Geodesic Dome Greenhouse - Part 6 - Concrete Block Walls

[@bayoufilter]

Really inspirational! While we don't need greenhouses or near the thermal help "down here," I'm seeing the need for proper drainage planning-and-execution. Beneath and around an aquaponic project. Thanks for thoughtfully providing details (like "3-quarter inch washed stone") along the way. Rick 'sminfiddle'

[@Bigelowbrook]

For some applications, it is best to hire someone that is trained properly to do the job, but for personal use, doing the work yourself is far more rewarding. I'm an electronic engineer. Every time I see some "hobbiest" working on some electronic gizmo and posting it on KZbin, I don't tell them they should have hired someone like myself to build it since I've been trained and worked in the field for the last 25 years. More power to the people that step out and take control of their lives!

[@eveadame1059]

🙂 Fun to learn from your video 💕 Your time has value.

[@timbirch4999]

Brilliant unorthodox trowel style! And complete respect for your ambition on this build.

[@amommamust]

Nice work! I don't suppose you want to come to Idaho next spring and do that all over again... lol! THANK YOU. I make videos for youtube, too, so I KNOW that it is a lot of work. Telling the world about aquaponics is the truest "labor of love" I can think of. May your dome become as enchanting as Eden, your own little paradise!

[@WHRU2011]

you've done an excellent job so far, something to be proud of. very professional looking, its a good thing you video'd it so others can see what's possible when you put your mind to it.

[@wright67]

Don't worry your artistic masonry is currently immortalized on Google Maps... I noticed that poking around on your website. I just found this series, absolutely awesome work so far. OK, I'm off to watch the rest.

[@Larenzoid]

Good job! I hope you can get a lot done before cold weather sets in.

[@Bigelowbrook]

I'm not conveying that anyone can lay block. All I am doing is showing how I did it in this building. I consulted with several masons (one that set his own foundation in the 50's) how the best way to do this. The general consensus was to do it as I show and not lay rebar or grout. Each step was inspected by the building official: foundation hole, footing forms, footing pour, wall building, and anchor bolts. This foundation has gone through 2 winters and 2 hurricanes and is still doing fine.

[@ScaryFear]

Wow it's really coming a long. Looks great. These are very interesting. Can't wait to see the next one.

[@Bigelowbrook]

@MrTerry428 The wall is going to be back filled from both sides evenly. It's sole purpose it to act as a frost wall, not as a retaining wall.

[@Bigelowbrook]

@sustainablehuman I thought about dry staking everything but was concerned about the corner areas not getting any aggregate. There's a few funky areas that there really isn't enough space for me to guarantee they would fill in properly. It's all a big experiment...hopefully it works!

[@Bigelowbrook]

Thanks. Since I hadn't done it, I relied on advice from the locals. I've seen several house foundations that were done 60+ years ago without any cracks and they said it was done just like I did. Also, the building official said I was fine. That's what really counts! ;-)

[@Bigelowbrook]

@NewEnglandgardening The surrounding soil will fill the bottom 2 feet. there there is a layer of 3/4" stone with piping going through it, then another 6" of soil on top of that, then an 1-2 inches of sand so I can level the floor. Then concrete bricks for the floor. I can't past links in comments, but the facebook link is in the video description of this video.

[@Bigelowbrook]

@dwiggs77 the dome area is 855 sq ft and the shed area is another 50 or so.

[@NewEnglandgardening]

Hi, Great progress. I mixed over a dozen 80lb bags by hand once and then I finally rented a mixer from HD on the last project. I'll never mix by hand again. Except the mortar I guess. They are getting cheaper too. I noticed outside the rental area HD sells one assembled for $395. Almost bought it. Are you going to install anchor bolts and some sort of bottom plate on top of the blocks? This project just might get you on the local news. Hope you get the dome up before the first snow.

[@NewEnglandgardening]

Hi, Is the area going to be dedicated to only aquaponics or will you also grow some things in raised beds? Do you have specific aggregate you will use to fill the base or just surrounding soil? I saw a video somewhere that a passive solar house in Colorado drew warm air over bolders or large rock in the cellar that slowly radiated the heat back into the house at night.

[@csongorvarga]

Interesting to see the different building methods. I had a wall done from concrete blocks and the mason just put the blocks on top of each other and filled up the inner holes with mortar. There is no mortar between the blocks at all.

[@Gamersnewscom]

I have been checking into building also. I think I may earthbag instead of cinder block. I am looking for a mixer first as I don't want to mix plaster without one.

