least since all states have adopted the International Building Code. The Updated Version Of That Code Is Found At
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/development/constructioncodes/programs/codes2.asp
This code includes construction of Adobe & Rammed Earth Construction into it also & You Can Find Earthen Construction guidelines in the International Building Code Section , on " Un-Fired Clay Masonry" Structures. Also, out in the Western parts of North America , many local counties building codes today, include Adobe & Rammed Earth into their local building practices guidelines.
You may be able to use this existing code (yes, even from another state) as part of your " legal argument ", ( if you must ) to your local inspectors office, to allow your use of these materials , in your chosen area.
Each County ( for example in GA ) decides on their own how they will enforce the IBC. Below is a map of of the State Of GA's Enforcement info :
Georgia Code Enforcement Map
Also, A.S.T.M., has just released ( in 2010 ) a study of the required soil mixtures, to get to a load bearing strength of ( X ), when building with certain Earthen Construction mixes , that may be of help to you as well. They charge about $38. for their report and you must purchase this directly from ASTM . Search For :
ASTM Earthen Construction Minimum Standards 2010.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED & THIS WILL BENEFIT ALL ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURE BUILDERS,
Volunteer Your States Info
send updated info to:
volunteer@georgiaadobe.com
While we would love to build for everyone and handle everything too, we are a small company and simply can't construct all Alternative projects that we would like to. We also , would like to be in the position to provide some information to everyone, about areas you might look to, that allow your use of Georgia Adobe Alternative Earthen Structures.
Also, while responding to phone & email inquiries about this subject, we realized pretty quickly that it wouldn’t be very difficult to locate and perhaps map the lenient areas of the entire nation, if several volunteers worked together. One possibility is for each volunteer , to telephone the county office where they live, try the permitting - planning & zoning depts , county commissioners offices or public development offices, in your county and then report your findings back to us, so that info can be posted for all to have available.
This is what we call project hope.
Most counties in this day & age have a web site and a phone number listed also, by checking at your States main web site, you may find the details & contact info of the persons at the county level to call. More Highly developed areas would perhaps be a waste of the volunteers time to call for Example, the City Govt. Of Atlanta GA. is about as worthless a Govt. agency to ask a question of, as calling the US. federal government for tax advice - so we would forget them and others & plan on building elsewhere.
What do you ask ?
Sometimes you will get a No Building Permits Required But, Septic Tanks Permits & Percolation Test Are Normally Required By State Government And That There Are Guidelines
for all structures built in size ( X ) or some sq. footage amount or
the # of bathrooms or bedrooms that can go on a certain size lot & septic tank,
as their answer. When & If So, take down that info also.
Some Questions You Might Ask Of The County Govt. Offices :
Do they require a building permit ?
Do they require inspections ?
Inspections of what at what stages ?
Grading & Clearing Inspections ?
Foundation & Footings Inspections ?
Is there a plumbing Inspection ?
Is there a Wiring Inspection ?
Is there A Framing Inspection ?
Is There A Finish Inspection ?
What are their policies on building Underground Structures ?
Is Building with Masonry Mixes, Such As Rammed Earth Permitted ?
Is Building With Solid Masonry Adobe Blocks, Permitted ?
Is Building a Concrete Dome Permitted ?
Ask if a set of plans is required, to be submitted before building & what depth of drawings & To Which Depts. ?
Ask if a State Licensed Engineer’s Stamped plan is required to build All Structures ?
Ask, What’s the minimum house size allowed by code To Be Permitted ?
Ask, Who reports your construction to other government agencies Within The County, such as Property Tax Dept. ?
UPDATE AREA :
August 2010
The Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 384, which requires that placement of a mobile home onto property may not be based off of the age of the home.
1 Additional After-thought Might Be :
This Now Means That After One Places Their Small Mobile Home On The Site They Could
, Build A Georgia Adobe Onto It , Very Soon After Final Approval Of The Mobile Home As You Will Already Have The Electrical, Water & Gas Connected & Permitted Already Approved !
Email Us At :
NOTE:
All Experimental Architectural Plans Are Drafted Individually For Building Projects & Cost Range For A Single Family Single Story Design & Construction Plan & Include A General Materials List, Front Elevation Drawing, Plumbing & Electricial Drawing , With Roof, Wall & Foundation Section Drawings - 3 Copies Included Total . All Plans Are Drawn Per Standard Building Code And Any Extra Engineering Or Drawings Will Be Billed Extra Per Hour Plus Any Outside Assistance, As May Become Required Per Customer Requirements. Please Contact Us For All Further Details As Every Project Is Different & Non Residential Structures Such As Walls, Ponds, Pools, Landscapes, Fences, Defensive Elements, Or Commercial And Non Dwelling Structures May Be Very Different In Their Cost ( Up Or Down ) !
Errors, Omissions and References :
Georgia Adobe (TM) (SM.) strives to make these pages as accurate and understandable as possible. Of course, everything is subject to change , without notice of any kind and postings my not be accurate, due to our best efforts becoming delayed from those changes. If anything is unclear to you or you have some questions, please email us as we make all effort to reply to those who contact us when we can and ASAP. We hope that's fast enough.
Please note that in some cases the names, dates and locations we speak about, have been changed to protect the innocent, and/or the guilty alike. Sorry , we don't give work references, we don't remember, nor do we show pictures of our other jobs , tell of there locations & we never ever kiss and tell either, well at least not past , what you may see here on these pages , from time to time. Sorry if that's a problem - please and with our best wishes for your every success, fee free to hire other professionals, who will jump through those kinds of hoops for your needs and or mental comfort .
Legal Disclaimer:
Nothing here is a recommendation to you , Our designs are Experimental and even after completion such structures may often require changes to make them operate as designed. Nor is the information presented considered professional advice for your actions. These are merely our reports of what we've seen and found useful in other situations. Your use of good sense and confirmation of everything, with your own research, is very much required as Georgia Adobe LP assumes no liability for your actions.
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