Hands down the best presentation I have seen yet on this subject! While the other guys are still experimenting with materials and processes, you demonstrate a proven process with all the details needed to replicate. Thank you very kindly, sir!
You're the man. I literally type in the search bar for videos like this and get nothing this good. So finally your video just popped up in my algorithm videos I might like..
interesting. i collect stuff that gets thrown away from job sites. FRP's, lead covered drywall, 4x6's iron rods. i'm the guy that stacks the trash bin nicely, i stack in a way for those who come and recycle metal who do that for a living. the nuts and bolts and screws that get thrown away is sad. right now i'm a hop skip and a jump from your location, i'm in riverside. i move around in construction, and solar installation, seeing you using recycled parts gives me a warm feeling. *very interesting build*
I love it! It's so satisfying to realize how sturdy but at the same time light this building is! And the stuccoed walls and roof just please my eyes! Love it!
I've been using this method ever since watching your garage build, and I absolutely love it! Made a 6x10 slab, small (14-16") retainer wall, and used a kids pool as a form to make a small in ground concrete pool for my dogs. I personally recommend using either recycled wire fencing, or anything thicker than chicken wire, in the center for reinforcement as the long term structural capacity is still in the air... but for anything non structural, this is the way to go! Saves a ton of money in materials! My next project will be to pour my driveway with it to see how well it holds up.
Another great video, I have my StyroAirCrete house, 40’ x 32’ about 75% complete, in the dry with electrical, water and sewage rough connected. I have less than $17000.00 invested in it so far. Had to change a few ideas, but all in all it’s coming along great. I have done 98% by myself. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Chuck that is awesome! I love to hear this has inspired folks to tackle their own projects. I would love to hear what you have experienced in working with it. Good and bad. Email me at stephen.williams64@yahoo.com
Having built some masonry domes, I have found that just using pure Portland cement with no sand or aggregate is near water proof. Paint it on. Borrowed that from an NGO that used it to seal cisterns in Chile.
It's the issue of the Portland cement being bad for the environment too. Other options can be cheaper and better for the environment... although it may take a little bit more work.
Love this build! You did a great job on this, especially those wood doors! I’m a woodworking enthusiast so I really appreciate your work on those. Thanks for the information as it was very helpful in my current deep dive on styrene cement building concepts!
Thank you! If you want the full deep dive we made an online class available at abundancebuild.com which provides our recipes, methods, spreadsheets for all material and tool costs, 3D plans, etc. You can build anything for $5 per square foot with our methods!
Don't mind the negative comments. This was an excellent video. All the basic information needed for someone to do a similar project. You did use some specialty equipment, but you still made it clear how it can be done without it. Thanks for uploading.
@@jeffreystephens2658 That's why we do this! Check out our online class if you want the full process step by step at $5 per square foot! abundancebuild.com
@@brokenrecord3523 So far everyone who has tried has been approved as long as "there is a frame in the wall." If the Abundacrete is for insulation and not considered structural, no issues
A great job of the recap of the whole project. Your work with this shed and your workshop are exceptionally informative and highly motivational. Thanks for all the clear information. I'm absolutely looking forward to your next project - and those of your followers should they share them with you. I have property in Montana with 40 below winters. I have a log cabin but will absolutely build with this method on the next project. I am also considering building with this system in the Philippines. From one extreme to the other!
This looks exciting. The amount of unusual required equipment (mixer, foamer, shredder, etc) as well as workspace looks daunting compared to stick built. It's kinda hard to start small, experiment, learn, and then expand.
Metal roofing panel are cut to custom sizes and can be manipulated to achieve the desired curvature. A lot easier to make larger panels as well as assembling and disassembling them. Because the panels overlap every 3 feet, you can make a perfectly round mold. Your sharing is appreciated, thank you sir!
Wow, that's incredible. The roof looks so good I thought it was metal before you got to that part. Thanks so much for sharing this technique and information.
I'm retired in the Philippines and looking for alternative building methods. The traditional building here is a steel reinforced concrete post and beam system then closed in with hollow blocks filled with mortar then cement plastered inside and out. Just an incredible amount of time and material involved.
@@davidmadison1087 Check out our online class at abundancebuild.com (40% for a limited time.) We show you our cost saving methods to build for $5 per square foot with far less materials and processes involved. Abundacrete is great for the climate in the Philippines!
typhoon. your exterior needs to be able to withstand flying debris (they always use a random 2x4 as the debris example) at the highest speed range the typhoons in your area achieve
I have contact in Phillipines (Loakan Proper region of Baguio City) Aprils Community Ventures. Promising Paralegal. She is looking to further such community projects as low cost housing, rainwater - coconut carbon filter, solar islanding- individuals, local implementations seem rigid and unimaginative? Unless maybe Manila and Deep southern regions. The shipping and pricing seems beyond outrageous for building with anything less than locally available materials. Try the Dustcrete infilling with Lime Plaster. Seems bamboo superstructure/pole beam more likely to get local interest and approvals.
I just discovered your channel. I built 1 of the original Integrated Concrete Form (ICF) homes in Louisville, and our now we have moved to an island paradise where we built our 700 square meter concrete home by the ocean. We are energy efficient homesteaders living an Awesome life. From my experience with ICF, your construction methods have worthwhile potential for builders and homesteaders who want to build energy and cost efficient buildings. I look forward to seeing more of your videos and techniques. Continued Success! Greg Note1: what is an interesting concept that my friends were doing was shredding another material and mixing it to create highly resilient concrete. Maybe we can talk about their concept in the future. Cheers! Note 2: I have a great concrete painting tip for you as well.
As a self proclaimed tinker .Id love to have worked on this with you .just watching your video im going to turn my old electric lawn mower into a garden shredder for the composter . love the design as im in a snow area and we tend to have to remove snow from some of our shed roofs .Good job !! enjoy your problem solving .
