Adobe Brick Designs & Ideas
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![Casita de Tierra](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/casita-de-tierra-casa-de-tierra-img~d3b14993037f7193_2730-1-17b206f-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Casa de Tierra](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ea4359f80345b09d_6126-w32-h32-b1-p10--.jpg)
Our pioneer project, Casita de Tierra in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, showcases the natural building techniques of a rubble trench foundation, earthbag construction, natural plasters, earthen floors, and a composting toilet.
Our earthbag wall system consists of locally available, cost-efficient, polypropylene bags that are filled with a formula of clay and aggregate unearthed from our building site. The bags are stacked like bricks in running bonds, which are strengthened by courses of barbed wire laid between each row, and tamped into place. The walls are then plastered with a mix composed of clay, sand, soil and straw, and are followed by gypsum and lime renders to create attractive walls.
The casita exhibits a load-bearing wall system demonstrating that thick earthen walls, with no rebar or cement, can support a roofing structure. We, also, installed earthen floors, created an indoor dry-composting toilet system, utilized local woods for the furniture, routed all grey water to the outdoor garden, and maximized air flow by including cross-ventilating screened windows below the natural palm frond and cane roof.
Casita de Tierra exemplifies an economically efficient, structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally kind, and socially responsible home.
![Spanish Colonial Adobe Restoration/Renovation](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/spanish-colonial-adobe-restoration-renovation-spiral-architects-img~1a11688d09da738b_0648-1-e8e0ec0-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![| SPIRAL ARCHITECTS |](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/04c3c0ab034d581d_5980-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
The south courtyard was re-landcape with specimen cacti selected and curated by the owner, and a new hardscape path was laid using flagstone, which was a customary hardscape material used by Robert Evans. The arched window was originally an exterior feature under an existing stairway; the arch was replaced (having been removed during the 1960s), and a arched window added to "re-enclose" the space. Several window openings which had been covered over with stucco were uncovered, and windows fitted in the restored opening. The small loggia was added, and provides a pleasant outdoor breakfast spot directly adjacent to the kitchen.
Design Architect: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architect; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders
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![Organic Pueblo at Privada](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/organic-pueblo-at-privada-urban-design-associates-img~9c41999208bd7899_7165-1-9991ced-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Urban Design Associates](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f8a387ea0f6a1cab_9756-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Southwestern home made from adobe.
Architect: Urban Design Associates
Builder: R-Net Custom Homes
Interiors: Billie Springer
Photography: Thompson Photographic
Adobe Brick Designs & Ideas
![Contemporary Southwest](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/contemporary-southwest-studio-landscape-img~4dc137be0058feb6_7922-1-09ee770-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Studio Landscape](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/64f344060fd91951_5211-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Nestled among native oak trees, architectural succulents make a strong welcoming statement by accentuating and contrasting the clean lines of this contemporary southwest residence. Permeable surfaces of decomposed granite concrete pavers and gravel add to the aesthetics and functionallity by allowing water to recharge the soil reminescent of the old pueblos.
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