Lavacrete Utility Lodge
The Lavacrete Utility Lodge is a brand new project, and an important step in providing utilities to our hyperadobe roundhouse.
This 12x16 structure will house our off-grid solar system, water filtration and pressurization, fiber internet, and even a small guest bathroom.
The twist? It will be made out of Lavacrete, an under-the-radar alternative building technique that uses scoria sand combined with portland cement, lime, and rebar to create thermally efficient, highly compressive walls that need no finishing work.
Below you'll find each step of the process of planning, building, and finishing this unique building.
Step 1: Foundation
The Lavacrete Utility Lodge project officially begins as we clear and prep the foundation, get the forms set, and plan for the insane amount of utilities going in and out of the building.
Step 2: Plumbing
The Lavacrete Utility Lodge project continues as we run our sewer lines from the bathroom into the septic.
Step 3: Utilities
The Lavacrete Utility Lodge project continues as we run the rest of the conduit and utilities into the foundation.
Step 4: Concrete Pour
After weeks of foundation prep, utility and plumbing trenching, the Lavacrete Utility Lodge is finally ready for the concrete floor pour. Plus, scoria sand delivery and baby goat delivery!
Step 5: Building 1st Lift
We're almost there! The last step before the Lavacrete Utility Lodge Workshop is to build the forms for the first lift and set the rebar.
Step 6: Workshop Day 1
It's finally here! Day 1 of the Lavacrete Utility Lodge Workshop. Join us as we get nerdy with Guru Das, learn the ins and outs of the process, and make huge progress on the very first day.
Step 7: Workshop Day 2
The 2nd Day of the Lavacrete Utility Lodge Workshop sees Jon experimenting with full wall debossing, Guru Das explaining window installation, and a fantastic lecture from Paul Schwam, the OG of Lavacrete!
Step 8: Workshop Day 3
Day 3 of the Lavacrete Utility Lodge Workshop sees Ashely and her team creating beautiful glass art all throughout the Lavacrete Utility Lodge. We can't wait to see how they turn out!
Step 9: Workshop Day 4
It's Day 4 of the Lavacrete Utility Lodge Workshop and we're officially ahead of schedule! Today we're only doing one lift, catching you up on the next phase of the hyperadobe roundhouse roof, and spending an evening out to eat as a team.
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About the Author
Jonathan Longnecker is the strongly opinionated tattooed and bearded half of Tiny Shiny Home. He loves making music, figuring out nerdy solutions, exploring the outdoors, and living off-grid.
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