Linked from OSE Microhouse . Page edited by , design by Cohabitat Group with adherence to and . To be built with CEB Press IV supported by Prototype IV, Prototype I, Prototype III, Prototype V and VI, Prototype I, Prototype I, industry standard and industry standard .

Introduction

Factor e Farm is building a prototype Microhouse to demonstrate and document the efficiency of building Compressed Earth Block structures - in order to demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of the CEB construction method. We are considering CEBs as a scalable, high-performance method for building OSE infrastructure - consistent with our Strategic Plan.

We will make a comparison to stick-built methods. We are documenting the time of construction. Compared to stick-frame construction - we are designing for:

improved thermal performance (both heating and cooling)
comparable cost
use of local material sourcing (block + insulation)
longer lifetime

We will be building a minimalist 12'x12' structure to demonstrate the building techniques - while documenting the process in full technical detail:

Step by step procedure with diagrams prior to build
Time required for each step of the build
Comprehensive cost including materials, labor, and others
Bill of materials with links to sourcing
Step-by-step video instructional with technical script

Design Discussion

Notes:

Spread Footer: 1:50
Wall 14" wide - double wall with thermal breaks, see Earth Sheltered House and Double Wall Brick Laying with Thermal Break Video
2:30 - gravel base,
2:50 - pea gravel - 6" wider than footer

Design Rationale

Breakthrough cost to performance ratio by DIT Collaborative Production. Goal: $4/sf.
Breakthrough construction time: 2 days with 5 people for every 300 square feet of house space for modular structure
- Preframed door, window, roof. mechanical/kitchen units.
Modular structure, additions can be made on-demand
Wall-integrated Stove
CEB Floors
Double CEB Walls insulated with hammer-milled straw
Built-in winter-round greenhouse
Locally milled lumber

Design

Specifications and Build Plan

Phase 1: Build foundation for a single free-standing unit of 12'x12' size. Structure has electricity and a provision to connect a water line in the future (water line stubbed out under house skirt insulation. At this phase, no provision for interconnecting further additions to this structure need to be made.
Build 12'x12' living structure - CEB floor, built-in wood stove, electrical connection
Siting is north of HabLab
We are intending to use the tractor, brick press, and industry standard hammer mill (needs to have hydraulic motor and base stand mounted still) for chopping hay insulation
Phase 2: Building an independent next module - a greehouse module - separated by 8 feet with covered walkway. Allow for water and electrical connection.

Foundation

edit

Shallow insulated footer technique. Works for heated structures to prevent frost heave.
Inside - poly goes under footer
Outside - poly goes up footer and under insulation