I cannot wait 'til you start droppin' more videos and content. I love your stuff, man. You're going to change the world with learning how to perfect your building methodolgies.
For you , where you live , it cost you 1600 dollars . The majority of us don't have the knowledge experience and significant tools with the space and outbuildings to do all this . I am very intrigued by this method as it seems very versatile . The cost would be much more for me out here in California but still far cheaper than other ways that are as sound as this . This building is not the same as corrugated metal one assembled with sheetmetal screws . It's like a work of art . Thanks for showing us this method of building and giving good explanations of as you go through the process .
The end result looks very acceptable, long been a fan of the Gothic arch and built a few. Thank you for sharing your efforts and findings with us of similar interests.
Hi Stephen to say the least have felt incredibly blessed to been exposed to your videos, planning on constructing with Styrofoam air Crete in the coming months. Look forward to future updates and engineering stamps!!
I see some comments of people who can't believe this can be done... 1st. Cost wise. 2nd. Labor wise. 3rd. all else wise. They should take the time to research and see that this is 100% valid and doable. I know it is hard to get out of their 'bubble' to look at what the rest of the world is doing. Shameful! Thank you for this video! I am looking for options to build an off-grid homestead. Your video is very detailed and helpful!
@@jeanhanner9407 Thank you! I think a lot of people window shop and don't watch the whole video. We are working on more shorter videos to help teach those people too 😁
@@AbundanceBuild You are doing awesome. I love that you do include saying.. we are trying this.. let's see how it holds up (sorta thing). This video has really relieved a lot of my anxiety and given me a lot of options I wasn't considering btw. Also.... they also forget that this structure is not for a home.. is for a shed. I will look at your other videos too.. I have a lot to catch up to! Sensei... maybe I will contact you later when we do start our project!
@@jeanhanner9407 Haha! Thank you! We are here to help every step of the way! We are very confident in the strength of the material for a house; you'll see the 2 story workshop which is over 4 years old (with no frame in the wall) and holding up great 👍
@@AbundanceBuild This guy.. it maybe confusing with the translation, but he is very good with doing things for a lot less cost. www.youtube.com/@CRUZYAKAMAR2021
I have been following your building progress. I love the shed that you have made. Thank you for doing this and I am thrilled to hear that you are doing an e-course for this method.
Your video production capabilities are greatly appreciated. It makes it easier to quickly understand what is happening. Actually, you go a little too fast sometimes. But TH-cam has a couple of fixes for that. Anyway, I have been thinking on the StyroAirCrete for the last 24 hours after watching this video. And here is an idea/suggestion that came to me which I think could be worthwhile: Incorporate insulated glass block into your walls. What do you think of that? I mean, you have done great amounts of proof-of-concept already. So I figure you would have valuable suggestions/remarks about this. And thanks for the great content.👍
A good alternative way to "flatten" the walls is to take a combined approach, such as, digging a pit, and erecting a arch attec/roof on top. As a catch you could 1) save some materials for using a bond beam foundation vs a slab, 2) either double the usable space, or reduce the materials volume by scaling down the hight of the arch radius.
Very good presentation. Lot of know-how, experimentation and hard work! I especially appreciate your concise, fact-filled voice-over. Not sure where you live, but probably some municipalities would be a pain about building codes.
Thank you! Yes we are trying to get general approvals for people to use but ultimately you have to build where the government treats you best. Subscribe for new bigger builds coming soon!
Working on apartments as a carpenter here in Texas, they use a lot of stucco finish. For the final stucco coat lots of guys use a texture gun and hopper like drywall finishers use indoors for texturing drywall. Nothing fancy and just a normal size compressor used for just one texture gun. As for the brown and scratch coat they used the normal trowel technique.
Thanks for sharing. I think its great how you used the reclaimed & recycled materials the shape is very cool. old Europe Gothic church or even Buddhist temple....Love it. Your machines and innovation are admirable.
Thank you for this wonderful display. I watched it over 20 times and soon I will start the project according to your instructions. I wish you all the best .
This seems extremely labor and time intensive. I love the idea of recycled materials but it needs to be simplified and scalable. Hopefully people can run with it and make improvements
Hi Stephen, I am a student at Rowan University in NJ researching Aircrete this semester. My team and I are working on a research project that will hopefully lead to an actual building of an aircrete home. Since you have so much knowledge in this field, I would love to find out if you would be willing to answer a few questions to help guide our research. Thanks so much!
With the old time plasterers, they would put a pigment right in the last coat of mortar and it would never need painting at all. You could get almost any color. Also, they could finish it such that it would look like a mirror finish, like a fine automotive lacquer paint job, if that was what was desired.
@@AbundanceBuild When I helped render, in Australia, once it was tinted...you better LOVE that color as there is no painting over it....just a consideration.
Most amazing build of a building I have seen in a long time. Thank you for sharing this as I am now trying to source the scrap styrofoam for a project like this. And I don't mind getting dirty to do this.
If you don't want to get dirty we discovered a stucco free way to do it too! Check out our Online Class at abundance.build/classes/ to see all of our discoveries! Use coupon code: TH-cam for $400 off! This is version 1.0 and we are now past version 4.0!
Ever since I first saw earthbag, rammed earth and later aircrete domes I've wondered about using a metal sprayer to coat the outside with aluminum. I'm not sure the ideal thickness for such an aluminum shell, but it would be pretty weather resistant and there would be lots of options for finishing it.
the pretty look of this "stone tent" made me thinking about planting grass and flowers on it. if i ever do such a goodlooking shed which could also be the entrance to a cellar for vegetables or so..