[@tstatech]

Very cool. That should be one permanent green house. I get the idea of thermal mass but it sure is a shame to fill the inside. You could bury 2" foam flat all the way around the structure at a slight downward angle to trap ground heat.

[@NCWade]

Great videos. Really appreciate your time and efforts

[@makarlock]

I have a lot of respect for you sir, here I am, sitting at my house and watching KZbin, but you own a farm, and you actually get so much shit done. *tips hat*

[@1885dr]

wow it’s already been ten years , how’s it holding up

[@MrJfunk187]

did you put any starter bars in ur strip footing... steal in the blocks and core fill them with concrete.. if you plan on retaining alot of earth you need to do this... any waterproofing for the blocks???

[@jimmydreams]

I'm stunned at the amount of work that you did yourself!! Did you have expert advice or just figured it out as you went along (allowing for permitting, etc.)??? Talk about a labor of love!!! If I supply the beer and pizza, will you built one of these for me?!?!?! :)

[@mshurance]

Did you ever consider using Hempcrete for these blocks. They are reported to have excellent thermo properties which I think would be of benefit for your application.

[@jamieclarke321]

Great work, Im laying the Subterranean heating and cooling system in my dome recently

[@jairochoa]

You did it great folks. Congrats!

[@daisysummer1575]

I have a house made of concrete. It is more than 30 years old. It has rebars in each hole of the concrete block. It went through earthquakes and strong typhoons and it is still standing strong.

[@Mies78]

Cool enterprise! Best of luck.

[@Bigelowbrook]

the prices I got from various companies was $8-10K...they all said they would have to build custom forms. I did this block for about $2K. I'm not a mason so I don't know all the weird reinforcements that are needed for these wall. I just set them like my grandfather did in his greenhouses 50+ years ago...which are still standing. ;-)

[@drethedog]

Have you decided on the glazing yet? Are you going to use Poly sheets or film??? And it it going to be single or double insulated??? Thanks...

[@Bigelowbrook]

I"m not a mason so I really had no idea how to lay out such a strange shape. I did speak with a few people that do this and they felt it was fine. The foundation is about a year old and looking good. ;-)

[@danielscheuch]

This is cool and looks great but you are insulating the thermal mass from the greenhouse. Need to put the insulation on the other side of the thermal mass. I recommend reading the book passive annual heat storage for ways to use insulation with thermal mass.

[@dwiggs77]

spray on urethane foam would work good for the isolation too i bet. but as always,great work. you and your dome project are an inspiration. what is the total footprint in square feet ?

[@bigamejames1]

thanks for the update mate. Keep up the good work. What's the round thing in the middle of the dome?

[@terryorourke9632]

can't wait for next stage

[@craigb.4624]

Great series, thanks. Any rebar in that foundation? Knowing what you know now after construction, time, materials, labor etc. Would you consider using Insulated Concrete Forms in stead of blocks?

[@harutanaka3647]

I was wondering how your conc. Done house hold up 10 years later today

[@Bigelowbrook]

Still standing....no cracks in anything.

[@benchkey]

Not from my experience. Back in 1991 I had the largest single pour residential foundation in WNY up to that date. It included a 30,000 gal cistern. 10 years later there was only one hairline crack (Not in the cistern). I've seen quite a few block basements and each had weeping walls and a number of cracks However you didn't build a basement but just a foundation. They are structurally different.

[@Bigelowbrook]

no rebar. Some people think it's necessary, some people don't. The cost of doing insulated forms was painfully expensive and most people didn't want to deal with the odd angles.

[@Bigelowbrook]

@web4deb oops the shed area is around 400 sqft

[@Cozzmos]

@MrTerry428 That is no where near the height that would require steel reinforcement. I did my basement 10 blocks high and it was not required by code. (But I did anyway just for the hell of it.)

[@ericmastenbrook9020]

Oi! I'm tired just from watching this. Kudos to you.

[@Jesusisyhwh]

That would have provided a very solid and secure foundation.

[@lerch25]

Wow! you are superhuman. I'm tired just from watching this!

[@Jesusisyhwh]

All in all, this is a good idea, but you did need vertical rebar coming up out of the foundation to the height of the footing wall. Then you would need horizontal rebar in the first course of block and in the 6th course, and if that was not your top course, then in the top course as well. Then pour the wall solid with concrete grout.

[@labidus74]

Nice project!

