June Meeting to feature Kevin Coleman, Compressed Earth Block builder

Greetings, Fellow SASL Members,

Tonight's meeting of the San Antonio Sustainable Living group features Kevin Coleman. Many of us are big fans of compressed earth block and other earthen-based wall systems construction. Kevin has been the supplier of earthen blocks in the San Antonio area for years and is well versed in the production and building techniques related to the erection of compressed earth structures. He knows all too well the problems not with the material itself, but with the aspects related to using the material such as finding a bank to finance a compressed earthen structure.

To get the answers to the questions you may have regarding the overall aspects of earthen construction as well as the small details we seldom hear about, this is the meeting you want to attend. We will be meeting tonight (Tuesday) in the classroom inside Whole Foods Market in the Quarry Shopping Center (US 281 @ Jones-Maltsberger @ Basse) at 7pm. I hope to see many of you there.

Mark your calendar for the next 4th Tuesday (July 26th) when Kerry Davis from AirCheck is scheduled to speak on Daikin and mini-split air conditioning/heating systems.


Stephen Colley, COORDINATOR
San Antonio Sustainable Living

Open Hardware Design: 50 robust, efficient machines to make a farm or village and transcend artificial scarcity, and that's just the start of Marcin Jakubowski's vision

I've been reading through various versions of the Open Source Ecology website for several years previously known as openfarmtech.org.  My interest has been drawn to it repeatedly by my interest in compressed earth block construction. (The first machine they focused on is an open source compressed earth block machine.)  I seem to recall that I was intrigued but skeptical.  It sounded too ambitious to be true.  But it seems to be coming true, at least Chris Anderson, the curator for TED thinks so.

Marcin aims to create designs for fifty essential machines (apparently up from forty mentioned on one video). He intends the machines to be repairable, modular, robust, highly efficient, long lasting and cost much lower than other their closed source competitors. The machines are meant to be bolted together when possible so that they can be broken down for transport.

Among the fifty machines, those which have been at least been prototyped are a compressed earth block machine (the Liberator) , a drill press, a general power unit aka the Power Cube, a big tractor known as the Life Trac and a walk behind version called the Micro Trac, and a Torch Table a digitally controlled cutter for shaping metal.  Other machines including a sSawmill, an agricultural spader, a micro combine, a hammer mill, a well drilling rig, energy production devices, a lathe and bakery machinery are to come. This FAQ from their wiki is quite informative as is this brochure.

The designs are to be open sourced meaning that others can add to them and use them without payment, though the exact licensing terms haven't been worked out.  The intention is that people will be able to build modify and improve these devices for resale.  Though the designs will be open source, significant mechanical skills are required to create them just as substantial programming skills are required to work on open source programming projects.



Here is video that appears on the website which explains more about the Marcin's goals.  There are lots of other videos there, but this is one with much higher production values making it easier to watch.

Global Village Construction Set in 2 Minutes from Open Source Ecology on Vimeo.

Here is a 41 minute talk Marcin gave in San Francisco in July 2010 which conveys an even more expansive vision.

Marcin Jakubowski - part 1 from East Bay Pictures on Vimeo.

The amazing ancient modern building material that improves the environment every time it is used

Architect Stephen Colley, coordinator for San Antonio Sustainable Living spoke at the 2010 TEDx San Antonio.  In his talk he introduces the audience to adobe and compressed earth block.  He explains how the words adobe and shack connect the material to its historic roots.

He shows how adobe and compressed earth block allows for deeply green, environmentally and physically friendly building. He explains the phase change that makes adobe homes cooler in the summer and introduces the so called "Mexican green roof" which insulates, protects and cools.

Compressed Earth Block Workshop

Once every year or two in Central Texas, there’s a premier opportunity to learn all about compressed earthen block (CEB) construction, lime stabilization, and natural finishes. That opportunity returns for three days in May (20-22) here in San Antonio. Jim Hallock and Jeff Rottler from Tierra y Cal, from San Miguel de Allende will offer a very comprehensive class in CEB covering all aspects to consider. If you are thinking green building, building a durable, healthy, high-performance structure doesn’t get any greener than using the earth. Partnering again with Laurence Jetter of Advanced Earthen Construction Technology (AECT), here in San Antonio, Jim and Jeff will be incorporating the best technology in compressed earth blocks available. For more information regarding the agenda and registration details, contact Tierra y Cal directly at their website.