Cool idea! There is a company called Respyre thar makes biophlilic cement that can grow plants. They never got back with us but maybe you could get in touch!
great work , I love the low cost. Some people might strengthen the walls to floor slab by drilling the concrete slab and fit galvanised starter bars 18 inches long , as you fill the walls it will give that extra bit of lateral strength in case you get earthquakes. Same with the ridge joint , you could bend up galvanised rebar into a Vee shape and add them to strengthen the ridge peak , better a little too much than 1 % too little :)
Been following along since the beginning. Patiently waiting for an update or showing how the roof copes with winter weather. Your styroaircrete placing method is sort of like a slip form. I’m curious if you could simply use the inner form and tool the styroaircrete from the outside by screeding along the arch form. Maybe do short lifts of a foot or so where the arch is more vertical?
It came out awesome great work!! A labor intensive way to build that’s for sure! Seem to have many benefits especially the cost and ability to recycle so many materials.
Thanks! We did the work to discover easier ways to get this result so you don't have to do it the hard way haha! We compiled it in an online class at abundancebuild.com
Hello Stephen, Your shed looks great. Going off your design, couldn't you use plywood strips instead of ripping a board down ? Wouldn't the laminated 1/2 or 3/4 plywood be stronger and less prone to cracking or splitting than a thin ripped strip of wood ? The other Idea was instead of nailing the tops together, put in an open ridge beam that the wall trusses can be nailed to that would allow you to do a finish pour from the ridge that would tie everything together at the top and could be packed from there as well. I had some ideas on hinged wall form boards that you can just flip the next form up, secure, and fill the wall. They would need to be offset starting at the bottom. Over all you've done a fantastic job researching, testing, and sharing your findings. Thank you Sir
Hi Slowhand35. Yes plywood would work fine, but the 2x4's were free and they worked great. Yes a top beam would work well and I considered designing it that way. I would love to see your form design. Please share as you build.
I really like the way you have developed the styro aircrete material and see the logic of having a formable aggregate that won't collapse in use and in fact has to be compacted. This seems to open up the possibility of placing it using a cob technique rather than pouring it into the formwork? From your experience do you think it possible to make a stiff enough mix that it could be hand placed to create freeform 3D compound curve sculptural structures that could then have a bonded ferrocement layer applied for structural tensile and compressive strength? The freeform structures I want to make will ultimately be buried and landscaped so having a material that is water tolerant like styro aircrete seems a perfect fit to make sculptural formwork? Also just wondering if you have experimented with fibre reinforcement like polypropylene or hemp? Thanks for sharing your work.
I'm so excited about what you talkin about that it really rocks my boat, thank you! I appreciate that you're mortal like the rest of us and I willing to confess pitfalls that Can and do happen
Pretty cool build. Will the arched framing be load bearing after all the cement work cures? If the wood were to rot out, would the structure still stand?
The wood is just to provide the shape. The fiberglass shell provides the strength of the building. We treat the wood to prevent mold but if the wood did entirely rot out it would not affect the strength of the build!
@@rabidroco yes we did that on the second third building we built but found it to not be as easy as it seems. The form requires a lot of bracing to hold it's shape
It could also be built bigger to compensate for straight walls and a ceiling.The uneven and curved space behind the walls and attic could be insulated!
I’ve built big outdoor tables out of vermiculite and Portland cement. Worked great. I probably used more cement than needed as it was fairly heavy. With more experimentation less cement could be used.
Maybe the one guy doesn’t like the looks of it, but I think it’s cool! Plus the construction is interesting. Wonder if you could make a root cellar with it. Cheers!
Congrats my friend You have done something that few can match. that is beside one great looking Garden Shed, you have taught us all what sharing information is really all about. from making foam to painting the roof. Can't thank you enough for putting me up at your house and inviting me to your table. You have inspired many like me, to get involved in this new wonderful and inexpensive way of building. Not easy to thank you enough, just don't have the words. We will soon begin with the first structure in Guatemala and I sure hope to have you and your wife here when its finally done. God Bless. Roberto
Actually we have a new method that we are about to share that we believe anybody can do! Especially in a group! If you love it you can do it! Subscribe to be notified!
Thank you for your educational videos, I really appreciate them! I have projects in the queue I want to use your system on. I have the electric mower, but still need the aircrete pump system, so I will get going on that. I want to learn to build trusses as you showed how, also.
I wonder about off gassing or the styrofoam in case of exposure to fire. And how does it hold up to blunt forces like wind and branches. Very cool building! Good job!
REALLY like using recycled packaging waste for building - Well Done, Mate !! Ever consider making an ICF type block? Your Styrocrete on the sides with a pattern for poured concrete with openings for utilities and rebar in between (Code Compliant) ?? If the Styrocrete had screws in a pattern facing into the concrete pour, it would be laminated well A format similar to size of 4x4 of cinder blocks, would be mighty easy to work (Sailor, yes; getting old and thinking a Homestead might be smarter than fighting storms and expensive marinas....)
Thank you! I doubt it would be code compliant without official testing. To make an ICF block out of this stuff you would need a hydraulic press to get it to bond properly - we are focusing more on the DIYer for now! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Hi, great work. I'm trying to understand where the A-frame ridges appeared from? At 10:57 the mesh goes on without any ridges in sight and then suddenly at 12:27 the ridges appear when doing the stucco? Thanks.
Looks great. Is it possible to just make bricks or blocks out of the styrocrete and morter with the same. How thick would it need to be to be structurally sound?
Val you can but that is way more work than pouring it in place. Styro aircrete is not very strong so I would recommend you use wood trusses to add support strength.
We have explored the manufacturing options but in order to really get the best price you need to make it yourself! So we made the building method simple and filmed an Online Class to show you how to make it all! Check it out at abundance.build/classes/ , use coupon code TH-cam for $400 off!