[@ModernWarflare]

Why don't people put the mortar in the middle of the blocks too instead of just the edges? Just wondering.

[@Bigelowbrook]

@MrJfunk187 no, no, and no. ;-) The entire foundation is back filled on both sides. (see video 7)

[@Bigelowbrook]

@drethedog twin-wall polycarbonate. the good stuff from GE with a 10 year warranty.

[@johnpdolphinjr.6466]

Appreciate the video...it is helpful...

[@tokejyn]

wouldn't you need to fill the cinderblocks with gravel or... something?

[@heckyes]

Omg, how much did this whole thing cost and how long did it take to build?! Is this your fulltime job?!

[@88ranchok]

Wear do u live at

[@Bigelowbrook]

@NewEnglandgardening There will be j-bolts in the the block walls. Next video. ;-)

[@MrJfunk187]

ok well im only a brick/blocklayer and stonemason by trade and do it everyday for a living... not sure what codes u need to adhere too in your area but i would have done things alittle bit different ;-)

[@d512787]

They do......it's grouted in on the rebar sections, WHICH IS NECESSARY in seismic 2 area's and higher...but check local building code.. This is why Bricklayers spend 5200 hrs in apprenticeships, and don't fly off the cuff, or shoot from the hip!!!

[@Bigelowbrook]

@tstatech The next video will detail some of the thermal mass part....it will make much more sense once you see it. ;-)

[@glamourity]

Hi there! If not a big secret could you please share with all of us a budget of your project. Thanks!

[@davidbradley3074]

Deck paint the exterior wall to seal it from moisture / water penetration.

[@johnnypoppyhead4116]

digging drainage..all that stone.. I like straight up walls at least 10 ft inside ..and 2 & half feet or more Over hang roof (rains lot in western WA ) ... catch rain water never dig a well

[@Pizzapie500]

FIRST! Anyway looks like it takes a lot of work to do that, How much money did you spend so far?

[@d512787]

Guess those weeping walled basements weren't done by professionals. which is exactly my point....beside a cistern would have a membrane over the exterior, and the cells would all be grouted in solid, hence making it a monolithic structure, and completely waterproof.

[@Jesusisyhwh]

All in all, not too bad for someone who has never laid block before.

[@Bigelowbrook]

@bigamejames1 sump tank. I'll detail that in the next video! ;-)

Awesome, I have the materials at hand

[@daisysummer1575]

Um, where are the rebars?

[@waynealan2226]

One big mistake I see in this -- no rebar in the foundation. The footer had some but there should have been rebar anchored in the foundation and going up into the block wall foundation. Hope he isn't in any kind of earthquake country.

[@Bigelowbrook]

It wasn't required to rebar the wall and footing together. We had to put a key-way in the footing. The building official was happy with it. Our house foundation was poured the same way. Maybe it's different in areas with earthquakes.

[@waynealan2226]

Yes it is very different. Tying the vertical block wall to the foundation is mandatory in California for any kind of building. I saw the key-way but that would not be nearly enough in an earthquake zone.

[@Bigelowbrook]

We had a quake here a few years ago. I think it was a 2.0. ;-) It's the snow loads we have to watch out for!

[@mssburr]

I wish I knew someone that did this type block dome buildings in Alabama. We have tornados... And I found out after the fact they love to come though my county.... Luckily they have missed me for the 17yrs... I have lived here but have had close calls... I live in a doublewide manufactured home or 5 acers... So I go to my best friends house when we have a tornado warnings... But it really sucks when they hit at night... when you live alone.. And you are driving hearing the wind try to make to somewhere with a underground basement.. or tornado approves structure.. . I am originally from cali.. So I am used to the ground shaking... but when the house blows away... that really sucks.... hahahaha I have see brick dome structure with a cement layer on the outside of them used as tornado shelters... Because the wind goes around them.. because their are no walls for the wind to put force on to blow down... How much does a dome structure like this cost to build... Man someone that can build brick dome structure and sale them as tornado shelters in Alabama would get rich... If they can figure out a way to keep the cost reasonable... For people that live in rural areas like me.. that don't have community shelters to go to... Because from march-july are the highest months for tornados

[@bluemoose2497]

@@mssburr I do not know if you built yet, but you can build geodesic domes out of even firewood. see: www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/wooden-dome-zmaz80jazraw

[@IamDramaBitch]

I LOVE YOU!!!

