Why I DON'T Build With MOLDS Anymore - Hard Lessons Learned!

[@DocJaeBass]

I'm so happy you continue to be active here on KZbin. It keeps me in touch with what you are doing while giving me more and more ideas on how to build when I return to the States (probably summer 2025).

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@DocJaeBass Thanks! That is the goal of the comment section game we are doing now - to get more feedback and build connections here!

[@ioda006]

Excited to see the better ways to do a mold poured build you come up with. I wanna do an arch structure like your shed, but without the frame bones!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@ioda006 Awesome! That will be coming shortly. We are actually testing one new way of doing that

[@jeffreystephens2658]

Very informative! Looking forward to the new methods. I know in this economy, the only way I'm ever going to own a home is to build one.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@jeffreystephens2658 Yes that is why we decided to invest in this research! The time has come for an alternative

[@vigeo5]

Interesting to hear your lessons learned. I'm looking forward to learning what you do now.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@vigeo5 Thanks! We had to innovate new concepts that perform much better!

[@DocJaeBass]

me too

[@aw8388]

You should do a Tilt-up building. You could pour all four walls and roof panels on the slab at one time with some visqueen and just outer forms. You could wire brace so the forms don't blow out, and it would be way lighter. With remesh centered on the wires used to brace the form, they could be really strong. AND the forms can be reused.

[@AbundanceBuild]

It's possible but the weight would make it no longer DIY. Plus you really need to pack the Abundacrete tightly to create a bond; this would take a very large press and more time to complete

[@RonCortez-m6w]

Another excellent video. Thanks for being. A continued inspiration.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@RonCortez-m6w Thanks for watching!

[@gavinlefthome]

The pool house looks awesome. Is there a time line for when you'll be releasing updated content and building methods to the digital class for those who've already purchased it?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@gavinlefthome No, we will just continue to add as we can. All that remains to be added will be considered a free bonus

[@gavinlefthome]

@@AbundanceBuild what will that look like? (sorry I was going to email but the website said to ask questions here.) I downloaded the course when the website changed but wondered if new video content would be made available from the other builds?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@gavin8438 We will be posting more from the different builds here. The class is mainly to show you the best way to build. We will update images (like we recently added some 3D models for clarity) but the preferred method from the class is still optimal. We are researching one improvement on the earthbag method and will add that once our practical experience is compiled. The main thing we are planning to add is off-gridding guidance which we hope to finish in 2025. You can email us to get a link that will make it easier to pickup the updates through Google Drive; we made some changes to how we distribute the course in the new website so updates are easier now.

[@bethnugent7629]

Thank you for working out the bugs for us all. I started to search for local places that might have the styrofoam but realized there are many different kinds; some squishy like sponges and others like that hard pink board kind. What do I ask for when i call these companies? And I was wondering if anyone has done blocks and a dome home with abundacrete.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@bethnugent7629 We have done a dome and blocks - you can do either! You don't want the sponge kind, you want the white kind that looks like beads

[@TerrySpade]

Ouch! Some lessons are more painful than others (or require more work to fix)! Very excited to see what can be accomplished with your building methods and materials. I have waited years to build a garage (due to cost) and think this is the way!!! Another great video, thanks!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@TerrySpade Thanks Terry! Our pain is your gain 😅

[@UniquelyUbiquitous-yg3xl]

This is the first time I’ve realized that this wonderful feller looks JUST LIKE Matt Risinger! In fact, I’d say this’ll be what Matt looks like in fifteen years. Who’s with me here?! 🤔

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@UniquelyUbiquitous-yg3xl Haha I think Matt inspired Stephen as well! They are pretty similar

[@fightline4741]

Put form oil on it or you can do it the old school way and put diesel on it both ways work very well and make sure they are thoroughly cleaned because any concrete left on the form will stick to it

[@AbundanceBuild]

We did! It still was a problem with the stucco, lesson learned

[@clintd7264]

Always good to know details like this!

[@AbundanceBuild]

For sure 😄

[@cynthias7757]

I would like to see more of the construction. I kind of got lost in the explanation. Can you post or direct to more 9f your hands on videos of the product at work? Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@cynthias7757 Thanks for your feedback! We will focus on being more clear on the next one. We are trying to make videos every week so the construction will become more clear over time. You can also learn everything step by step in our online class at abundancebuild.com !

[@BraxtonMcDonald92]

I just bought the course and now I own all of the information you’re asking about.

[@philipbrown1433]

Thumbnail title is confusing. If I understand correctly, you will still use molds but won’t pre-stucco the fiber mesh.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@philipbrown1433 No we also don't use molds anymore. But you could technically if done better. We innovated new concepts that perform better now!

[@jeanmckenzie1963]

I love my concrete high rise building and as I consider building for myself, I would like to keep the concrete structural walls and ceilings.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@jeanmckenzie1963 awesome, our online class at abundancebuild.com could help you with your build!

[@charlynestyles]

Hi I hope you are well 💗

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@charlynestyles Thanks Charlyne! Doing Great! Hope you are having a good week!

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

That why you should always research the materials you are using, stucco is like glue (intentionally). Done similar roofs with icf, makes the job a lot easier.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@ericdelevinquiere9902 This was research to see if we could make this fast and easy to replicate. We have since developed better methods too!

