Kauai Air-crete dome workshop

Dome Gaia workshop held on Kauai fall 2017 for teaching the building of inexpensive, durable, quick-built structures suitable for agriculture structures or living. Rob Cruz and Gabriel De La Cruz discussion. For a presentation by the designer, Hajjar Gibran: • Low Cost, Eco-Friendly...

[@tomkelly8827]

I live on a hippy commune in Canada. I tore down the wood and styrofoam dome that was painted over here. It had fallen in and rotted a long time ago. There were many domes that were built near here in the 60's and 70's. The only one that survived was a concrete dome. No one lives in it now though. It is tricky to fit products from a square world into a curved home. You need to make custom furniture and think differently about many things. Domes are natural. Beavers, birds, bees and surely other creatures live in dome shaped dwellings. You get the most interior space for the least exterior walls and roofs. There are no corners that make for poor air/heat/cooling flow. Domes are the strongest possible shape. I went with a hexagon for my home. for me it was a nice in between of the dome that these cool dudes are working on and the traditional square home. I like it. It works for me. I was able to reuse other peoples old windows, doors, couches, beds, etc. I built it with 2x6's from my own woodlot... There is no one way to go. I can't wait to see how this home turns out. Thanks for sharing!

[@deathuponusalll]

Shad Oria wow that sounds awesome ! How did it go?

[@davidsmith3736]

You can make fiberglass air crete mansion or yachts. They made concrete yachts then fiberglass,but there heavy.

[@inarafiredragon01]

@@davidsmith3736 you can use fiberglass mesh on the outside of the building to get the strength without as much weight

[@sjr7822]

The person doing the interview has very good questions

[@AkamaiBackyard]

SJ R Thank you!

[@marcosmota1094]

Fox News needs to hire this woman, no soft-ball questions! She kept me super interested in the process!

[@simonjenkins4481]

You could always listen to another station...

[@islandfantasy5931]

@@simonjenkins4481 CNN is fake news

[@islandfantasy5931]

@DrgnFlys In my comment where did I say Fox news is legit? I can tell you right now. Most recently CNN has reported a lot of fake news

[@porschepanamera92]

@@islandfantasy5931 why would you say they bring fake news? What's the reasoning behind that statement?

[@larrytrujillo8381]

Hahahahahaha!

[@maxnuccio2440]

Great piece thank you Felicia! Wish I had seen this and hope they come back!

[@estelleharrington3866]

the younger generation are saving the planet. thank God for intelligence and persistence. God bless you and thank you for all you are doing.

[@mrmike8490]

I hate to piss in your cornflakes, but concrete is NOT environmentally friendly. I do really like the idea tho.

[@wholegrain27]

@@mrmike8490 i have no idea why you would say that. Concrete is the most ubiquitous building material used ever. There are concrete structures built by the Roman's still in use today. Concrete has been used for thousands of years. It's continuing use testifies to its great usefulness.

[@mrmike8490]

@@wholegrain27 This is why i said that. 🙄 The production of 1 m³ of concrete requires 2,775 MJ of energy. This energy comes mostly from oil burning, which generates CO2. 2.775 MJ of energy is produced by 0.37 barrels of oil. Saving concrete, e.g. by adopting appropriate building solutions, means therefore not only reducing fossil fuels consumption, but also pollutant emissions.

[@mirandamuse788]

Love this Rob and Felicia. Bummed I missed the workshop. Hopefully another time here on the mainland.

[@Gcrilla]

4:02 she whispers "let's go ... something" They're on point. Definitely a professional video

[@signalfire6]

This is a wonderful, concise explanation of the process, thank you.

[@hermanmunster8677]

Great project! I been seeing a lot of Air-crete projects like patios or small retaining walls but this is the first I've seen of an actual structure. Very nice! I wish you all well.

[@nc3826]

Air-crete weaker than concrete... so recycling used tires make more sense for a sustainable retaining wall...

[@hermonmunster2698]

Great build ! Thank you for sharing this video with us!

