Removing the mold.jpg
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Lonny Grafman
Kiva Mahoney
Ariana
Tressie Word
Aaron
Angela
Ben
Daniel
Irene
Jeff
Juliana
Lauren
Mark
Tybie
Location Parras, Mexico
Completed 2006
Cost 4020
Instance of Adobe construction
OKH Manifest Download

This 10 week project is a combination of social service and a comprehensive experience with natural building. The final goal of this project was to provide a refuge for homeless senior citizens within the compound of the Parras Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) so that they can find shelter and companionship, as integration of the family and community is an important part of the Parras culture. DIF is a nation-wide government organization based in Mexico City. They are a social service organization providing communities with essentials such as childcare services, food drives, public education concerning etiquette, proper nutrition, child rearing, etc. while creating a community center and support network for those who need it.

The shelter was constructed out of Adobe, a natural building material that is widely used in desert areas such as in Parras, Mexico. By doing this project we hoped to raise public awareness of the benefits of using adobe. Adobe is a time-tested wonder, a building method that has low environmental impact, low overall cost and is ideal for warm climate area. This project also provided hands on natural building education for the participants of the Parras 2006 summer program and DIF volunteers. Throughout construction, we made efforts to recycle and reuse our materials.

General Description[edit | edit source]

The final construction of the adobe senior center consists of one large room measuring 4.4 x 6 meters. The adobe walls are 30 cm thick, making the building itself 5 x 6.6 meters. Approximately 1,300 adobes were needed to complete the shelter, and were made offsite. The building consists of one large community room which will be furnished with couches, tables and chairs and a TV (not complete as of November, 29, 2006). The DIF bathrooms and kitchen are in very close proximity to the senior center, therefore plumbing is not necessary for the building.

Anaariana.JPG

Location[edit | edit source]

The following shelter was constructed in Parras de la Fuente, a small ranch town of approximately 44,000 citizens located in the northern state of Coahuila, Mexico. It was constructed in the far back right corner, behind the kitchen, of Parras DIF headquarters. The adobe bricks used to build the center were fabricated offsite from DIF. The fabrication site provided ample storage space to allow approximately 300 adobe bricks to dry per day. The bricks were transported to DIF after fabrication.

Proposed Materials and Budget[edit | edit source]

Quantity Materials Source Cost (pesos) Total
8 Strawbales Forrajera Parras on calle Bravo 50 400
4 Truckloads (HOW MUCH) Dirt Materiales Alcala on Carretera Parras Paila Km1 330 1420
4 Adoberas Carpiteria "El Nogal" on calle Manuel Madero 120 120
100 liters of Water Bernardo's House Free from la Presidencia Free
10 Bags Cement Materiales Ibarra on calle Calzada del Marques 110 1100
1 Truckload of Gravel Materiales Ibarra on calle Calzada del Marques 350 350
Mortar DIF site Recycled Free
Rebar DIF site Recycled Free
Lime DIF site Already on site Free
8 meters aggregate ? ? ?
10 Bags of Cement ? ? ?
? Rocks ? 630 630
Total Cost 4020

The total cost for both the aggregate and cement was 1,200 pesos.

The only paid labor on this project is for the expertise and guidance of Martin, aka Ciro Liro. He has had over a decade of experience with making adobe bricks and construction. Martin will receive 900 pesos paid by the municipal government of Parras. All other labor is purely volunteer.

Process: Preparing the Adobe Site[edit | edit source]

  • Fig 1: Here the students of the Parras 2006 program are clearing the area where the adobe bricks are going to be constructed. A majority of organic matter is removed so that it does not get mixed into the adobe. The ground both where the adobe materials are mixed and where the adobes dry is leveled. This allows for even drying of the adobes and a much smoother process.

    Fig 1: Here the students of the Parras 2006 program are clearing the area where the adobe bricks are going to be constructed. A majority of organic matter is removed so that it does not get mixed into the adobe. The ground both where the adobe materials are mixed and where the adobes dry is leveled. This allows for even drying of the adobes and a much smoother process.

