balecob home on earthbag foundation--building progress

The place is looking great!I really like the plaster work, I hope to include some in my future home that I've been pondering lately. Part of the pondering is the build scheduling, getting everything done by the first winter if starting in the spring as things dry out.

Have you noted any gotchas as far as what you planned versus what actually happened, if you had a schedule you were trying to stick to? Or is this place a "when it's done it's done, and we can move in after that"?

Our schedule was really to get it the house by the end of this year, we stuck to our schedule last year and got the roof on before it snowed.

We definitely altered parts of the house while we built to fit our time and materials available. The lofted section ended up being built much different as we were rushed last year to get it covered. I ended up building a framed in straw bale wall to save time, but think it turned out really nice in the end.

Now we are just trying to get everything wet done so it has time to dry, but I think we are still on schedule. We will see. I'll post more photos as the floor gets put in.

Batch Rocket Mass Heater 8" beast with cast iron door. All to Peter's specs. Thanks Peter, your the best! http://batchrocket.eu/en/

I will start a new thread once the stove is completely done and post photos of the first burn. Hopefully this weekend.

Some new photos finally. The floors were dry enough to put some oil down. We've only got a few weeks left before move in.

We are using heated boiled linseed oil for the floors. I would have preferred to buy some of Sukita Krimmel's floor oil from her claylin floor website, but it would have probably cost the same as the entire house. Anyways, the floors are soaking it up great so I have high hopes. This is my second earthen floor and I think I'll skip the wax this time as I don't feel it added much the last time.

Some new photos. Finally moved in and enjoying this thing. Still need to do some interior plaster in the upstairs and the finish coat outside, but the RMH batch is keeping us toasty.

WOW Bravo ! I wish I would have found permies 40 years ago, I would love to have/build a home like that.

Starting to slowly get back into the groove of working on the house. Here are some updated photos of our progress. Enjoy.

Some new photos from SpiritWood. We have a new natural builder on board too now!

Awesome looking house you've built Daniel. And congrats on your newest family member.

My question. Did you put down a vapor barrier? Or did you decide on superior drainage over vapor barriers?

new photos