Great way to recycle but styrene is an endocrine disrupter and prolonged exposure also results in nervous system damage. Idk if I'd want to build my walls with that.
You could set up your own “test lab” with a pressure sensing gauge and a hydraulic bottle jack and some steel or wood frame to test the compressive strength and sheer strength.
Just a random thought here, if you held a live event super chat maybe their could be a chance to acquire funds to bankroll your styro crete pumper. I know I would ask you a question for 5 dollars or you could start a TH-cam membership for 5 dollars where we could get more detailed information on questions we may have, just something to throw out there to see if it sticks or not........
The garden shed looks great! You mentioned in the video that you were unable to build shelves higher due to the curve of the A-frame. Is it possible to attach or suspend shelving from the top of the shed interior for additional storage or is there a weight restriction?
@11:00 we use Dryvit Primus to stick on the mesh and then a smooth finish coat , all in one motion. That stuff is TOUGH . Makes for a much stronger end product.
I hope you make another video on grinding styrofoam and add electric hot wires to cut the styrofoam to smaller pieces before putting them in ur grinder.
Ruth I built a hotwire grid to melt larger pieces into smaller ones but it was too slow. The best way is to use a sawzal with a long 12 inch blade and you can quickly cut the pieces into smaller chunks. I got some very large solid blocks of styrofoam and used this method and it worked great.
ENROLL IN THE ONLINE CLASS HERE: abundancebuild.com
Hands down the best presentation I have seen yet on this subject! While the other guys are still experimenting with materials and processes, you demonstrate a proven process with all the details needed to replicate. Thank you very kindly, sir!
More builds coming soon! Stay tuned
RIGHT?? I am so excited finding THIS channel.
You're the man. I literally type in the search bar for videos like this and get nothing this good. So finally your video just popped up in my algorithm videos I might like..
Welcome in! We have more videos coming soon! You can check out our playlist for a start to finish on this build :)
interesting. i collect stuff that gets thrown away from job sites. FRP's, lead covered drywall, 4x6's iron rods. i'm the guy that stacks the trash bin nicely, i stack in a way for those who come and recycle metal who do that for a living. the nuts and bolts and screws that get thrown away is sad. right now i'm a hop skip and a jump from your location, i'm in riverside. i move around in construction, and solar installation, seeing you using recycled parts gives me a warm feeling. *very interesting build*
Way to go! There is a lot of construction here and an unbelievable haul waiting in just about every dumpster 😁
You’re a person after my own heart.
I love it! It's so satisfying to realize how sturdy but at the same time light this building is! And the stuccoed walls and roof just please my eyes! Love it!
Thank you!
I've been using this method ever since watching your garage build, and I absolutely love it! Made a 6x10 slab, small (14-16") retainer wall, and used a kids pool as a form to make a small in ground concrete pool for my dogs. I personally recommend using either recycled wire fencing, or anything thicker than chicken wire, in the center for reinforcement as the long term structural capacity is still in the air... but for anything non structural, this is the way to go! Saves a ton of money in materials!
My next project will be to pour my driveway with it to see how well it holds up.
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing! We are about to share some new findings - stay tuned!
@ThisGuysChannel
Don't use lime in the mix, the driveway will disintegrate.
I just LOVE & ADMIRE creative Humans....you, Sir, Are BRILLIANT.
Another great video, I have my StyroAirCrete house,
40’ x 32’ about 75% complete, in the dry with electrical, water and sewage rough connected. I have less than $17000.00 invested in it so far. Had to change a few ideas, but all in all it’s coming along great. I have done 98% by myself.
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Chuck that is awesome! I love to hear this has inspired folks to tackle their own projects. I would love to hear what you have experienced in working with it. Good and bad. Email me at stephen.williams64@yahoo.com
I’d love to see how it turns out - let us know if you make a vid or post pics
Congrats, Chuck!
Having built some masonry domes, I have found that just using pure Portland cement with no sand or aggregate is near water proof. Paint it on. Borrowed that from an NGO that used it to seal cisterns in Chile.
Wow thanks for the tip! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
It's the issue of the Portland cement being bad for the environment too. Other options can be cheaper and better for the environment... although it may take a little bit more work.
Love this build! You did a great job on this, especially those wood doors! I’m a woodworking enthusiast so I really appreciate your work on those. Thanks for the information as it was very helpful in my current deep dive on styrene cement building concepts!
Thank you! If you want the full deep dive we made an online class available at abundancebuild.com which provides our recipes, methods, spreadsheets for all material and tool costs, 3D plans, etc. You can build anything for $5 per square foot with our methods!
Don't mind the negative comments. This was an excellent video. All the basic information needed for someone to do a similar project. You did use some specialty equipment, but you still made it clear how it can be done without it. Thanks for uploading.
Thank you!
Brilliant to see the building finished, That's one sweet project Steve you should be proud mate. Thanks for sharing👍
Thank you!
This gives me hope of some day owning a home.
@@jeffreystephens2658 That's why we do this! Check out our online class if you want the full process step by step at $5 per square foot! abundancebuild.com
Unfortunately, building codes (for houses) are a long way from catching up to these construction methods, but if you're sneaky...
@@brokenrecord3523 So far everyone who has tried has been approved as long as "there is a frame in the wall." If the Abundacrete is for insulation and not considered structural, no issues
A great job of the recap of the whole project. Your work with this shed and your workshop are exceptionally informative and highly motivational. Thanks for all the clear information. I'm absolutely looking forward to your next project - and those of your followers should they share them with you. I have property in Montana with 40 below winters. I have a log cabin but will absolutely build with this method on the next project. I am also considering building with this system in the Philippines. From one extreme to the other!