[@sheisloveofficial828]

so glad these have made it to Kauai !! I've seen them last year online !!! Yemaya

[@markspc1]

Awesome building, great inspiration !!!

[@dorfriedman9115]

Great ppl and great interviewer!

[@dekonfrost7]

Sodium laurel sulphate is a reducing agent for the soap to be a liquid, if you are using apoch fleece you should consider using drivit then cover it in a silicone roof coating, long life uv stable.

[@tenkaara6067]

Things to the eskimos for giving us the shape of these modern domes we never give credit where credit is due

[@drx1xym154]

Eskimos were not the first.... yet maybe the first with "air-ice" ... or snow as some might way. Air-crete appears to be the advantage with this setup. Cool, either way!

[@aaronrodriguez110]

What are you talking about... go away.

[@bobjoatmon1993]

Using flexable sticks to make an arch then using others to form a hemisphere / dome and skin it with animal skins, mud or broad leaves was done by lots of 'peoples' everywhere from the Asian steps, to the jungles of the Amazon to Africa lands. It's racist to say that only the Eskimo people built domes.

[@shawnwright5332]

@@bobjoatmon1993 news flash Eskimo is a racist term it's Inuit people!

[@bobjoatmon1993]

@@shawnwright5332 why the duck are you commenting to me when an earlier poster used the term and I just used it so there would be no confusion. Why didn't you comment to him? Duck off, I've worked in north Alaska and THEY'VE INTRODUCED THEMSELVES TO ME AS Eskimos you PC fool. May you get the education of a lifetime you richly deserve from Percussion University.

[@hodgypodgy412]

I am so facinatdm with this! I have watched all the videos many times. I wishI could build one here in the Virgin Islands! This is my dream!

[@shawnwright5332]

Go take one of there workshops Judith

[@Life_is_Awesome_Civil]

Very nice personality man

[@bigpumpkin22]

Great vid guys , It has given me plenty of food for thought , Cheers Brent

[@jetrospectiva]

I loved it! Thanks for sharing!

[@larrysullivan6536]

Brilliant well done you guys love it Larry in London x

[@TheBigLeeg]

People , I’m a 43 year old General Superintendent for a commercial Drywall and Painting company in the upper Midwest of the US, MInnesota, Wisconsin , Iowa, Dakotas , and occasionally Chicago. I have been in this discipline (steel framing and finishes ) since I was 18. Upon reflection , I can’t ever remember any project that as laid back and transmitted so much good energy as this one does. VIA VIDEO MIGHT I ADD. I can’t put my finger on it. But I want it. Perhaps it’s just the scale or the fact it’s a workshop and not a contacted build.

[@sancop]

Leon Corriveau In your opinion, would you expect these would stand up to strong winds? Say, hurricane force? I am fascinated.

[@AkamaiBackyard]

My biggest concern for Hurricane force winds would be about what heavy object could be thrown into it.

[@jameshauser1507]

@@AkamaiBackyard Right,, but there again those flying objects would have a glancing off type of impact.

[@meandyou2469]

I Admired the two guys, specially the 21 year old, no laziness there. To doing this at that age is commendable

[@Violet_Lotus_]

Puerto Rico would be an excellent place to hold a workshop. I hope that's in the works.

[@brianmi40]

@@AEON. - There's a dome company called "AI Domes" in Florida that has a dome home that has been at ground zero of all the major Florida hurricanes, and the only damage that has happened to any of them as a whole, is a single 6" crack in one when a DOUBLE WIDE HORSE TRAILER blew into it during the hurricane! All the islands in the path of hurricanes like PR should mandate that ALL HOMES have to be DOME HOMES. They simple are near indestructible in the wind since there's nothing for the wind to grab... Smart Floridians could also adopt them more on the coasts, and save throusands on hurricane insurance... They're also cheaper than traditional construction, and that's not even using Air Crete, but AI Domes own method of building them with panels...

[@brianmi40]

@@AEON. The Earth Ship Home (which are cool for using water 3 times!) roofs are flat, since they catch rain water with no well water... (off grid). But yeah, air crete would be a competitor to adobe...

