concrete block faux adobe

[travcojim]

I have a question I thought I would throw out and see what may be wrong with my thought.  I like the look and style of Adobe homes, espically those in the Taos area.  But not living there and not seeing the deep pockets it would take to live there anytime soon, I am tossing around the thought of building an Adobe style home by using concrete block, either dry stacked or mortered, and then applying a finish that would come close to an Adobe finish, both inside and out, maybe something along the lines of a Cob finish, or some of the other plasters that are out now that look close to a mud finsh.   Since most Adobe homes are typically square I think the block construction would be fairly easy.  Just not sure what I might be overlooking as far as problems or whatever.  Just thought I would get some feedback from this fine group.  

[glenn kangiser]

Should be no problem, if that is the way you want to do it.  I would at least put the poured solid verticals every so often and a bond beam.

You could make an earth plaster with clay, sand and straw - stabilize it a bit with lime (also makes it stick) or cement or asphalt emulsion which also helps water proof.  There are lots of ways and formulas out there.  

[travcojim]

I was thinking of a poured collum every sixth or so.

[glenn kangiser]

I think that would work Jim.  

Here is a PDF with some details in it.  http://www.e-crete.com/pdf/09-standard_const_details.pdf

[John_C]

I think it's a great idea. I'd be tempted to use AAC blocks and get the adobe look inside and out along with a finished, insulated wall all in one.   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[travcojim]

Those blocks are great.  I couldn't find a price range anywhere on line on them,  I am sure they are much higher than the standard block down at home depot.

[John_C]

Prices here  http://www.safecrete.com/aac/products/safecrete/safeblock.cfm

They are a lot more than standard block but they are probably competitive with a standard block wall adequately insulated, especially if you do the plastering yourself.  They can be cut with a saw and shaped with a coarse rasp.  You could do a lot of very adobe like detailing.