  • Fig 2: To clear and level the area tools such as hoes, shovels, rakes, and pick axes were used.

    Fig 2: To clear and level the area tools such as hoes, shovels, rakes, and pick axes were used.

  • Fig 3: During the clearing process separate piles of the organic mater and trash were made. To dispose of the organic mater it was suggested to the homeowners to compost it.

    Fig 3: During the clearing process separate piles of the organic mater and trash were made. To dispose of the organic mater it was suggested to the homeowners to compost it.

  • Fig 4: This process took 18 people only two hours to finish. We have found it to be enough area to dry approximately 250 bricks, an important thing to consider in terms of scheduling and drying time. Adobes take approximately two days to dry enough to be moved in Parras´ hot climate.

    Fig 4: This process took 18 people only two hours to finish. We have found it to be enough area to dry approximately 250 bricks, an important thing to consider in terms of scheduling and drying time. Adobes take approximately two days to dry enough to be moved in Parras´ hot climate.

Process: Making the Adobe Mixture[edit | edit source]

  • Fig 1: After the pile of dry dirt is made into a crater it needs to be filled with water and soaked over night so that the hard chunks of dirt will be easier to break up. This way most of the dirt will be wet for the following day. In this picture the crater was separated into two parts by a dirt barrier. This was done so that half of the pile could be made one day and the other half the next.

    Fig 1: After the pile of dry dirt is made into a crater it needs to be filled with water and soaked over night so that the hard chunks of dirt will be easier to break up. This way most of the dirt will be wet for the following day. In this picture the crater was separated into two parts by a dirt barrier. This was done so that half of the pile could be made one day and the other half the next.

  • Soaking the dirt2.jpg
  • Fig 3: Once the pile is soaked overnight, the dry dirt from the edges of the crater is piled onto the top of the pool of water.

    Fig 3: Once the pile is soaked overnight, the dry dirt from the edges of the crater is piled onto the top of the pool of water.

  • Fig 4: Now there are no extremely dry areas in the extremities, and mixing will be much easier.

    Fig 4: Now there are no extremely dry areas in the extremities, and mixing will be much easier.

  • Fig 5: The dirt is mixed by the stomping of feet. It is done in this manner in order for each grain of sand to be coated in a layer of clay. It is important that the clay and dirt are well mixed because clay offers the cohesive strength between the sand. If it is not well mixed, the adobes will crack or crumble. More water can be added through the mixing process; chances are the mixture will need it.

    Fig 5: The dirt is mixed by the stomping of feet. It is done in this manner in order for each grain of sand to be coated in a layer of clay. It is important that the clay and dirt are well mixed because clay offers the cohesive strength between the sand. If it is not well mixed, the adobes will crack or crumble. More water can be added through the mixing process; chances are the mixture will need it.

  • Fig 6: When the mixture feels stiff it is likely ready for straw. A good test for this is if your fingerprint remains. The straw is added in order to provide internal tensile strength to the bricks (making them more difficult to break in half). The pile should consist of more or less 10% straw. Straw function is the comparative to rebar in a concrete building.

    Fig 6: When the mixture feels stiff it is likely ready for straw. A good test for this is if your fingerprint remains. The straw is added in order to provide internal tensile strength to the bricks (making them more difficult to break in half). The pile should consist of more or less 10% straw. Straw function is the comparative to rebar in a concrete building.

  • Fig 7: The straw is then piled on top and mixed into the mud by stomping it in with your feet.

    Fig 7: The straw is then piled on top and mixed into the mud by stomping it in with your feet.

  • Fig 8: After the straw is mixed into the mud it must then be turned with shovels to mix it once again and then cut with a hoe into smaller piles which are ready to be brought to the brick making site.

    Fig 8: After the straw is mixed into the mud it must then be turned with shovels to mix it once again and then cut with a hoe into smaller piles which are ready to be brought to the brick making site.

  • Fig: After all the work is done it is necessary to thoroughly clean the tools. This is because the mixed adobe mud is like cement when it drys thus being very difficult to remove.