[@sancop]

B Miller I was just asking this question. Thank you. I live near Panama City, near the eye of Hurricane Michael. Matter of fact, my parents rode it out in a rehab center that was right on the eye wall (dad had just been in a terrible car wreck). It was terrible. They were ok but my mom had to drive my dad an hour home bc the center was hit so hard All this with a broken neck to a house with no electricity for a month and no access to doctors or meds. It was awful. All that to say, I’m looking for something to offer more safety for people in general.

[@marywhore1]

They built one in PR i got to visit it

[@charlottefaris7929]

I'm hoping to build one in Puerto Rico in a couple of years. Looks amazing, strong and lower cost.

[@dreamweaver4934]

Excellent questions!

[@banjomarla4091]

Nice job and explanation. Thanks.

[@bettythompson246]

Banjo Marla d

[@larrysnyder3475]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@williamwilliams4559]

love to see a update of the dome

[@Shamanistical1]

Master builder 👍🏼 looking to do similar projects.

[@sabineschuhmacher3525]

soooo coooool.... greetings from Canary Islands... wish you where here :-)

[@mwj5368]

Hi! A lot of good questions and seems like interviewer just asked them impromptu, well done! I think this is the best building material of all! I hope maybe some day to make a very simple dome and be off the power grid. Be careful about breathing concrete dust. The second guy in the interview coughed, only once, but I just thought about concrete dust and wanted to mention it here.

[@AkamaiBackyard]

I am the filmmaker. I did just stop by and ask questions. It was not a planned event. The video was made to support testimony on what is possible for affordable housing. It is amazing that the world has watched it, when it was simply made for a public hearing.

[@mwj5368]

@@AkamaiBackyard Hi Felicia! You have a gift and do not realize it! Thanks for creating this! A great cause for a greener world!!

[@jpjay1584]

dude's in shape!!

[@alanheadrick7997]

Built sectional mold and assemble on site and pour it full of air-crete and have a house in a day. Then move to the next location and pour another one. Laziness leads to efficiency.

[@mrmike8490]

In the age of the 3D printing it would be a great investment.

[@hollywoodgold8076]

@@mrmike8490 They actually have that already. I watched a program on Terra-forming Mars. They had a large 3D printer that could build using this type of material. It was pretty cool. All automated and could be controlled my remote. They need to put that machine to work building homeless shelters.

[@fakiirification]

@@hollywoodgold8076 The problem of homelessness is not lack of housing. or even lack of affordable housing. its more an issue of mental health and substance abuse that needs to be addressed first. A Sane and Sober person who hits hard times and ends up homeless rarely stays homeless more than a few months.

[@DJFlores01]

Now that there has been a year from this video, and hope the dome has been completed and functional, I was wondering if you are going or planning to make an update on how has the whole experience been and has the construction fulfilled your expectations, I was thinking in the sense that being from a warm climate myself, have also met with some other problems that regular concrete has, and "air-crete" being a concrete and water foam base aerated material, has moisture absorbing and structural weak properties.

[@AkamaiBackyard]

DJFlores01 , just seeing this now. I will do a follow-up soon.

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

@@AkamaiBackyard any chance that followup is in the works?

[@misterpd17]

@@AkamaiBackyard would love to see the update, is it online?

[@murraywebb8070]

Need this. Home building needs to evolve

[@ktrout17i70]

Nice damp proof membrane between the foundation and the walls.

[@kauairalph108]

I think in Hawaii I am done with wood frames or even foam bricks and prefer pvc Pumkin type frame covered with shade cloth and stuccoed with foam crete. mahalo

[@healthfullivingify]

Hi, Ralph. I am working on such a system.

[@rblibit]

I can tell you that that the fiber coating on the outside is going to be VERY strong. I'd bet it would (easily) pass the 90 Mph 2x4 missile hazard test (like hurricane proof windows in Miami have to go through). Basically they shoot an 8 foot pine stud 2x4 at your window going 90 Mph. It can crack, but it MUST stop the 2x4 from going through it. AND, if I am wrong, you could always add an inexpensive wrap of medium gauge chicken wire below the fiber wrap coating, and that would do it for sure. NICE - Very nice design. I love it. I'd live in one of those in a heartbeat. And yes, someone mentioned Puerto Rico - they could really use this technology right about now.

