Welcome to Earth Block Inc.

OVERVIEW OF EARTH BLOCK

Founder Jim Hallock

Earth Block, Inc. was founded by Jim Hallock in 1994 after searching far and wide for a suitable building material that was non-toxic. Wife and partner Nora, who is chemically sensitive, knew they had found the answer when Jim was introduced to Earth Block buildings at an industry conference. Earth Block made perfect sense, not just for them, but for the masses. Jim's passion for building with dirt quickly became a life ambition and vocation.

Earth buildings have been constructed around the world, however, codes have not been developed for many States at the present. He helped author New Mexico's Code for earth buildings, the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Agency for International Development entitled "Pressed Block Construction Guidelines," was featured in articles in both "Builder/Architect Magazine (May 2002) and Taos News (November 2001), was the contractor on earthen homes featured in four publications and has consulted on scores of projects around the northern hemisphere.

Jim and Nora reside in Pagosa Springs, CO but Jim travels extensively providing consulting services to contractors and builders, being on-site for construction projects requiring expert overseeing, provides shipping of Earth Blocks to areas whose soil may not be optimal for building and is available for teaching.

To obtain a quote for any building project consultation you may require on-site or to review construction documents and plans, email him at earthblock@juno.com.

What are Earth Blocks?

Earth Blocks are blocks of compressed soil that are aesthetically pleasing as well as cost and energy efficient, fire and pest resistant, virtually soundproof, durable and structurally sound. They provide complete architectural freedom and are made from a non-toxic readily available natural raw material dirt.

The blocks are produced using a high-pressure hydraulic ram which forms one block approximately every eight seconds. The standard dimensions of block are I 0"x I 4"x4" and weight is about forty pounds. The 10" width may be adjusted. It takes approximately eleven hours to produce the 5000 blocks necessary to build the exterior of a 1500 square foot, single-story structure. The blocks can be produced on-site. They exit the ram immediately ready for use and can be placed directly into the wall system, as they require no time for curing or drying. The blocks may also be stored for future use. Although clay is the essential ingredient for the manufacturing of earth blocks, a wide variety of soil composition is acceptable. Typically, a compressive block strength analysis will be conducted prior to construction. Should the quality or quantity of the site soil be inadequate, suitable soil can be delivered at minimal cost. In addition, off-site block production and delivery is possible, not only increasing the accessibility of suitable soil, but also enabling construction to proceed during all seasons.

Efficiency

The cost of building with Earth Blocks is competitive with other construction methods and materials. Building costs vary depending on the site location, soil composition, and architectural design. In addition to the cost-effectiveness of this building technique, significant savings are realized after construction completion due to capitalizing on the advantages of thermal mass. Thermal mass primarily affects heat retention. It enhances the structure's heating capacity in the winter and cooling capacity in the summer. Earthen construction reduces dependence on costly and nonrenewable resources. Maximizing the effectiveness of the Earth Blocks' thermal mass may be achieved through solar orientation, architectural design and optional exterior wall insulation.

Strength

Earth Block buildings are structurally sound. New Mexico adobe code requires a minimum of 300 PSI for traditional adobe blocks. Earth Blocks regularly exceed 700 PSI. The strength, durability and longevity of Earth Blocks stand in stark contrast to other building materials. A typical wood frame building has an average life span of 75 years while earthen structures will stand for centuries.

Uses

Suitable for a complete variety of above ground commercial and residential structures, Earth Blocks are ideal for storage units, barns, kennels, decorative walls and garages, as well as dwellings. Earth Blocks provide practical value plus enormous artistic appeal. While standard finishing techniques may be used, Earth Blocks provide the opportunity for additional architectural and creative freedom. Pleasing features such as arches, rounded corners, deeply recessed doors and windows, exposed block and earthen plasters add to the overall feeling of softness and warmth.

The technology of the hydraulic press machine has enhanced the fundamentals of earthen construction, durability, simplicity and sustainability. These characteristics have remained constant throughout the ages. For thousands of years people around the world have relied on earthen construction for their shelter with minimal impact on the environment. In fact, approximately half of the world's population currently resides in earthen dwellings. Earth Block construction combines the purity and timelessness of a natural material with the opportunities and innovations of today... a timeless technology.

Earth Block, Inc.

P.O. Box 3605
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Jim or Nora Hallock
Phone: 970-883-2456
Email: earthblock@juno.com