    Fig: After all the work is done it is necessary to thoroughly clean the tools. This is because the mixed adobe mud is like cement when it drys thus being very difficult to remove.

Process: Making the Bricks[edit | edit source]

  • Fig 1: The adoberas must be soaked in water over night so that they are easier to use and so that they don't stick to the adobe when they are pulled off.

    Fig 1: The adoberas must be soaked in water over night so that they are easier to use and so that they don't stick to the adobe when they are pulled off.

  • Fig 2: The adobera must always be washed before and after making an adobe brick. This is because it allows the adobera to free itself much easier from the sticky adobe mud that gets placed inside of it.

    Fig 2: The adobera must always be washed before and after making an adobe brick. This is because it allows the adobera to free itself much easier from the sticky adobe mud that gets placed inside of it.

  • Fig 3: The mud that is ready to be made into adobes is piled into the adoberas.

    Fig 3: The mud that is ready to be made into adobes is piled into the adoberas.

  • Fig 4: The mud must then be massaged into the adobera with extra emphasis placed on getting it into the corners. If there is any extra mud that doesn't fit into the mold it can be scraped off and placed where the next adobe is to be made.

    Fig 4: The mud must then be massaged into the adobera with extra emphasis placed on getting it into the corners. If there is any extra mud that doesn't fit into the mold it can be scraped off and placed where the next adobe is to be made.

  • Fig 5: After the mud is level with the adobera a little bit if water is used to smooth out the top of the brick.

    Fig 5: After the mud is level with the adobera a little bit if water is used to smooth out the top of the brick.

  • Fig 6: The adobera can now be carefully removed.

    Fig 6: The adobera can now be carefully removed.

  • Fig 7

    Fig 7

  • Fig 8: The field of freshly made adobes now awaits the next day or two to be dry enough to handle.

    Fig 8: The field of freshly made adobes now awaits the next day or two to be dry enough to handle.

  • Fig: After the bricks have dried for two days they are ready to be cleaned and placed on their side to dry more thoroughly. The cleaning is done with a shovel, spade or any other flat tool one can use for scraping. The bricks need to be scraped because on the bottom they have a layer of dirt that stuck to them because they were cured on the ground.

    Fig: After the bricks have dried for two days they are ready to be cleaned and placed on their side to dry more thoroughly. The cleaning is done with a shovel, spade or any other flat tool one can use for scraping. The bricks need to be scraped because on the bottom they have a layer of dirt that stuck to them because they were cured on the ground.

  • Fig: As drying time varies in different climates, an adobe is ready to be scraped and stacked when it can be scratched with a nail and does not scrape off easily.

    Fig: As drying time varies in different climates, an adobe is ready to be scraped and stacked when it can be scratched with a nail and does not scrape off easily.

  • Fig: After the bricks have been cleaned and scraped they can be picked up and put on their side in order to dry more thoroughly. The bricks are placed in a zig-zag pattern because it provides them more security from falling.

    Fig: After the bricks have been cleaned and scraped they can be picked up and put on their side in order to dry more thoroughly. The bricks are placed in a zig-zag pattern because it provides them more security from falling.

  • Fig: Cracked adobes are a result of insufficient mixing of the adobe mud.

    Fig: Cracked adobes are a result of insufficient mixing of the adobe mud.

  • Fig: Once the bricks have dried they can be put in stacks like this so that they will be ready for when they are needed.

    Fig: Once the bricks have dried they can be put in stacks like this so that they will be ready for when they are needed.

Process: Preparing the DIF Construction Site[edit | edit source]

  • Fig 1: Previous to this photo the area was cleared of both organic and inorganic materials. There was a lot of trash and also a large decomposing tree. There was also a large adobe and concrete oven. The entire top of it was taken off, broken up and spread over the ground to make it higher and flat.

    Fig 1: Previous to this photo the area was cleared of both organic and inorganic materials. There was a lot of trash and also a large decomposing tree. There was also a large adobe and concrete oven. The entire top of it was taken off, broken up and spread over the ground to make it higher and flat.