Jason I am glad the videos have been helpful. Good luck with your projects.
Workshop July 25 - 28th!
Very creative method! Thank you so much for sharing videos that explain your methodology.
@@ChimpsAI You're welcome! Stay tuned for bigger builds wrapping up soon. You can learn more at abundancebuild.com
This looks exciting. The amount of unusual required equipment (mixer, foamer, shredder, etc) as well as workspace looks daunting compared to stick built. It's kinda hard to start small, experiment, learn, and then expand.
We are making it simpler! Stay tuned for new builds!
Metal roofing panel are cut to custom sizes and can be manipulated to achieve the desired curvature. A lot easier to make larger panels as well as assembling and disassembling them. Because the panels overlap every 3 feet, you can make a perfectly round mold. Your sharing is appreciated, thank you sir!
Good idea!
Wow, that's incredible. The roof looks so good I thought it was metal before you got to that part. Thanks so much for sharing this technique and information.
You're welcome! If you'd like to learn step by step how to make buildings like these check out our online class: abundance.build/classes/
greatly enjoy watching your videos and seeing the progress you've made in comparison to others. thanks
Thanks for watching!
I'm retired in the Philippines and looking for alternative building methods. The traditional building here is a steel reinforced concrete post and beam system then closed in with hollow blocks filled with mortar then cement plastered inside and out. Just an incredible amount of time and material involved.
@@davidmadison1087 Check out our online class at abundancebuild.com (40% for a limited time.) We show you our cost saving methods to build for $5 per square foot with far less materials and processes involved. Abundacrete is great for the climate in the Philippines!
typhoon.
your exterior needs to be able to withstand flying debris (they always use a random 2x4 as the debris example) at the highest speed range the typhoons in your area achieve
@@honeybadgerisme right
I have contact in Phillipines (Loakan Proper region of Baguio City) Aprils Community Ventures.
Promising Paralegal.
She is looking to further such community projects as low cost housing, rainwater - coconut carbon filter, solar islanding- individuals, local implementations seem rigid and unimaginative? Unless maybe Manila and Deep southern regions.
The shipping and pricing seems beyond outrageous for building with anything less than locally available materials.
Try the Dustcrete infilling with Lime Plaster. Seems bamboo superstructure/pole beam more likely to get local interest and approvals.
@@dr123hall email support@abundancebuild.com
set up a patreon so we can fund your continued research.
Working on a donate button in TH-cam. Stay tuned for new builds!
@@AbundanceBuild youtube takes like 40% of donations if I remember correctly.
Keep building and videoing!
Stay tuned!
Really enjoyed your journey with styrocrete. Again, thanks.
More builds coming soon!
I just discovered your channel.
I built 1 of the original Integrated Concrete Form (ICF) homes in Louisville, and our now we have moved to an island paradise where we built our 700 square meter concrete home by the ocean. We are energy efficient homesteaders living an Awesome life.
From my experience with ICF, your construction methods have worthwhile potential for builders and homesteaders who want to build energy and cost efficient buildings.
I look forward to seeing more of your videos and techniques.
Continued Success!
Greg
Note1: what is an interesting concept that my friends were doing was shredding another material and mixing it to create highly resilient concrete. Maybe we can talk about their concept in the future. Cheers!
Note 2: I have a great concrete painting tip for you as well.
Awesome! Welcome to the channel! Yes feel free to share any ideas in the comment section - people love to read them and try them out!
As a self proclaimed tinker .Id love to have worked on this with you .just watching your video im going to turn my old electric lawn mower into a garden shredder for the composter . love the design as im in a snow area and we tend to have to remove snow from some of our shed roofs .Good job !! enjoy your problem solving .
Thank you! We just finished compiling all of our research into an online class! Check it out at: abundance.build/classes/
Super cool. Its really awesome to see where youve taken this from your first video to here. Congratulations on all your achievements
Thank you! We are just getting started!
I cannot wait 'til you start droppin' more videos and content. I love your stuff, man. You're going to change the world with learning how to perfect your building methodolgies.
Thank you! We are so excited to share what we have been working on; the goal is to be world changing!
I just found the channel & haven't stopped watching....Love eco-friendly, creative Humans.
For you , where you live , it cost you 1600 dollars . The majority of us don't have the knowledge experience and significant tools with the space and outbuildings to do all this .
I am very intrigued by this method as it seems very versatile . The cost would be much more for me out here in California but still far cheaper than other ways that are as sound as this . This building is not the same as corrugated metal one assembled with sheetmetal screws . It's like a work of art . Thanks for showing us this method of building and giving good explanations of as you go through the process .
You're welcome! California may have some regulatory costs but we are making the machines cheaper and plug and play! Subscribe to be notified!
The end result looks very acceptable, long been a fan of the Gothic arch and built a few.
Thank you for sharing your efforts and findings with us of similar interests.
Thanks! New builds coming soon!
Wow that’s a lot of work! Impressive project.
Thank you! Making it easier for the next builds. Subscribe for new bigger builds coming soon!
Hi Stephen to say the least have felt incredibly blessed to been exposed to your videos, planning on constructing with Styrofoam air Crete in the coming months. Look forward to future updates and engineering stamps!!
Great job! New builds coming soon!
I see some comments of people who can't believe this can be done... 1st. Cost wise. 2nd. Labor wise. 3rd. all else wise. They should take the time to research and see that this is 100% valid and doable. I know it is hard to get out of their 'bubble' to look at what the rest of the world is doing. Shameful! Thank you for this video! I am looking for options to build an off-grid homestead. Your video is very detailed and helpful!
