John C Daley

I think one thing we have learned as a community is improvement.
We dont need to build as they did 400 years ago, but we can pick the good bits out.
That is the way I use alternative building techniques.
I have built a small house entirely with hand tools, I would not do it again, because I could not find or learn the best tools or use methods that were effective.
Some of the techniques described above may not be practical and I wonder what others think?

You need at least 1/3  soil and 2/3 water for the test
Its called "the soil test" not a 'terrain' test.

I think the video of the bicycle and bucket parts is clever.

I would consider uisng that hole as a sediment trap and building a pond downstream a little bit where there may not be rock.

I use 100% RAINFALL CATCHMENT AND hAVE FOR 50 YEARS.

Have you studied the types of soiul you actually need for cob or adobe.
You need roughly 50 /50 sand and clay to build with.
What books have you read?

In my experience, 'alternative building' cannot be commercialised as easily as other techniques.
I have always pushed the use of alternative materials as a practcal and lower cost form of building.
The techniques are simple to learn and use.
BUT its not cool, in a society which runs on consumption, using earth and straw does not sit well with bankers.
I have heard many ways of denigrading the use of alternative materials, dirt homes,  cheap, too small......
I believe people today build or buy homes based on ;
- ego,
- perception of wealth,
- having a home always larger than they need,
- fashion
The concept of building a smaller, energy efficient home is not at the forefront of thought, the concept of having enough land around the house for activity,
growing food etc is not considered necessary.
I am concerned the idea of sequestering carbon will just encourage carpetbag salesmen and snake oil sales women and not help build better homes for anybody.

Have you had that soil tested or are you aware of its prior use?
It looks like old industrial land maybe an old tip site, I am worried about that.
Has the soil been completed turned over across the whole site?
I see the next door plot has a water pond, can you build one for yourself and not cause water problems with next door?
I have a few questions;
- Is there any farming in the area?
- is there any water flow to your land?
- Why is the road built up?
- Do you have access to that power on the poles?
- Is it windy there?

Why are dragon flies great?

Thanks Phil, but I still dont see mention of mortar use.