Earthship construction: Day 14 and Day 15
The building is taking shape and as hard as it is to put the project on hold for the holidays, we have made great progress. Since Monday, we have been working with a local crew of fifteen as well as three experts in sustainable building from Taos, New Mexico who have stayed to continue to train the local force, and project manager David Kniffin.
There are so many small jobs that need to be done before a project goes on hold for any length of time. Much of the morning was spent cleaning and organizing. But once realistic goals were established and more cement arrived, thanks to the endless trips to the local ferriterias by Lydia Kniffin (of Casa Llanta), the crew eased back into their routine.
The bond beam for the smallest room (systems, washing, and storage), was poured today meaning that the only structural part of the main building left to complete will be the smallest dome.
A third of the front face (the greenhouse) is complete, with three trusses locked into place. The front bottle wall climbed steadily today as well.
The insides of all three rooms have been sight leveled and are just about ready for flooring. We are waiting to see how the first adobe coat cures in this environment before committing to an adobe or concrete plaster finish.
The tools are stored and holiday greetings are exchanged.
Feliz Navidad and we’ll see what the New Year brings for Casa Llanta and the community in El Carrizal.
