SuperAdobe

SuperAdobe is a form of earth bag architecture developed by architect and CalEarth founder Nader Khalili.

Using long sandbags ("SuperAdobe Bags"), barbed wire, on-site earth and a few tools, it is a revolutionary building system that integrates traditional earth architecture with contemporary global safety requirements, and passes severe earthquake code tests.

How It Works

Long or short sandbags are filled with moistened earth and arranged in layers or long coils. Strands of barbed wire are placed between each layer of sandbag to act as both mortar and reinforcement. Stabilizers such as cement, lime, or asphalt emulsion may be added. Similar to how a potter stacks coils of clay to make a vessel, builders stack coils of earth for make a structure.

The SuperAdobe building system can be used for structural arches, domes and vaults, or conventional rectilinear shapes. The same method can build silos, landscaping elements, or infrastructure like dams, cisterns, roads, bridges, and for stabilizing shorelines and watercourses.

Basic Materials Needed:

• Synthetic, low UV (ultra-violet) resistant degradable sand bags
• Four-point, two strand, galvanized barbed wire
• Shovels
• Tampers
• Soil & Water