  • Fig 2: The concrete foundation of this once huge oven had to be removed from the site. However, it was filled with dirt and rocks that had to be removed in order to destroy it.

    Fig 2: The concrete foundation of this once huge oven had to be removed from the site. However, it was filled with dirt and rocks that had to be removed in order to destroy it.

  • Fig 3: Since there were large rocks filling the foundation it was hard to shovel out the dirt. Resorting to digging the rocks out with our hands was the easiest way to go about it.

    Fig 3: Since there were large rocks filling the foundation it was hard to shovel out the dirt. Resorting to digging the rocks out with our hands was the easiest way to go about it.

  • Fig 4: When there weren't large rocks in the way, shovels were used to take out the dirt from the foundation of the oven and it was piled along side of it.

    Fig 4: When there weren't large rocks in the way, shovels were used to take out the dirt from the foundation of the oven and it was piled along side of it.

  • Fig 5: Finally after many hours of shoveling the oven was completely emptied.

    Fig 5: Finally after many hours of shoveling the oven was completely emptied.

  • Fig 6: Here are all the rocks that were in the oven. They will be saved for filling the foundation.

    Fig 6: Here are all the rocks that were in the oven. They will be saved for filling the foundation.

  • Fig 7: The dirt that was shoveled out of the oven was then sifted so that it could be used as the mortar for the adobe bricks. A screen, shovels and a wheel barrow were used in this process.

    Fig 7: The dirt that was shoveled out of the oven was then sifted so that it could be used as the mortar for the adobe bricks. A screen, shovels and a wheel barrow were used in this process.

  • Fig 8:The concrete foundation was demolished little by little by using an iron rod and sledge hammers.

    Fig 8:The concrete foundation was demolished little by little by using an iron rod and sledge hammers.

  • Fig 9: After a few hours one wall was completely destroyed.

    Fig 9: After a few hours one wall was completely destroyed.

  • Fig 10: Finally after two days work the whole oven was destroyed. All that was left was rebar in the corners from the initial foundation.

    Fig 10: Finally after two days work the whole oven was destroyed. All that was left was rebar in the corners from the initial foundation.

  • Fig 11: By using a hacksaw the rebar from the corners of the oven was removed. The rebar was saved to be used in window and door support.

    Fig 11: By using a hacksaw the rebar from the corners of the oven was removed. The rebar was saved to be used in window and door support.

  • Fig 12: These were the top parts of the oven. Inside of them is rebar which will be reused.

    Fig 12: These were the top parts of the oven. Inside of them is rebar which will be reused.

  • Fig 13: By using an iron rod and a pick axe the concrete surrounding the rebar was removed.

    Fig 13: By using an iron rod and a pick axe the concrete surrounding the rebar was removed.

  • Fig 14: In one of the corners there was a lot of trash that was put into these trash cans and taken away.

    Fig 14: In one of the corners there was a lot of trash that was put into these trash cans and taken away.

  • Fig: Using the standing office building and the old adobe wall as points of reference, the layout of the foundation was made using string and rebar posts.

    Fig: Using the standing office building and the old adobe wall as points of reference, the layout of the foundation was made using string and rebar posts.

  • Fig: The adobe wall is old and has a pretty big lean to it, so the wall of the building is to be put at least a foot away.

    Fig: The adobe wall is old and has a pretty big lean to it, so the wall of the building is to be put at least a foot away.

  • Fig: Part of the wall of the building next to the site will be used as a wall for the adobe building in order to save resources and time. The wall is

    Fig: Part of the wall of the building next to the site will be used as a wall for the adobe building in order to save resources and time. The wall is

  • Fig: Lime is poured over the string to mark where to dig.

    Fig: Lime is poured over the string to mark where to dig.

  • Fig: Another line of lime is put 30 cm over (width of adobe).

    Fig: Another line of lime is put 30 cm over (width of adobe).

  • Fig:

    Fig:

  • Fig:

    Fig:

  • Fig: Begin digging! The width of the shovel is about 30 cm, a good source to go by.