[@colstace2560]

Chicken wire might rust?

[@nc3826]

thx just wish u gave more details about mesh covering that was used...

[@speedbuggy16v]

Very interesting, I am glad to see young people pushing the boundaries of what conventional construction is. I am curious as to how well aircrete handles water infiltration in a situation such as a berm home. That may simply be an incorrect application of the material, but I am unsure. Any thoughts?

[@ripsumrall8018]

speedbuggy Yes, any berm home will need to mitigate water infiltration. My concern might be the strength to hold the overburden. Domes are strong but dirt is heavy. ???

[@MsSomeonenew]

Concrete is never a good water retainer, if you want it to be then something else needs to go on top. As for the strength, arches and domes only get stronger under compression.

[@catherinezuppero7609]

Brilliant!

[@marklatture]

Great video - very informative. I'm just curious how this technique holds up to snow and freezing temperatures. I'm sure you'd want to stucco and seal as much as possible, but would freezing temps cause the moisture in the air pockets to break apart? Also, could this be covered in earth for a "hobbit hole" design - would that help or hurt against freezing?

[@kauairalph108]

Aloha Felicia in love this soap crate dome. I have built several domes here on Kauai and want to to the workshop mahalo

[@AkamaiBackyard]

The workshop ended, Saturday. The learning continues. I can connect you on Facebook with some of those that live here.

[@markcampbell7577]

I love the idea. Another way of construction that is more material but very sturdy and more insulation is to lay the blocks flat instead of on and edge. Then inches across to form the dome. Then plaster or stucco outside and inside to finish. A raised wood floor to carry plumbing and electric..

[@NicoSmets]

I like this building technique

[@dashmarlowe8210]

Regarding the floor, was there sand added to the mix or just aircrete. I lived on Kauai for 14 years and this brought back wonderful memories.

[@dekonfrost7]

El domo in Italy used custom made modular bricks, you are a bro... but you are very hard worker.

[@raydreamer7566]

I am in the Philippines now. I would really like to know where you did this. I will be waiting to hear from you .

[@room2180]

I love this idea! I've developed a dome brick molding system. While not as efficient as standard brick molding, the bricks are molded to the curvature of the dome. I believe this would add to the structural stability and ease of construction. I would love any interested people, to assist me in this project.

[@peterhouston161]

Jeff, where are you? I would be interested in your project. I have worked on many eco building projects and have developed an easy to install, cost effective and efficent sewage desposal system, which you could incorprate in your build. I am going abroard on Sat 3rd July. If you contact me before then I may be able to help you.

[@room2180]

@@peterhouston161 I am nowhere near completing this project.The molds would have to be 3D printed...and given their size..in pieces. Once created, however, they can be cast and easily recast in aluminum. I am in Las Vegas,

[@yoavcohen66]

Can you please share your aircrete making method? I mean the soap type, psi pressure. Etc

[@jamesvaldes8290]

Great product

[@mayamachine]

Air-crete is permeable.. Yes you seal it or it will take on water. If you live where it freezes, if any water gets into your structure, first freeze your building will crumble to dust.

[@MsSomeonenew]

Concrete is always permeable, same problems and solutions apply.

[@MrSpaceRatt]

So, this material is fine for say... Hawaii ? or Mexico? or Philippines?

[@FrustratedBaboon]

There are additives that make it water tight. Any cement brick wall is permeable.

[@theophilussparks5839]

Some sort of Styrofoam Exterior coating, though is would not be environmentally friendly would be a good candidate for waterproofing that structure.

[@stanjarmolowicz]

you can sealed it by spraying already cured walls with "liquid glass" ( sodium silicate or potassium silicate ) that will also react with the concrete ,speed up the curing and improve the structural strein 10 times .

[@markwilson8118]

I want to know more about how you build the foundation

[@mrdanforth3744]

From the description it sounds like a conventional poured concrete footing and slab but the slab is aircrete.