Tierra y Cal announces 3 Compressed Earth Block Workshops for Oct & Nov 2009 (1 in San Antonio, 2 in San Miguel Allende)

2010 UPDATE: Link to 2010 workshop info

The folks at Tierra y Cal have three workshops planned. Two in October will take place in San Miguel de Allende. The November workshop will be in San Antonio at the AECT factory. If you attend be warned that Jim will convert you completely to faith in nopal juice, lime plaster and lime stabilized block.

November 5, 6 and 7 Compressed Earth Block (CEB) Construction, CEB machines and plaster in San Antonio Texas at Advanced Earthen Construction Technology:

Two earth building companies and their personnel are pooling their talents to bring you this class. From Texas, Lawrence Jetter and crew of Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies bring their knowledge of pressing machinery. From San Miguel de Allende, México, Jim Hallock, Mónica Healy and Jeff Rottler of Tierra y Cal, Proyectos Sustentables, bring their knowledge of lime stabilization in combination with compressed earth block construction. Students who persevere through all of the sessions through Q. and A. on Saturday afternoon will receive a Certificate of Completion. Class cost includes an Earth Block Construction manual.

SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
8:00 - 8:15 - In the Classroom - Coffee and Introductions
8:15 - 11:45 - How to Build a Compressed Earth Block (CEB) Building - Foundation through Bond Beam. The partners of Tierra y Cal present the step-by-step sequence using the manual you will have received.
1:00 - 4:45 – Soil selection and block manufacturing with Lawrence Jetter and lime stabilization with TyC. You will have the opportunity to press and test some blocks (bring 5 gallons of your dirt if you wish), and help to operate a pressing machine.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
8:00 - 11:45 – Hands-on construction of a small CEB building.The class will learn to build a wall to the speed lead and string and construct an arch using blocks pressed on the site. We’ll place door and window bucks and set in an electrical circuit with a few plug boxes as we build the wall.
1:15 - 4:45 – Construction continues.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
8:00 – 11:45 – We are again at AECT’s facility with a focus on lime and clay plasters.
1:15 – 3:00 – Plaster continues.
3:00 – 4:45 – Q. and A.Certifi cates of Completion handed out.
Class limit: 35 students

Cost: $350.00 per person.
A DISCOUNT OF $20.00/PERSON WILL BE GIVEN FOR EARLY REGISTRATION, PRIOR TO OCTOBER 15. REFUNDS (MINUS $30.00 ADMINISTRATION FEE) WILL BE GIVEN FOR CANCELLATIONS PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 1. THIS CLASS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH ONLY.

The class will close when filled. Please register early to preserve your place. The first payments to clear will be registered and the attendee notified. Please let us know by email monicahealy@tierraycal.com that you are planning to attend and will be supplying the registration fee, as soon as you have made that decision. Thank you

October 22, 23, and 24, 2009 Mexican Vaults and Domes Workshop in San Miguel de Allende:

Do you want to know the characteristics of the blocks and to construct a dome or vault? Come to our theoretical-practical course in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico,"MEXICAN VAULTS AND DOMES WORKSHOP" October 22 - 24, Featured Presenter: Arq. Ramón Aguirre, (UNAM – Posgraduate in light covers and roofs, UNAM).


Benefits:
· Study the historical and cultural importance of the vault, as architectural knowledge passed through generations.
· Understand the convenience and beauty of this inexpensive technique · Realize the low environmental impact of this system Study and understand the structural value of the vault and dome
· Participate in the construction of a vault done with compressed earth blocks
· Construct your own vault in the future with this knowledge


How long is the workshop? 3 ½ DAYS Our goal is to present all the information we can about the modern method of constructing vaults with compressed earth blocks. We require your participation for three and one half days to complete the course. You will leave with new understanding of this local and traditional method of economic construction combined with knowledge and experience with Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks…the truly environmental building material.


HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $3,500.00 PESOS or $275.00 usd per Person and includes Lunches, Manuals and Construction equipment


Call now to: (0155) 22 22 25 49 or (045)55 1798 7131 or email: monicahealy@tierraycal.com and reserve your place. We have special prices for groups of 3 people and more
TIERRA Y CAL, PROYECTOS SUSTENTABLES, S DE RL DE CV
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Tel
(415) 120 2162 www.tierraycal.com

October 29, 30 and 31, 2009 Compressed Earth Block (CEB) Construction, CEB machines and plaster in San Miquel de Allende.

