INTRODUCTION
WRITING DOWN THE BLOCKS
WORKSHOPS
Sustainable building and alternative technologies are passions of mine. I just finished (summer 2003) building myself a home in the desert of northern New Mexico. I used a combination of straw bales and adobe bricks, local vigas, and pre-used or scrap building materials.
The water I use comes from rain catchment. With a 750 square foot roof I am able to catch about 467 gallons of water for every inch of rainfall. Using a single 1600 gallon cistern I store enough water for one person for three months of conscious use.
Because we have over 300 days of sunshine, I am able to get all my energy needs met from a small solar electrical system. I am using 2 panels with 75 watts of power. With an inverter I can use lights, television, and my computer fairly freely.
My intention these days is to travel and help other women realize their many choices. There are so many options out there that I never had any inkling of when I was growing up.
If I can build a house, brick by brick, then why can't you?
I can help teach the process as well as some of the actual hands-on skills needed. I'd love to visit different land projects and the individuals interested in sustainable, do-it-yourself building and help in what ever way I can.
If you are interested in having a workshop in your area, check out my WORKSHOPS page to see what I have to offer you.
I am also writing about my building experiences along the way and have made some of the essays available here in WRITING DOWN THE BLOCKS.
I have also included photographs in the GALLERY of my house from the beginning to end.
Well it never really ends, building your own home is an ongoing project of love and creativity, changing as you change, growing as you grow. ENJOY!