@@jeanhanner9407 Thank you! I think a lot of people window shop and don't watch the whole video. We are working on more shorter videos to help teach those people too 😁
@@AbundanceBuild You are doing awesome. I love that you do include saying.. we are trying this.. let's see how it holds up (sorta thing). This video has really relieved a lot of my anxiety and given me a lot of options I wasn't considering btw. Also.... they also forget that this structure is not for a home.. is for a shed. I will look at your other videos too.. I have a lot to catch up to! Sensei... maybe I will contact you later when we do start our project!
@@jeanhanner9407 Haha! Thank you! We are here to help every step of the way! We are very confident in the strength of the material for a house; you'll see the 2 story workshop which is over 4 years old (with no frame in the wall) and holding up great 👍
@@AbundanceBuild This guy.. it maybe confusing with the translation, but he is very good with doing things for a lot less cost. www.youtube.com/@CRUZYAKAMAR2021
A lot of them seem to follow the pattern: "It can't be done because I don't want to take the time to do it."
Excellent video, very well done, the shed turned out great!
Thank you! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
I have been following your building progress. I love the shed that you have made. Thank you for doing this and I am thrilled to hear that you are doing an e-course for this method.
You're welcome! New bigger builds coming soon!
Your video production capabilities are greatly appreciated. It makes it easier to quickly understand what is happening. Actually, you go a little too fast sometimes. But TH-cam has a couple of fixes for that.
Anyway, I have been thinking on the StyroAirCrete for the last 24 hours after watching this video.
And here is an idea/suggestion that came to me which I think could be worthwhile: Incorporate insulated glass block into your walls.
What do you think of that? I mean, you have done great amounts of proof-of-concept already. So I figure you would have valuable suggestions/remarks about this.
And thanks for the great content.👍
That is a good idea, we will look into it! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Heya! I create art with those glass blocks as they have been deemed not Earthquake proof...Check in your areas but that is in B.C. Canada
I'm super impressed with the resourcefulness of this! Thanks for sharing. And congratulations on a great result!
You're welcome and thank you! Subscribe for bigger builds and opportunities coming soon!
Awesome build. Very creative. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you and you're welcome Juan! Subscribe for new builds and opportunities coming soon!
greetings from Estonia!
Looks good! well done!
Greetings! Thank you!
Oh WOW that's beautiful!! I'd bet the thermal properties are so much better that metal and wood exterior siding.
Yes for sure! It's R 3.2 per inch
A good alternative way to "flatten" the walls is to take a combined approach, such as, digging a pit, and erecting a arch attec/roof on top. As a catch you could 1) save some materials for using a bond beam foundation vs a slab, 2) either double the usable space, or reduce the materials volume by scaling down the hight of the arch radius.
New builds coming soon!
Great Job!!!! Love it!!!
Thank you!
I like the higher wall design a lot. Looking forward to seeing your next builds!
Coming soon!
Very good presentation. Lot of know-how, experimentation and hard work! I especially appreciate your concise, fact-filled voice-over. Not sure where you live, but probably some municipalities would be a pain about building codes.
Thank you! Yes we are trying to get general approvals for people to use but ultimately you have to build where the government treats you best. Subscribe for new bigger builds coming soon!
Working on apartments as a carpenter here in Texas, they use a lot of stucco finish. For the final stucco coat lots of guys use a texture gun and hopper like drywall finishers use indoors for texturing drywall. Nothing fancy and just a normal size compressor used for just one texture gun. As for the brown and scratch coat they used the normal trowel technique.
Thanks for sharing this tip! We are working on updating the final coat! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Thanks for sharing. I think its great how you used the reclaimed & recycled materials the shape is very cool. old Europe Gothic church or even Buddhist temple....Love it. Your machines and innovation are admirable.
Thank you Stephen! Subscribe for new build shapes coming soon!
Thank you for this wonderful display. I watched it over 20 times and soon I will start the project according to your instructions. I wish you all the best .
Fantastic! You can do it! We have updates coming soon - subscribe to be notified!
This seems extremely labor and time intensive. I love the idea of recycled materials but it needs to be simplified and scalable. Hopefully people can run with it and make improvements
We have the simplified scalable solution now! Coming in an e-course very soon!
I watched your lawnmower/shredder video... genius!!
Thank you!
I like the fact you give people IDEAS ..." What if"...!!!???
Exactly! We are all in this together! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
@@AbundanceBuild Already did about a year ago! :>)
Thank you for recapping the project! This is wonderful.
You're welcome!
Hi Stephen,
I am a student at Rowan University in NJ researching Aircrete this semester. My team and I are working on a research project that will hopefully lead to an actual building of an aircrete home. Since you have so much knowledge in this field, I would love to find out if you would be willing to answer a few questions to help guide our research. Thanks so much!
Billyvoll I would love to talk to you about this. My email is stephen.williams64@yahoo.com
Exciting...Love your research project.
Stephen that looks great!
Thank you!
With the old time plasterers, they would put a pigment right in the last coat of mortar and it would never need painting at all. You could get almost any color. Also, they could finish it such that it would look like a mirror finish, like a fine automotive lacquer paint job, if that was what was desired.
maybe the lead helped with that
Thanks for sharing! We have been looking into those additive colors. Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
@@AbundanceBuild When I helped render, in Australia, once it was tinted...you better LOVE that color as there is no painting over it....just a consideration.
Most amazing build of a building I have seen in a long time. Thank you for sharing this as I am now trying to source the scrap styrofoam for a project like this. And I don't mind getting dirty to do this.
If you don't want to get dirty we discovered a stucco free way to do it too! Check out our Online Class at abundance.build/classes/ to see all of our discoveries! Use coupon code: TH-cam for $400 off! This is version 1.0 and we are now past version 4.0!
Ever since I first saw earthbag, rammed earth and later aircrete domes I've wondered about using a metal sprayer to coat the outside with aluminum. I'm not sure the ideal thickness for such an aluminum shell, but it would be pretty weather resistant and there would be lots of options for finishing it.