[@christophermyers5169]

and how about basalt fabric?

[@jamesvaldes8290]

Good info thanks

[@dgm6277]

I wonder how well this will hold up in Kansas to our tornadoes. Typical stick built homes and out buildings don’t fare well when hit directly by a tornado. Would really like to see a dome structure built here approximately 400 to 500 square feet.

[@jasonwolfe920]

Would love to see a monolithic dome utilizing aircrete...

[@maneepeanut5536]

How much it cost in pesos, I'm from the Philippines, I hope it cheaper and sustainable in bad weather.. thanks

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

Nice new idea. When is next time you will be in the Philippines?

[@Rectifiable]

Awesome!

[@jt659]

I feel like high-fiving that tattoo

[@Oazm595]

I think they can probably make few fiberglass mold with this project when its completed. A slice or two in the vertical section. This will help expedite completion in the future. Just my thought.

[@juliettedauterive3745]

Love it. This is a great design for gravitational and lateral forces but huge storms destroy structures by lift. It needs to be strapped down. Other than that, its a great introductory video.

[@5Daniil5]

wow! that is fantastic! :) can it be built 30ft diameter? How much would it be in material? Also, how much are the tools and the instruction? How deep is the foundation? Why not just lay this "fabric" over an air form? If no stucco on the outer layer, would it still be water resistant?

[@markledford4370]

YES AIR CRETE FELLOWS PLEASE DO A VIDEO WHEN YOU GO TO THE PHILIPPINES 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌞😁🇺🇸

[@DJD8RR]

Superbe idées... Bravo 👏😊 Y donde esta la maquina esta de conkrete para hacer este cemento ?

[@Lissette777]

entra a su pagina ahi venden todo www.domegaia.com saludos espero te ayude

[@mdeasy]

Go Gabe!!!

[@scottpaynter9779]

My hat goes off to you guys ! I hope it turned out well,but if you ever have an opportunity to do another look me up and I'll give you a few ideas that would cut your time down 90% and your cost probably 50%

[@user-fc7is6jo2e]

Nice!

[@egreber]

would love to meet Gabe in mexico, also where was the first one done in Mexico. I am very interested in learning how to do this to assist a few friends in Mx. that my wife and I know in very poor districts in Gurerro, specifically Zihuatanejo

[@ggsmith099]

Is this like an arch with a keystone so the more pressure on it makes it stronger? My head is spinning if it could be used underground they could build homes in the island's that get hit with hurricanes !😇

[@fakiirification]

of course it could be used underground. dewater and dig out the footprint, build the dome below grade, and backfill once all the exterior reinforcement is done. though im not sure i would want aircrete holding up much soil pressure, as it is a rather brittle product. perhaps with some testing beforehand to prove stability of the constructed wall unit.

[@DD-ih7wn]

Gorgeous guys. Sigh. 😍🫶🏻🏳️‍🌈💪🏻

[@2quick4u84]

Hi, since this type of builiding is made with some cement, does the house "breath"? Another question is, can it be used an ecological dish liquid for the mix? Thanks

[@sanjuansteve]

How is the structure as it relates to earthquakes?

[@juanbenavides4760]

After the equator of the dome, does the angle or form of the air crete changes?

[@primitivewayoflife2197]

I don't have knowledge about aircrete but its look like great and i think i am going to like the dome type of home. But my worry is.. what if it would be shaken by a quacke? I don't think so. I think i would fall because it has no still in it.

[@gunghoadventures871]

Awesome

[@johncuervo3019]

I need a bunch of those for livestock houses.

[@butchveloso4903]

May I know when you'll be in the Philippines?

[@thegardenoffragileegos1845]

Photogenic Man Bun Convention

[@LC-ue6mp]

@mike brink Hello Mike....wow you're quite a smarty pants! I believe you....any more info on the idea?

[@trevorstolz8580]

I wonder if you can build this on a deck since it is lightweigt, not necessarily wood. In the oil industry, they often put buildings up on a steel I-beam foundation that is supported by pilings. The reason I ask is that in northern Alberta, we could easily have three feet of snow piling up around the house. Having it off the ground (with skirting all around for insulation) would be interesting.