    Fig: Begin digging! The width of the shovel is about 30 cm, a good source to go by.

  • Fig: The foundation must be dug until virgin (soft, hard) soil is reached. We dug approximately two and a half feet deep.

    Fig: The foundation must be dug until virgin (soft, hard) soil is reached. We dug approximately two and a half feet deep.

  • Fig:

    Fig:

Process: Making the Underground Foundation[edit | edit source]

  • Fig:1 Here are the supplies that were used.

    Fig:1 Here are the supplies that were used.

  • Fig:2 The aggregate had to be shoveled into wheelbarrows and taken over to the construction site.

    Fig:2 The aggregate had to be shoveled into wheelbarrows and taken over to the construction site.

  • Fig:3 Here are the supplies at the site.

    Fig:3 Here are the supplies at the site.

  • Fig:4 Here is Ciro with the pile of aggregate.

    Fig:4 Here is Ciro with the pile of aggregate.

  • Fig:5 More rocks were needed to finish the foundation so they were dumped off by a truck and then had to be transported to the construction site.

    Fig:5 More rocks were needed to finish the foundation so they were dumped off by a truck and then had to be transported to the construction site.

  • Fig:6 The rocks were transported by wheel barrow.

    Fig:6 The rocks were transported by wheel barrow.

  • Fig:7 It is important to first moisten the ground before laying cement down on it. This is because this way the cement really becomes part of the earth.

    Fig:7 It is important to first moisten the ground before laying cement down on it. This is because this way the cement really becomes part of the earth.

  • Fig:8

    Fig:8

  • Fig:9

    Fig:9

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    Fig:10

  • Fig:11

    Fig:11

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    Fig:12

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    Fig:13

  • Fig:14

    Fig:14

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    Fig:15

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    Fig:21

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    Fig:22

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    Fig:23

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    Fig:24

Process: Making the Aboveground Foundation[edit | edit source]

  • Fig:1 Here is Ciro Liro carrying really heavy pieces of wood to the construction site so that they can be used to make the frame for the above ground part of the foundation. These 2/4's are all oiled so that the cement wont stick to them.

    Fig:1 Here is Ciro Liro carrying really heavy pieces of wood to the construction site so that they can be used to make the frame for the above ground part of the foundation. These 2/4's are all oiled so that the cement wont stick to them.

  • Fig:2 Here is a pile of the wood that was used to make the frame for the foundation.

    Fig:2 Here is a pile of the wood that was used to make the frame for the foundation.

  • Fig:3 Three posts must be placed in the ground. One in the corner and one on either side as though it were a triangle.

    Fig:3 Three posts must be placed in the ground. One in the corner and one on either side as though it were a triangle.

  • Fig:4

    Fig:4

  • Fig:5 A clear hose filled with water is used to measure where each 2/4 will go.

    Fig:5 A clear hose filled with water is used to measure where each 2/4 will go.

  • Fig:6

    Fig:6

  • Fig:7 It is important to cut spacers for the 2/4's so that the frame is spaced the same all the way around.

    Fig:7 It is important to cut spacers for the 2/4's so that the frame is spaced the same all the way around.

  • Fig:8 Each spacer is 30 long, slightly larger than an adobe brick.

    Fig:8 Each spacer is 30 long, slightly larger than an adobe brick.

  • Fig:9 The cement is then shoveled into buckets and poured into the frame.

    Fig:9 The cement is then shoveled into buckets and poured into the frame.

  • Fig:10 Here is the freshly poured cement in the frame made out of wood.

    Fig:10 Here is the freshly poured cement in the frame made out of wood.

  • Fig:11

    Fig:11

  • Fig:12 When there is no more wood available or there isn't the right size adobe bricks can be used to make the frame.

    Fig:12 When there is no more wood available or there isn't the right size adobe bricks can be used to make the frame.

  • Fig:13 Here is the dry cement still in the frame.

    Fig:13 Here is the dry cement still in the frame.

  • Fig:14 Here is the dry cement with the frame taken off.