[@Auszie]

For fuck's sake, people, this is an OUTBUILDING not a habitable domicile. Quit bitching about his not being a trade union mason or not doing it "right". Seriously, not even the military uses trade union masons for their CMU buildings on-base or otherwise. They get every "Tom, Dick and Harry" recruit to do it, that's only done a crash-course in what they call builder's basic. Too, you think every homeowner that went in for a catalog kit home (Aladdin, Sears etc.) back in the day employed a trade union mason for their block foundations? Ha! The hell they did. Yes, in fact, ANY able-bodied, reasonably common-sensed person CAN do it themselves to the satisfaction of code enforcement. It's not brain surgery.

[@turkiyeempiresandallies2320]

Depreme riski olan şehirlerde yapılabilirmi?

[@drethedog]

Yeahhh, Thanks for the video....

[@MaoIntsik]

It's brittle no steel casing

[@Bigelowbrook]

I don't think I can eat that much pizza!

[@freighter55]

You rock!! I mean gravel. :-) Seriously, thanks for your insight.

[@d512787]

Actually block (when done by a professional)..is stronger, more water proof, and just as fast...and even less money.

[@gheistlicheaugen]

6:09 - badass

[@ksmithkatcarving]

I live in a block home , husband is a mason , would be cheaper to mix your own motor 3 part sand to one part concrete i laid the stone on our earth home, what we found is on the outside in the dirt make sure you insulate with water sealant ,because if not sealed correctly you get water leakage which would be great for a green house but not a home , mold is hard on the human, thus be sure to anyone who build seal, also would be a lot cheaper and fast to hire a mason at 20 per hour non union, they lay 100 blocks and hour

[@20alphabet]

A non-union mason is hardly a trustworthy source for quality workmanship. Trade unions require an apprenticeship that includes classwork, and unless you meet the required skills per level of apprenticeship, you won't pass to the next level. To become a Journeyman you must have satisfactorily proven your proficiency in the trade. He's better of doing the job himself than having a non-union "mason" or illegal day laborer. At least when things go wrong he has no one else to blame.

[@iminibe.8948]

+20alphabet is not right propaganda .

[@larkindj1]

20alphabet

[@robbsantos7050]

nice

[@d512787]

Lol...was that laying blocks...thought it was play time.

[@d512787]

I'm a brick and stone mason by Trade...I spent 5200 hrs in an approved apprenticeship(oh yeah 25 years ago), I am certified...I give you credit for trying as hard as you did...yeah Bricklaying is a ballbuster hard job...not for pussies!!! But if you want to know how it's done professionally...go to school..pay your due's...put in the time, like all the BRICKLAYERS out there did.

[@d512787]

Ya f---ing Think Mate!!!

[@d512787]

And you should have hired a Bricky to work with you for the day...Your project would have taken 1/3rd the time, and less mortar, less breakage...ect...ect...And it would have been done right. Take control of your life by all means, just don't stumble blindly through it.

[@ModernWarflare]

I find that hard to believe since I've seen a million illegal immigrants doing that kind of work, and I highly doubt they spend 5200 hours in apprenticeships. I'm glad the actual professionals, such as your self, do though. At least some buildings will be properly built.

[@fly.god.infinite1626]

6:10 karate master

[@charliealbert8039]

AMGx_Gunnah ☠️☠️😂😂

[@normbograham3]

wet your blocks before using them.

[@ozarkPhone]

Had to stop the video it was hurting my eyes

[@d512787]

Exactly the point I'm trying to relay. Maybe the job this kid did will last...maybe it won't. It's not like a big heavy structure is going on it anyway...but the point is, he convey's that anyone can lay block...WHICH IS NOT the case. This is why so many Illegals get away with it, and also the reason building structures have become poorer and poorer quality.

[@d512787]

EXactly, like a load bearing wall as one of those times...Hey!!! all the power to you for trying, but....as I said you are posting for everyone how to see....how NOT to do it, You are not doing it correctly, even though you feel the end result will suffice. You slosh your joints, you move the block after it's set....these are first year no-no's that even an illegal immigrant would know not to do. Like when these electronic hobbyists lick their finger and stick it in the power socket.

[@hotlatino7220]

Your not no brick layer I tell you that.😂

[@d512787]

stop......no more secret telling......let him take an apprenticeship like all us real Bricklayers

[@tacomablack25]

I need to find a husband like you...

[@Jesusisyhwh]

Lol!

[@tiktak25]

10 blocks per hour??? LOL rank amateur!

[@أبوعلاءللديكوراتوالفنيات]

Nice