alternative building supplies?

Question

anyone built a home using clay and sand, like adobe or something similiar? what are the laws around this. im looking at northern california to do this.

Answer 1

Here is some information that might help. Check out these sites on building codes and alternative materials in comstruction...

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/rh_0704_ncal_ceep.html

http://www.seaint.org/ncpres1.htm

http://www.seaonc.org/public/about/origin.html

http://www.crew.org/region/noca.html

http://www.mckennykrug.com/aboutdougphoto.htm

AND

http://www.elements.nb.ca/pub/forum/building/methods.htm

http://www.rastra.com/_news/pr8.asp

http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/US/byS/CA/byP/altCMat/altCMat.shtml

http://www.ecoact.org/Programs/Green_Building/green_Materials/earthen_structural.htm

I have a friend that built an underground home. It is very fuel efficient and quite comfortable. DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST!! Have a GrEaT HoLiDaY!!
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Answer 2

Your best bet is first check the building code for the local area you plan to build , call the city hall building department for info .
A point of suggestion .... alternative material like Adobe construction is not recommended because is unstable in a earth quake , and also not too good as heat insulation , if you are going to build ,stay with the code they are made for safety reasons and not for esthetics ..