    Fig:14 Here is the dry cement with the frame taken off.

Process: Building the Walls[edit | edit source]

  • Fig:1 The adobe bricks were transported from Bernardo's house to DIF by a large truck. Four men did the unloading.

    Fig:1 The adobe bricks were transported from Bernardo's house to DIF by a large truck. Four men did the unloading.

  • Fig:2 Here are all the adobe bricks stacked together, ready for us to take them to the construction site.

    Fig:2 Here are all the adobe bricks stacked together, ready for us to take them to the construction site.

  • Fig:3 Building up the corner of the building.

    Fig:3 Building up the corner of the building.

  • Fig:4 Finalmente! The walls have begun to be built!

    Fig:4 Finalmente! The walls have begun to be built!

  • Fig:

    Fig:

  • Fig:

    Fig:

Timeline[edit | edit source]

Week One
The first step of the process was learning and perfecting the art of making adobes. Each day about 200 adobes were made in a three to four hour period with a group of about 15 workers. Each day the progress moved more quickly.
  • day one: 27 bricks
  • day two: 185 bricks
  • day three: 166 bricks
  • day four: 188 bricks
Week Two
With a quota of 1,300 adobes the adobe construction continued.
  • day five: 180
  • day six: Rain
  • day seven: 54
  • day eight: 174
  • Total 974 Bricks
    • [the rest were purchased at 3.50 pesos each]
Week Three
The building site, having been neglected for some time, needed to be cleaned and prepared for construction. A dead tree was removed, an out-of-commission adobe oven was taken down, and all of the inorganic trash was taken out. The materials taken from the adobe oven were used to level the ground in the area.
Week Four
The three foot foundation of the adobe oven was removed. Before taking it down, the large rocks and sand filling it were taken out. The rocks were piled for later use in the foundation and the sand was saved to be used as mortar. Once removed, the walls were taken down with a sledge hammer.
Week Five
The sand from the foundation was sifted in order to be saved for mortar. The rocks sifted out were used for filling in holes in order to level the ground. The concrete was removed from the rebar in the foundation and saved for use on the building.
Week Six
Tying string to the old adobe wall and the DIF kitchen and office buildings as points of reference, the perimeter of the building was established. Lime was poured over the string to mark the ground where the foundation would be. The following day the perimeter was dug about 60 cm (2 feet) deep, or until firm virgin soil was reached, and about a foot wide.
Week Seven
The foundation was filled using large rocks found on site and hand-mixed cement. Oiled wooden frames were set up in order to build the above-ground portion of the foundation.
Week Eight
During the final week, the walls were built approximately 3 feet high.

Project Update Nov. 29, 2006[edit | edit source]

The building is currently, at least half built. Word from stakeholders, or Tybie should come by January 15, 2007.

Project Participants[edit | edit source]

Project Coordinators[edit | edit source]

Anariana.jpg

Adobe Construction Masters[edit | edit source]

  • Martin AKA Ciro Liro (right) - The main mentor and teacher for this project.
  • Frederico - He helped through the process of building the foundation.
Nuestro maiestros.jpg

Project Participants[edit | edit source]

  • Parras 2006 Humboldt students and coordinators: Aaron, Angela, Ben, Daniel, Irene, Jeff, Juliana, Kiva, Lauren, Lonny, Mark, Tressie, Tybie
  • Parras DIF employees: Bernardo Reyes and Adrian Ortiz
  • Parras DIF volunteers

References[edit | edit source]

FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Part of Parras 2006
Keywords adobe, adobe construction, senior center, shelter, strawbales
SDG SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
Authors Ariana, Ana Mari, Tressie Word, Kiva Mahoney, Lonny Grafman
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations Parras Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF), Parras 2006
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 18 pages link here
Impact 618 page views
Created June 14, 2006 by Kiva Mahoney
Modified January 29, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
Cite as Ariana, Ana Mari, Tressie Word, Kiva Mahoney, Lonny Grafman (2006–2024). "DIF Adobe Senior Center". Appropedia. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
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