This workshop is very similar to the one offered the next week in San Antonio. The cost in US dollars is $275 per person which in Mexico includes lunches. Call (0155)2222 25 49 (044 55) 1798 7131 Or email monicahealy@tierraycal.com for more information, a brochure in pdf form or to make reservations.

Machine to produce wall length Compressed Earth Blocks in development by Earthco Building Systems of Ranger, Texas

As Larry Williamson sees it the problem with compressed earth blocks is that they are too small. They are so small that they have to be laid by hand. Laying by hand means hiring laborers and hiring laborers means liability. It also slows down the process of building.

So, several years ago he began working on a machine that would produce compressed earth blocks that would be large enough to place by machine, blocks so large that a single one could run the length of a wall. He received patent number 7311865 for a Block Ramming Machine on Christmas Day 2007. He has numerous other patents for his machine pending.

His prototype machine produces blocks that are 12 inches high, 18 inches thick with a length as long as you want. It takes 15 minutes to produce a block that is ten feet long. His next machine will produce two blocks in that time by putting otherwise idle hydraulic fluid to use in a second compression chamber.

Mr. Williamson, like Lawrence Jetter of AECT, is an advocate of placing unstablized blocks directly into walls and allowing them to cure within the wall, though his machine can also produce lime or portland stabilized blocks. By taking the blocks directly from the machine to their final resting places in the wall a structure can be dried-in extremely quickly. Placing a block takes one and a half minutes. Once it is placed, measurements can be taken to determine the length of the next block to be produced.

The machine extrudes compressed earth blocks in four inch increments. The blocks can be trimmed as needed. He says that when the blocks come out of the machine they are somewhat flexible like PVC pipe, but his lifting and carrying devices move them safely without damaging them and allow precise placement of the blocks which weigh well over a ton.

In developing his machine he has been assisted by students and staff from the Texas Tech Department of Engineering. He hopes that major manufacturers of earth moving equipment will license his designs and produce machines that can then be leased to builders. Since the walls can be created quickly, the heavy equipment is only needed a short time at each building site.

The machines were used to build an environmental center at Rio Blanco Girl Scout Camp in Crosbyton, Texas and Williamson is fielding inquiries from builders and non-profits interested in experimenting with his technology.

In the video below Larry Williamson demonstrates the machine and talks about uses for the blocks in highway construction.

Even New Mexico regulators don't understand adobe!

In New Mexico they have adobe brick factories for goodness sake. You'd think that the regulators would understand the energy efficiency of the stuff and the value of adobe to the state's economy and environment, but according to the an article by Joe Tibbets in the July 2009 Solaradobe Newsletter from SWSA Adobebuilder.com, the state's Energy and Minerals Department is pushing for adoption of the a national code which does not:

1. Does not mention any passive solar in its calcs
2. Cannot model passive solar well
3. Does not have the sophistication of Energy 10
4. Cannot integrate thermal mass or temperature swing
5. Cannot program Trombe walls or time delay
6. Cannot program selective surfaces or reflectors
7. Leans designers away from passive solar
8. Leans designers to expensive equipment that needs government subsidies
9. Requires 'energy experts' to use REM software to review drawings for permits
10. Calls for REM to be a requirement in new green building codes

Courtesy Solaradobe Newsletter

The code they are pushing which incorporates HERS ratings and LEED standards would substantially upgrade the efficiency of inherently inefficient construction methods (stick building) but would cause problems for adobe and compressed earth block builders among others, since according to Joe adobe builders would not qualify for the NM Sustainable Building Tax Credit.

This illustrates how complicated regulatory issues can become. Good luck to all the natural builders in New Mexico.

Photo courtesy Leto A. by CC license and Flickr

The John J. Morony Studies: "Adobe Moisture Absorption and Temperature Control" 2005

John J. Morony's original, controlled research has shown that the perception that adobe buildings are more comfortable than others has a factual basis. At the Tierra y Cal workshop, June 13 he generously gave our group permission to reprint on this site the studies he distributed to participants in the workshop.