Interesting idea! I wonder about the cost of aluminum compared to stucco? We are testing a self-healing stucco formula now! Subscribe to be notified!
Maybe an aluminum powder mix into a thin layer of stucco, then heat blasted to melt the outer aluminum together.
the pretty look of this "stone tent"
made me thinking about planting grass and flowers on it.
if i ever do such a goodlooking shed which could also be the entrance to a cellar for vegetables or so..
Cool idea! There is a company called Respyre thar makes biophlilic cement that can grow plants. They never got back with us but maybe you could get in touch!
great work , I love the low cost.
Some people might strengthen the walls to floor slab by drilling the concrete slab and fit galvanised starter bars 18 inches long , as you fill the walls it will give that extra bit of lateral strength in case you get earthquakes.
Same with the ridge joint , you could bend up galvanised rebar into a Vee shape and add them to strengthen the ridge peak , better a little too much than 1 % too little :)
Good thinking!
Yep....I am thinking Aluminum for my Houseboat.
Wow that’s really nice and I’m very impressed! Awesome job Sir
Thank you! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Been following along since the beginning. Patiently waiting for an update or showing how the roof copes with winter weather. Your styroaircrete placing method is sort of like a slip form. I’m curious if you could simply use the inner form and tool the styroaircrete from the outside by screeding along the arch form. Maybe do short lifts of a foot or so where the arch is more vertical?
Good idea! Thanks for following the journey! We have a new build video coming soon with some different methods
Very Nice! We look forward to the next project!
Thank you!
16:28 you can use Elastomeric Paint and Part B paint hardener (mastic) to make Bed Liner for a truck.
Thanks for the tip! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Wow! Best bow roof shed I've seen. You've thought of everything!
Thank you! We made an online class showing you step-by-step how to make these buildings! check it out at: abundance.build/courses/affordable-building/
Love this construction method. Using polystyrene that would otherwise end up in landfill
Exactly! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
@@AbundanceBuild I have already
It came out awesome great work!! A labor intensive way to build that’s for sure! Seem to have many benefits especially the cost and ability to recycle so many materials.
Thank you!
What a great presentation; what a lot of work
Thanks! We did the work to discover easier ways to get this result so you don't have to do it the hard way haha! We compiled it in an online class at abundancebuild.com
Beyond excellent…. Terrific idea , with inslab heat you would have a great structure for colder climates 🤠👍
Thank you! Yes it is super insulated! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Impressed by the roof! Looks like it was a metal roof
Thanks! Just used foam trim to make that effect!
Hello Stephen,
Your shed looks great.
Going off your design, couldn't you use plywood strips instead of ripping a board down ?
Wouldn't the laminated 1/2 or 3/4 plywood be stronger and less prone to cracking or splitting than a thin ripped strip of wood ?
The other Idea was instead of nailing the tops together, put in an open ridge beam that the wall trusses can be nailed to that would allow you to do a finish pour from the ridge that would tie everything together at the top and could be packed from there as well.
I had some ideas on hinged wall form boards that you can just flip the next form up, secure, and fill the wall.
They would need to be offset starting at the bottom.
Over all you've done a fantastic job researching, testing, and sharing your findings.
Thank you Sir
Hi Slowhand35. Yes plywood would work fine, but the 2x4's were free and they worked great. Yes a top beam would work well and I considered designing it that way. I would love to see your form design. Please share as you build.
New builds coming soon!
I really like the way you have developed the styro aircrete material and see the logic of having a formable aggregate that won't collapse in use and in fact has to be compacted. This seems to open up the possibility of placing it using a cob technique rather than pouring it into the formwork? From your experience do you think it possible to make a stiff enough mix that it could be hand placed to create freeform 3D compound curve sculptural structures that could then have a bonded ferrocement layer applied for structural tensile and compressive strength? The freeform structures I want to make will ultimately be buried and landscaped so having a material that is water tolerant like styro aircrete seems a perfect fit to make sculptural formwork? Also just wondering if you have experimented with fibre reinforcement like polypropylene or hemp? Thanks for sharing your work.
In all of our tests to date, a mold is required to pack the styrocrete tightly. We are making custom molds now - stay tuned!
I'm so excited about what you talkin about that it really rocks my boat, thank you!
I appreciate that you're mortal like the rest of us and I willing to confess pitfalls that Can and do happen
We are all working on this solution together! Thanks for your support!
Pretty cool build. Will the arched framing be load bearing after all the cement work cures? If the wood were to rot out, would the structure still stand?
The wood is just to provide the shape. The fiberglass shell provides the strength of the building. We treat the wood to prevent mold but if the wood did entirely rot out it would not affect the strength of the build!
@@AbundanceBuild 👍
@@AbundanceBuild could you of just as easily built temporary forms instead of the framing and removed them once the walls set?
@@rabidroco yes we did that on the second third building we built but found it to not be as easy as it seems. The form requires a lot of bracing to hold it's shape
That is an awesome way to build. Great videos.
Thank you! Subscribe for new bigger builds coming soon!
YOU are the BOSS! Phenomenal tutorial and job.
Thank you! We have made huge advances since then! Check out our online class at abundance.build/classes/
You can buy bulk raw EPS beads and expand them in a home shop if you live in an area where you aren't likely to find good material to recycle.
@@mythrail Good point. But so far everyone has been able to find foam nearby if they want some!
It does defeat the whole recycling idea though
@@brokenrecord3523 Yes, there is no need to do this
It could also be built bigger to compensate for straight walls and a ceiling.The uneven and curved space behind the walls and attic could be insulated!
Good idea! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
I’ve built big outdoor tables out of vermiculite and Portland cement. Worked great. I probably used more cement than needed as it was fairly heavy. With more experimentation less cement could be used.