[@petterjosefsson4290]

Nice work!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@petterjosefsson4290 Thanks 👍

[@krussellgal]

If you stopped using molds then how did you build the roof? Stay in place molds?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@krussellgal We use some new innovative methods! Stay in place molds are one way but there are a couple other options we cover in our online class at abundancebuild.com

[@duanethieme4186]

All part of building a better "mousetrap", looking forward to your innovative new concepts! Keep up the good work!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@duanethieme4186 Thanks Duane! The mice don't stand a chance now 😅

[@duanethieme4186]

@@AbundanceBuild 😅 Not with anti-rodent styrocrete!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@duanethieme4186 So good! 🤣

[@inklingduckling7087]

What if metal concrete forms are used? Would that be suitable for building? But would probably drive price up.

[@AbundanceBuild]

You can do that! But yes, the price would be a big factor

[@Norbingel]

l will check later but did you update your course to reflect not using molds anymore?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@Norbingel Molds are still technically an option but it's not our preferred method as described in the class.

[@Norbingel]

@@AbundanceBuild you mentioned "new concepts" instead of molds in your response to another comment. Does that mean there are more than 3 building options/methods now?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@Norbingel No the preferred method described in the class has not been shared on KZbin. There are still 3 ways of doing it

[@Norbingel]

@@AbundanceBuild I understand now. Thank you for the clarification!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@Norbingel You're welcome!

[@timmbot6082]

This is cool. The building looks really nice and I especially like the ceiling feature on the ceiling. In the future can you guys please show each step as you’re building or at least have video clips to go with the explanations? It’d be more understandable and more interesting to watch. Also things like why did you go with that design, that size, how do you run electrical (some people may not know) and maybe show some of the features of the building would be interesting too.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@timmbot6082 Thanks for the feedback! This is just one of many videos we will be making on this build and our others. We decided to break it down into smaller chunks versus our longer series. we have longform content on our other builds you can watch here: kzbin.info/aero/PLhZQhMQAfmtjrnzM67-_p6c5K6tBAfxzZ&si=Xe2W4Oq78KPge8XM

[@timmbot6082]

@ okay excellent! Thanks for responding!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@timmbot6082 You're welcome!

[@Coltrabagar]

Keep up the good work.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@Coltrabagar Thanks! We will do our best!

[@WesleyConn]

What about using this to shroud a shipping container?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@WesleyConn It's possible but not worth it. It would be difficult to pack the interior with a roof over your head. Making straight walls with our methods is easy and you don't have to pay extra for a used metal box

[@johnharden6343]

How about pouring flat and tilt up like commercial buildings? Maybe pour over mesh and a sheet over top to finish the pour

[@AbundanceBuild]

It's possible but the weight would make it no longer DIY. Plus you really need to pack the Abundacrete tightly to create a bond; this would take a very large press and more time to complete

[@silvioglucklich1155]

Thx for sharing your experience. However, as native German I could hardly comprehend it. Some illustration might have helped. So I'll try to download the subtitles and have them translated and give it another try.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@silvioglucklich1155 Thanks for letting us know! We will work on clarity for the next one!

[@ioda006]

great tips!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@ioda006 👍

[@scorpio6587]

With no rafter ties, what keeps the walls from pushing out?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@scorpio6587 There is an interior wall that spans the width of the building.

[@scorpio6587]

@@AbundanceBuild Ah, ty

[@AbundanceBuild]

@scorpio6587 You're welcome!

[@hopechannelcat5462]

could this hold up for a basement? i mean could it hold the pressure of the soil around it?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@hopechannelcat5462 It definitely could but you would still need to have an engineer make sure for each case.

[@alternativebuilding]

The 2x4's on the outside of the forms are called, walers.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@alternativebuilding Wow didn't know that! Thanks for sharing

[@freddiefamble4774]

Is this ready for prime time? In other words, can I build a tiny house with this yet?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Yes definitely! We have built six buildings and our customers have built a few dozen more!

[@freddiefamble4774]

@@AbundanceBuild Thanks. Are there tools to get started on your website? How do you suggest I get started?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@freddiefamble4774 well you can download our free tool checklist on the website at abundancebuild.com then when you're ready purchase the online class for the step by step video guide, recipes, 3D plans, guidebook, etc.

[@freddiefamble4774]

@@AbundanceBuild Thank you

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@freddiefamble4774 You're welcome!

[@DougBobbitt]

Abundacrete ftw!

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@DougBobbitt 💯

[@MariaGoya-hg7hz]

Please consider using diagrams and scripting your video. It sounds like a podcast or verbal description. It looks like unscripted and more and more like rambling. Also you never address a better alternative to using molds. Did u paint and oil your like u did in the dome build bc u didn't had any issues with the molds. Things not adding up.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@MariaGoya-hg7hz Thanks for the feedback. We left the molds in for too long and they stuck despite using the best oil form release - we changed to direction after this and started using new techniques you can learn about in future videos

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

i think an inflated form coated with concrete is easiest.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@IronMan-yg4qw It's easy but the risk of losing power or having an error with your air flow is too risky for us

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

@@AbundanceBuild ive never heard of any case where air flow is a problem. aircrete harry uses it exclusively and never reported a problem.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@IronMan-yg4qw people have lost power and deflated which is a huge problem. You need to run that generator or whatever for days

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

@@AbundanceBuild ok i understand. thx for that but like i said aircrete harry never mentions such problems. problems like that are probably made by people with lacking the care in their setup/equipment.

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

@@AbundanceBuild i would hope you would try your hand at this and see what you find out before you disregard this air form method.