Please contact Mr. Morony for a copy of his study in its original format.

Adobe Moisture Absorption and Temperature Control

Logged Data for a Humid Heat Wave 6-11 August 2004
Del Rio, Texas
John J. Morony
Biology Department
South West Junior College
Del Rio TX 78840

Abstract

Logged data of temperature and humidity were collected inside two modules, one of compressed earth blocks (CEB) and one of cinder blocks; each is some 20 ft with identical roofs and floors. With an ambient temperature of 106 F the cinderblock module was 110 degrees F and the CEB was 101 degrees F or 9 degrees cooler. When the ambient relative humidity (RH) was high the inside humidity of the cinder block approached 100% but in the CEB the RH did not exceed the mid 60% mark. The lower RH is explained by the moisture being absorbed by the earthen walls. This suggests the possible use of evapor4ative coolers in buildings constructed of an earthen fabric in regions where evaporative coolers tend to build up too much humidity for human comfort.

Introduction

A previous study (Morony, 2005) revealed that adobe and other unmodified earthen material, undergoes latent heat flux in response to differing states of relative humidity within and without an adobe building. In such instances, adobe walls may be absorbing and passing moisture vapor on the either side of an adobe fabric provided the walls remain free of vapor barrier covering. This study presents specific evidence that such phenomenon does indeed occur.

A series of on-going studies is being conducted in Del Rio, Texas of indoor vs. ambient temperature of earthen building fabrics and concrete (cider) blocks. Modules of similar dimensions are used in conjunction with data loggers to record temperature and humidity. The principle focus of such studies concerns the response of varied building fabrics to prolonged summer heat characteristic of south Texas. It is summer heat and not the winter cold that intrudes into the human comfort zone and it does so to the point that air conditioning is required. Refrigerated air is used every month of the year every hour of the day for some months running. Air conditioning is currently the only effective, but very expensive means, to significantly lower the indoor temperature to the comfort zone (temperatures below 80 degrees F) . Air conditioning is often the most costly item on the monthly energy bill for a significant part of the year.

Procedures

Three modules, numbered on the north facing wall as #1 to #3, are illustrated in the frontispiece. They were built in 200-4 on property adjacent to the Southwest Texas Junior College campus in Del Rio, Texas. All have six inch thick walls (not including stucco) and inside dimensions of approximately 35" x 42" x 25.5 " resulting in an internal volume of ca. 20 cubic feet. All face north and have a single opening on the north side with a door and a latch. The modules are not intended to be air tight, thus allowing equalization of changes of atmospheric pressure. All are fully exposed to the sun throughout the day. The modules have a flat roof covered by 3/8 inch panel board insulated on the under-side with an sheet of Energy Shield, a product of Atlas Roofing, that is a foil faced foam board with an R-rating of 5.4. A sheet of this foam board is also used on the floor of the modules.

Module #1. Six-inch Mexican concrete (cinder) blocks were used in the construction of the module. The module was stuccoed with cement and painted with an off-white cement paint to match the color of the two lime stuccoed earthen modules.

Module #2. Traditional adobe was used with an appropriate soil mixed with horse manure.

Module #3. A compressed adobe (or compressed earth block) structure. 6 x 12 inch, using the same soil as was used to make adobes of Module #2 but without additives save moisture. Blocks were made using a CINVA Ram, a hand operated machine using mechanical leverage to exert pressure.

Data Logging

VERITEQ data loggers, Spectrum 2000, were utilized inside the modules and set to record temperature, relative humidity every three hours continuously during the time of the experiment. Doors were kept closed at all time. Temperatures were read to the nearest whole number.

Data loggers were used in Modules #1 and #3 only during a period of prolonged hot and humid conditions from the 6th to the 11th of August, 2004 in Del Rio, Texas. A separate data logger was used to record ambient condition in the immediate vicinity of the experiment for the same time intervals as used in the modules. Results of the data logging a recorded in Figures 1 and 2.