[@AkamaiBackyard]

Trevor Stolz , ask at www.domegaia.com. They teach the workshops and basically are evangelizing this technology. I am sure they would be helpful. I do not know. My guess is the snow would probably insulate the house like an igloo. ... I am just the filmmaker.😉

[@justincase2291]

What about snow load for northern climates?

[@twagner6155]

Circular movable forms could also be used.

[@colstace2560]

They keep calling it concrete, it's not ! Concrete is sand, cement, water and gravel, this is just cement, water and foam. Every building system has good and bad points you have to research each and choose what works for you and your project.

[@joeyork9891]

What the fuk... Portland cement has all that... They are air rating the mix Lighter weight better insulation value Higher fire rating....

[@anamariegonzalez2855]

QUESTION~ The reinforcement fabric made by Apoc, would you put a layer on the inside of the structure as well or only the outside?

[@AkamaiBackyard]

I am just the filmmaker, but I believe it was on the inside and the outside.

[@NotN8]

This seems so simple, but it can be a struggle just to meet the legal code requirements. When I wanted to build a geodesic dome, the county wanted land density analysis, geothermal inspection, fees etc.. it's so much money just to develop the land it wasn't even worth it

[@patfriasartshop]

When is your schedule for the Philippines? Thank you

[@DavidSiebert]

I was wondering how it would do with rain as well. Also, why not build triangular molds and make it like a geodesic dome. You could also add the fabric to the mold to add strength. Maybe even some e glass fiberglass fabric. I do question how it would hold up to a strong hurricane. Probably should test it with a pressure washer to see how it will do for the rain and I would feel better with some steel as well.

[@josebenitez3732]

Is anyone else thinking of destruction testing, 2x4x8' fired from an air cannon? Super interested in this construction method. Does anyone know if this material can be poured and released from forms like poured concrete? And what of reinforcement? Thanks.

[@charlesfield9286]

Any data on the compressive strength of the air-concrete?

[@patrickeh696]

About 1/10 of normal concrete Charles. Go thinshell as it uses less material than air-crete and is stronger.

[@joannawie]

great !!

[@chrisw8415]

Is aircrete a good insulator from cold? I live in Pennsylvania, we can get temps.as low as 0* F. In a very cold winter. Do you know the "R" value of your blocks ( this is an insulation value, the higher the number the better the insulating properites) awesome video!

[@nc3826]

if done correctly it averages about R-Value 2.2 per inch.. aidomes.com/aidomes-vs-aircrete/ ... suggest u check out hempcrete, such a justbiofiber.ca/ blocks too...

[@chrisk8z]

hey Felicia im from the philippines is there a video of a dome made here? tnx

[@archie764]

When and where is the next build in the Philippenes please

[@Thecodexnoir]

I want to take this class sooooo bad👀 Do you have to make blocks or could you also do the collapsible bubble/balloon form? I want one, On pylons, with a 360 patio. O ya. Drool worthy

[@cdmichaelb]

Was this finished? How is it holding up in the hurricane? Followup video?

[@alexsinclaire2427]

How many bags of concrete does it take to make this dome and overhangs?

[@adelchidipalma9857]

would it be easier to build a form and add debars and pout the aircrete?

[@fake-assname3720]

i love it a pizza oven is built the same way

[@ggsmith099]

Make more how-to videos cool can you make a dome for underground house? How waterproof is the finished building?

[@TRICHOMETRIST]

Graphene could be added for strength ! Either way its an awesome dome The other material that's interesting is hempcrete Nice setup

[@13rdTvShow]

Hempcrete is awesome, much better insulating values, but unfortunately its still heavily regulated in many countries and actually prohibited to grow in some other. So until those regulations are not changed, cost will be slowing those type of constructions....

[@sovamau1119]

awesome building, great inspiration and all..but can we just appriciate for a moment how beautiful gabe is? it was quite hard to focus on what he was actually saying.. :p