This is a badge bit (
BB) that is part of the
PEP curriculum. Completing this BB is part of getting the sand badge in
Natural Building.
Adobe bricks are essentially
cob building blocks, where a large portion of the drying time (which can be significant) is done before the building process begins. They can be used to build a large list of items very quickly, including RMHs, built in furniture, ovens and even whole houses.
To make adobe bricks you need an adobe form. Typically a
wood frame, open at the top and bottom for forming cob into bricks. Wet the adobe form by dipping it in
water, place it on bare ground and toss in a wet-ish cob mix (literally tossing in handfuls, throwing it down hard will eliminate air pockets). Level the mix off to the top of the form, then pull the form away, leaving the wet brick behind. Wet the form between bricks. Repeat. When dry
enough to move without deforming, flip the bricks on their narrow edge to finish drying.
Minimum requirements:
- Make 12 bricks
- 12” by 6” by 3”
To get certified for this BB, post the following as pictures or
video (<2 min):
- Show your mix and tools
- Action shot
- Bricks drying on edge