Building With Compressed Earth Blocks

[Flying J]

When I finally decided to go with CEB construction after much internet research, I set out to find, for purchase, a small manual block press. I had resolved myself to the idea that ultimately I would have to order such a machine from overseas. Though large expensive automatic machines can be purchased in this country, I was having trouble finding the small manual press. One day on some obscure forum, talking about CEB construction, someone answered the same question I was asking, "where can I buy a small block press". The answer, and remember now, I live in a very remote area of New Mexico, nothing but small towns nearby....The nearest small town to us is Capitan New Mexico, population 1,500....Guess where this forum poster claimed he heard of a manufacturer of these small presses..? Capitan New Mexico! And it is the ONLY place in the U.S. that makes them that I have found so far! If I had any lingering doubts about my choice, they were resolved with this stunning coincidence. I swear I had no knowledge of this company until I stumbled on that forum.

After purchasing the machine from this company and completing my project, they asked for photos of my building for their library. That's why you will see some of these same photo's on their website.

http://www.ferncometal.com

 

[baymule]

Welcome to the forum! Your house is cute and homey. CEB is something I have only read about, it looks like a inexpensive way to build a home. What a coincidence that the company that makes the press is right there in your town! I guess you lost no time in getting your press!

 

[Flying J]

Thanks Baymule. It was a lot of work, but I really enjoyed doing this project. Not sure if I have the energy to do it again, but I sure am glad I did it!

 

[Denim Deb]

Am I correct in thinking that this wouldn't work in other parts of the country where we get more rain?

 

[Flying J]

Much like it's first cousin adobe, this method is suited for the drier southwest climate. The soil in wetter areas have too much organic matter to begin with for even making these blocks. Once made being so wet, the moisture in the atmosphere would deteriorate these blocks quick like.

 

[Flying J]

Earth bag construction might be an option if you are set on using earth as your medium.

 

[baymule]

Is this your camp house or full time home? Do you plant a garden too?

 

[Flying J]

Actually it is built on a corner of our 3 acre property. Probably best described as an adult fort, though I could easily live in it if I had to. Also, a good guest house if we have any visitors.

My wife likes to plant a garden, although because of the heavy drought here in the southwest, we have not been planting as much as we used to.

 

[Flying J]

 

[baymule]

Very nice garden. The pictures are real nice, like the fence around the garden!