How To Build an Earth Block Home

Let the Earth Cure

The compressed earth blocks are wrapped in plastic.

Photo © Jackie Craven

At the Loreto Bay plant in Baja, Mexico, workers set the newly made earth blocks on pallets. The blocks are wrapped tightly in plastic to preserve the moisture.

"Clay and lime must dance together for a month, then they can never divorce," said Jim Hallock, Director of Earth Block Operations.

The month-long curing process helps strengthen the blocks.

• Earth: The Magic Building Material
• Sift the Clay
• Stabilize the Clay
• Compress the Clay
• Let the Earth Cure
• Stack the Blocks
• Reinforce the Blocks
• Parge the Walls
• Insulate Between the Walls
• Add Color