Temperature Data (Figure 1). The cinder block module recorded temperatures higher than ambient during the highest temperature values for the 6th, 8th and 10th of August (Fig 1). During the same time intervals the compressed adobe was always significantly lower than ambient. Highest temperature for each of the three recording are: Ambient 106 degrees, compressed adobe - 101 degrees and cinderblock- 110 degrees. Thus the compressed adobe registered some 9 degrees cooler than the cinderblock module. These data are in accord with similar type studies by the author using these and other like modules. Cinderblock modules were consistently higher in temperature than highest ambient temperatures during hot weather. Residents living in cinderblock homes on either side of the Rio Grande River report higher indoor temperatures than outdoor during high heat conditions. However, the significance of the temperature data is heightened when taking into account concurrent humidity data.

Humidity Data (Figure 2): There was a pronounced rise in humidity in the cinderblock module during a prolonged hot an humid period from the 9th to the 11th when the experiment was terminated. On the 10th, when the cinderblock was 100 degrees F the RH was some 90% then peaking at near saturation. Residents of cinderblock houses along the Border report high humidity and module growth during certain times of the year, especially lat spring and summer. In marked contrast, the RH in the compressed adobe remained below mid-60%. An explanation is that the clay content of the earthen walls succeeded in absorbing a major portion of the accumulated moisture. Thus, a plausible explanation for the lowered interior humidity of the adobe module was that the water vapor was absorbed by the walls. There are important implications to be considered. Perhaps foremost is the need to avoid a wall covering, especially a render or plaster that would interfere with vapor transfer into or out of the walls.

Discussion

Why the profound difference between the adobe and the cinderblock with respect to humidity and temperature? In essence, adobe and other type of earthen material, left unbaked or stabilized, constitutes phase change material (PCM) ; a terminology of the building industry. The term applies to any chemical substance deemed useful for temperature control for some industrial purpose (Ruth Kelly, 199). The nature of phase change phenomena was explained at length in a previous publication (Morony 2005). All mater is subject to existing in one of three phases: solid, liquid or vapor. A phase change from one to the other either releases or absorbs thermal energy in response to critical temperature changes.

An explanation centers on the hygroscopic (water attracting) qualities of clay in the adobe. The clay carries a negative charge and bonds with the positive pole of a water molecule. Clay is thus capable of absorbing water in a vapor phase as well as liquid. Phase-change of water form solid/liquid and from liquid/vapor results in an exchange of thermal energy. In the case of liquid/vapor changes the energy involved is very great relative to the phase-change in other chemical compounds. In a liquid to vapor change of on kg of water at 100 degrees C converts to 2260 kj/kg of heat (540 cal/gm) that is released to the surroundings (P. Hewitt, 1981). while cinderblocks and other conventional building material my readily absorb liquid water, as with rain, by way of capillary action but it is other wise with respect to atmospheric water vapor.

The aforementioned qualities attributed to adobe apply as well to clay plasters as detailed in a study by Neil May (2004, p2). He noted that clay plasters absorbs ambient moisture an that the hygroscopic qualities of clay "...means that moulds caused by condensation are minimized, and that a relative humidity of 50% -60% is maintained. This is the ideal level for mucus membranes of the human body and also for the control of dust mites and other organisms which affect human health." Additionally, he notes clay plasters have very good capillary qualities but less capillary draw than materials like lightweight brick, and even certain cement products. However, they have more capillary draw than most types of timber. They thus draw condensed water away from a timber frame building but will not dry out the timber itself.

Temperature and Humidity

To what extent can the temperature and humidity be lowered inside an earthen residential structure with minimal expenditure of energy? In South Texas the problem with evaporative coolers is t that excess humidity tends to build up creating conditions for mold growth and is uncomfortable to a building’s occupants. However, resorting to the use of refrigerated air in summer months is generally the most expensive item on a monthly utility bill. One may thus ask, what would be the consequences of using one of the newer, highly efficient, evaporative coolers within and adobe building? A sustained build up of humidity on the inside would be prevented. the earthen walls would absorbed excess humidity at the same time the interior temperature would be significantly lowered. However, it is important to note that for latent heat flux to occur an earthen building fabric would have to remain free of vapor barrier on either side. Additionally, efficient evaporative coolers , that use direct current, are available that can run off a 12 volt solar panel to be used in the afternoon when RH is lowest. Currently, the Adobe Association of Del Rio (Texas) is in the process of constructing a small experimental building to test the possibilities of a more extensive use of evaporative coolers using and adobe fabric.

