bajadock
Super Nomad
Posts: 1219
Registered: 12-20-2006
Location: Punta sur de \'Nada
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concrete block v. steel frame v. alternative
Getting closer to dirt-digging for my new home south of Ensenada. Thought I was going to follow the masses with concrete block, but...
I'm finding a few more who have turned to steel frame home building in favor of the added insulation. Also getting more adventurous with
consideration of adobe or straw-bale construction.
Experiences on all re: mat'l/labor costs, "what I'd change now that I've done it this way" info and all else welcome, thanks.
I'm in Ensenada, so apologies to BCS types, as my cooling needs easily met by Pacifico's and Modelo's. Happy to share this "technology" any time!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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If you're in the La Jolla neighborhood, go to the west side and see Mike Allinghams steel frame house under construction. You can learn a lot there.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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I'm sure that if you sponsor a BBQ and invite all Nomads, you could build it out of empty pacifico bottles...........even if you don't have a BBQ,
I'll contribute!!!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
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Location: Punta Banda
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Good idea BG, and I volunteer to empty a bunch of his Pacifico bottles in the effort.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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On a more serious note (darn!!!), have you considered the styrofoam type of block construction. Fill with concrete, then stucco over it???
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bajadock
Super Nomad
Posts: 1219
Registered: 12-20-2006
Location: Punta sur de \'Nada
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Thanks Dennis, just introduced to Mike today, as he shared lots of positive info, more to discover. I am a new La Jolla-ite and learning daily.
BG, your cool ones are waiting, as promised. Could have built a large resort from my discards by now.
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AmoPescar
Senior Nomad
Posts: 835
Registered: 7-15-2006
Location: North San Diego County
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Mood: Need a Fish Taco and a Pacifico!
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HEY THERE BAJADOCK...
Maybe bajaguy has a good idea. Here's a couple of pics of houses built using bottles. If the party is good enough, you could have all your materials
ready to go and on hand!!! I'll be there to do my part!
Amo 
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
I'm sure that if you sponsor a BBQ and invite all Nomads, you could build it out of empty pacifico bottles...........even if you don't have a BBQ,
I'll contribute!!! |
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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SORRY
Doc:....sorry that I started this....Hope you get some "meaningful" replies..........although at the time, I thought it was a good idea!!!
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
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Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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Doc...you might research RASTRABLOCK, they are made in Mexico, and quite expensive up north. Maybe you could do better buying them in Mexico. They
are the most modern version of the concrete block that I know of. Very green product made of cement reinforced with recycled styro, and, if I recall
correctly, industrial furnace byproducts. Two guys can handle a block about 12" x 15" x 5-7 feet. You can cut and fit them with a hand saw. They are
initially "glued" together with caulking, then the vert and horiz cells are grouted full for a very strout self-insulating structure.
Because the blocks are an unconventional size, I've seen them used unfinished on an interior wall, and they were not aesthetically displeasing.
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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hdn2mx
Junior Nomad
Posts: 75
Registered: 12-8-2002
Location: HB and Todos Santos/Pescadero
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check out this web site.....www.tridipanel.com
try and GOOGLE it....
Hadrian Tridipanel Systems
Not much cheaper...but it goes up quickly
You need to spend some time on the web-site.....
You'll see some homes are on the East Cape, by Cabo...
2 Homes are being built by me right now.....
40 miles north of Cabo on the Pacific side... Todos Santos area........ RT
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
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Location: South of the broder
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Lots of houses in San Felipe of the Rastra Block construction. Owners that I know are happy with them.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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bajadock
Super Nomad
Posts: 1219
Registered: 12-20-2006
Location: Punta sur de \'Nada
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Thanks all. ICF(insulated concrete forms) like Rastra/Tridi aren't common here(Ensenada), but, I am communicating with USA mfrs/distributors.
Much of my warming needs will be met by a bank of windows in a south-facing wall, extended above height of south roof. I'm admittedly not a
tree-hugger, but, pragmatic re: consuming less is my preferred lifestyle.
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bajabound2005
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2760
Registered: 10-15-2005
Location: Punta Banda, BCN
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Mood: words cannot describe...
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bajadock -- did you check out Janika's tire house???? and she's building a windbreak from empty wine bottles!
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