MAKING ADOBE BRICKS

Adobe Brick Construction:

1. It will be necessary to make a mold to form the bricks.
   
   Whitman used a mold which measured 20" x 10" x 5". A mold can be constructed using pre-cut lumber. Use Dr. Whitman's dimensions or make a smaller version (see below). Other items can be used as a mold rather than having to construct a mold from scratch.
   
   For example:
   
   • small milk cartons
     
   • plastic blocks
     
   • cardboard shoe boxes
     
   • Tupperware containers
   
   
   

   Smaller Mold:

   
   
   
2. Adobe is best when clay soil is mixed with straw. Mix soil with water until it becomes quite thick. Add the straw.
   
   
3. Once the mixture has thickened, place it into the mold.
   
   
4. Let it bake in the sun for one to two hours (depending on weather and thickness of clay).
   
   
5. Once the clay has hardened, carefully take it out of the mold and lay this "brick" on end for an additional ten days before building (less time is needed for smaller bricks).

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Last modified on: January 31, 2004