Josh McDermott

Well Rufus,  
 I was a teacher on the Navajo Rez for a couple years and I think the traditional building style is wonderful but there doesn't seem to be enough cedar trees to house the tribe these days.  I have seen many living in thin walled trailers and don't really understand why with all the wonderful clay and sand around.  I figured anyone who wants to live in the area could benefit from some better, code passing building styles.  The Navajo have a housing department that helps to build houses for those who qualify, but the Superadobe is built with mainly semi skilled labor so families/clans can help each other.  The corruption level in the past has been pretty high with the housing department so if people can put together a couple grand and labor, they may be able to have a more traditional earth home instead of a home depot home where the closest supplies to repair things are hours away.  I don't want to be a savior...gotta save myself, but at least share some ideas and maybe it will help somebody build their own place.

Personally, I want to dig cave systems using wallipini style greenhouses but as long as I am hustling in town to pay the bills, I might as well try to introduce ideas I have learned about that can help people live cheaper and more comfortable.  I am thinking to start a non profit so that grant applications can be written..money..gotta have at least some to start the projects.  Really just trying anything and everything and see what works.  I left teaching to renovate my house into a bed and breakfast, so working on that.  I figure that reaching out to find folks who are interested in these types of things is a start.

I don't care if people put up with the wonky idealist...I'm doing what I want to do...ultimately it is my adventure and if people don't want it for themselves, okay by me.

Regards,
Josh

Indeed Rufus,

I will be sure to compile a clear description of the benefits and the realities of the superadobe construction method.  I have been studying it for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to stay in a few and tour many over the length of my experience with them.  This plan for the long term. It has taken many years and will take many more;)  I plan to have a solid reference of engineering perspectives and support as well.  Again, thanks you for taking the time to share your perspectives:)  Are you into keeping bees?  I figured because of the Pollinator...unless you have many children;)

Hello Kevin,
 I hear Apache county has some loose building codes as well.  Had to come here for the job teaching elementary school, but staying because I like it;)  You are talking about the earthship style where the front is south facing greenhouse style and the back is buried like a cave for thermal retention?  200 sq feet is tiny...easier to heat and keep clean:)  you going off grid?

thanks for saying hello

Josh
 

Well Said Rufus, I completely agree.  I live in the town of Holbrook and plan to attempt a superadobe building here in town to model and share the idea within the community, then branch out later to the 80 acres.  I feel the town will be receptive and the area will come together to support the idea and learn within the first project.  I am researching first to see if anyone has attempted in the county to get signed off and how they may have did it - plans, adjustments and such.

Great advice and thanks for responding Rufus!  Great piece of wisdom - "The community may be who you actually want to start with. After that, dealing with bureaucracy  becomes just another part of the restorative group activities"

Hello All,  

 Is anyone aware of any codes within Az that allow Superadobe or Hyperadobe construction in alignment with building codes?  Any structures built?  Specifically looking for Navajo County.  I live in Holbrook, Az in Navajo County and would like to begin building these structures.  I feel the native reservations would greatly benefit from more education on this style of building.  I have 80 acres and would like to build a village and research facility for sustainable living research.  It is a long term project.  Let me know if you are nearby or willing to come out here, walk the land and brainstorm for the next step in the project. thanks:)