AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
I live in Reedley, California, about 200 miles north Los Angeles. About six miles north from where I live, there is a well constructed adobe house. I live I guess within 150 miles from San andreas fault, and my question is if it is possible to build an earthquake free adobe house in my region.
Sincerely, Andres R.
Answer Hello Andres:
Interesting question....
I am really not an expert on the structural issues related to earthquake resistant building design; you should seek advice from a local structural engineer.
However, in a general sense, I can tell you that I think it would not be impossible to do what you want; it might just be very expensive. Your structural engineer would probably advise to construct a heavy steel frame inside the adobe exterior; to protect you from collapse in the event of an earthquake.
You might also want to ask your structural engineer about straw bale construction. You can look this up on line. It gives the same appearance as true adobe, but the exterior coating is applied to stacked-up straw bales. This results in a much lighter weight structure, which might be less dangerous in a quake-prone area. I expect that you would still need a steel reinforcing frame; but that frame might be lighter and less expensive with a straw-bale adobe system, than it would be with true adobe.
You might want to knock on the door of the adobe house you admire in the same area; and ask the owners how they went ahead with their project.
Good luck!
- PB