Acknowledgements

This and related studies have been made possible with the support of the South West Texas Junior College, especially of Don Tomas, Associate Dean of the Del Rio campus. Sid Cauthorn, President of Bank and trust, Del Rio, Texas is especially acknowledged for generous financial assistance and general support of studies of earthen building materials. Lynn Masterson, a faculty member, has rendered indispensable assistance with the software use involved with the research. Marcella Fuentes, also a faculty member, kindly reviewed and edited the manuscript. Terry Tilton, a geologist, has reviewed the study and offered sound suggestions and provide a final review of the manuscript. Lawrence Jetter, President of Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies, Inc , San Antonio, Texas has provide invaluable support in all research activities associated with earthen building materials. Thanks must also be extended to numerous former students for varied assistance in construction of the modules..

References

Kelly, R 1999. Latent Heat Storage in Building Materials, Building Services Engineering Diploma Dissertation, Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street, Dublin, UK
Hewitt, Paul, 1981. Conceptual Physics, 4th edition. Little Brown and Company Inc, Boston.
Morony, John, 2005. Adobe and Latent Heat: A Critical Connection. Second Annual Conference, Adobe Association of the Southwest, Northern New Mexico Community College, El Rito, New Mexico

Something to think about on a hot Texas afternoon: John J. Morony shows how a breathable earth walls naturally cool themselves.

John J. Morony has shown how a breathable adobe or compressed earth brick building stays cooler than the outside temperature. It isn't just mass. Moisture in the adobe vaporizes, cooling it.

At the Tierra y Cal workshop on June 13, Mr. Morony, set up a simple demonstration of the effect using 4 small clay flower pots, sealed on the bottom and partially filled with water. He set up the pots in the sun and placed the saucer for each pot was placed on top of each.

After the pots had been in full sunlight for about an hour he measured the temperature of each pot and of the ambient temperature.

Ambient Temperature: 95 degrees

Pot #1 (painted on the inside with white enamel): 102 degrees
Pot #2 (painted on the outside with white enamel): 96 degrees
Pot #3 (unpainted): 83 degrees
Pot #4 (coated on the outside with naturally white lime wash) 79 degrees

John explained that any material left in the sun will be hotter than the ambient temperature, unless it breathes. Pot #2 was cooler than pot #1 because the white paint on the outside did reflect some heat energy. But because the clay walls of both pots were rendered unbreathable by the paint, they both got hotter than the ambient temperature.

The clay that made up pot #3 & 4 could still breathe. Water inside the pot and within the clay vaporized and took heat energy with it, just as we feel a chill when getting out of a pool on a hot windy day. The water vapor phase change cooled the pots and not by just a little. Pot #3 was hotter than pot #4 because the dark color of the clay of Pot #3 absorbed more heat while the breathable lime wash finish of pot #4 reflected some of the sun's heat energy.

Compressed earth block and adobe walls breathe naturally unless a vapor barrier is imposed. If the walls are allowed to breathe, the temperature of the walls will be lowest in the hottest part of the day, about 4:30 in the afternoon. Cob walls would do the same as would rammed earth, unless portland cement were used in the mix.

Photo courtesy of Tierra y Cal under Creative Commons license.

Report 2 from Tierra y Cal Compressed Earth Block workshop: Four reasons to make CEB a favored building system in San Antonio

There are lots of building systems available in San Antonio, all have their advantages and disadvantages, here are some reasons for the city to embrace the compressed earth block.

1. The Cadillac of compressed earth block machines is made right here by Advanced Earthen Construction Technology, within the city limits on Hwy 181. The technical expertise is right here. The potential manufacturing jobs are right here as well.

2. Compressed earth blocks require sand and clay. Our position at the intersection of several geologic zones puts both clay and sand nearby. Furthermore the types of sand and clay needed for the blocks are not particularly valuable and are more of a nuisance and by-product to the production of more valuable sand and gravel.

3. To stabilize a block so that it can withstand the direct effects of water and to allow it to breathe, lime is needed. Lime produced as a waste product from coal fired electric plants and acetylene production works just fine. We have both near San Antonio.

4. A breathable stabilized compressed earth block home plastered with exterior lime plaster reflects the sun's energy and cools itself by the phase change effect as documented by John J. Morony. This reduces the need for air-conditioning substantially. It is particularly appropriate for our climate and can be designed with a nod to our Spanish design heritage.