That would be awesome! We would love to see it. Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Please be aware that most vermiculite contains asbestos!
Maybe the one guy doesn’t like the looks of it, but I think it’s cool! Plus the construction is interesting. Wonder if you could make a root cellar with it. Cheers!
Haha thanks! Yes you could definitely make a root cellar! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Congrats my friend
You have done something that few can match. that is beside one great looking Garden Shed, you have taught us all what sharing information is really all about.
from making foam to painting the roof. Can't thank you enough for putting me up at your house and inviting me to your table.
You have inspired many like me, to get involved in this new wonderful and inexpensive way of building.
Not easy to thank you enough, just don't have the words.
We will soon begin with the first structure in Guatemala and I sure hope to have you and your wife here when its finally done.
God Bless.
Roberto
Roberto thank you for confidence. I look forward to coming to see you all there. Lets get some styro aircrete homes up over their.
@@AbundanceBuild sounds like a great opportunity to get things moving
That shed is awesome!
Thank you! Subscribe for new bigger builds coming soon!
Wow! Wish I had the physical strength of a man. I am obsessed with building things that my 55 year old lady body can’t possibly do.
Great job!
Actually we have a new method that we are about to share that we believe anybody can do! Especially in a group! If you love it you can do it! Subscribe to be notified!
Thank you for your educational videos, I really appreciate them! I have projects in the queue I want to use your system on. I have the electric mower, but still need the aircrete pump system, so I will get going on that. I want to learn to build trusses as you showed how, also.
You can do it! We have a new recipe with no foam. Stay tuned!
I wonder about off gassing or the styrofoam in case of exposure to fire. And how does it hold up to blunt forces like wind and branches. Very cool building! Good job!
th-cam.com/play/PLhZQhMQAfmtiC2uVezl3rVhEDxQn8b12X.html You can watch our tests here! Subscribe for more tests coming soon!
Great job on this building.
Thank you!
REALLY like using recycled packaging waste for building - Well Done, Mate !!
Ever consider making an ICF type block? Your Styrocrete on the sides with a pattern for poured concrete with openings for utilities and rebar in between (Code Compliant) ??
If the Styrocrete had screws in a pattern facing into the concrete pour, it would be laminated well
A format similar to size of 4x4 of cinder blocks, would be mighty easy to work
(Sailor, yes; getting old and thinking a Homestead might be smarter than fighting storms and expensive marinas....)
Thank you! I doubt it would be code compliant without official testing. To make an ICF block out of this stuff you would need a hydraulic press to get it to bond properly - we are focusing more on the DIYer for now! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
thank you for
showing and explaining
all this
You're welcome! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
Hi, great work. I'm trying to understand where the A-frame ridges appeared from? At 10:57 the mesh goes on without any ridges in sight and then suddenly at 12:27 the ridges appear when doing the stucco? Thanks.
It is an aesthetic trim that was cut witha hotwire cutter! I'll make a video about it soon! Subscribe to be notified!
Looks great. Is it possible to just make bricks or blocks out of the styrocrete and morter with the same. How thick would it need to be to be structurally sound?
Val you can but that is way more work than pouring it in place. Styro aircrete is not very strong so I would recommend you use wood trusses to add support strength.
Wow, very interesting! Have you considered approaching the Aircrete manufacturer for sponsorship? You should! Fascinating build!
We have explored the manufacturing options but in order to really get the best price you need to make it yourself! So we made the building method simple and filmed an Online Class to show you how to make it all! Check it out at abundance.build/classes/ , use coupon code TH-cam for $400 off!
Looks great man, excellent work.
Thank you!
Great way to recycle but styrene is an endocrine disrupter and prolonged exposure also results in nervous system damage. Idk if I'd want to build my walls with that.
When you lock it in and behind a cement wall it is completely safe! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!
You could set up your own “test lab” with a pressure sensing gauge and a hydraulic bottle jack and some steel or wood frame to test the compressive strength and sheer strength.
I think we will do that soon! Subscribe to be notified!
Would be a great tiny home.
Absolutely! Check out our latest video to see the tiny houses we are building next! th-cam.com/video/MJOjMughzy0/w-d-xo.html
I love it. Thinking about building our forever home as soon we will become empty nesters.
Awesome! We are hosting our first workshop July 25-28th, would love to meet you there!
That would be to cool for school. Although impossible at this time as we’re looking at about a 5 to 6 year plan. Don’t count me out though…
Just a random thought here, if you held a live event super chat maybe their could be a chance to acquire funds to bankroll your styro crete pumper. I know I would ask you a question for 5 dollars or you could start a TH-cam membership for 5 dollars where we could get more detailed information on questions we may have, just something to throw out there to see if it sticks or not........
Working on it! Stay tuned!
Super cool 😎 very talented man
Thank you!
Lol that styrofoam shredder is genius!
Thanks!
The garden shed looks great! You mentioned in the video that you were unable to build shelves higher due to the curve of the A-frame. Is it possible to attach or suspend shelving from the top of the shed interior for additional storage or is there a weight restriction?
Kemp, You certainly could do that. It is plenty strong to support hanging shelving.
New builds coming soon!
@11:00 we use Dryvit Primus to stick on the mesh and then a smooth finish coat , all in one motion.
That stuff is TOUGH .
Makes for a much stronger end product.
Thanks for the tip! We will look into it!
Man, that turned out great!
Thank you!
Another use for styrofoam is, mixing it with acetone and boom you have waterproof epoxy.
Yea it's awesome! We experimented with it to cost the building but it just takes too much foam; it's 98% air
I hope you make another video on grinding styrofoam and add electric hot wires to cut the styrofoam to smaller pieces before putting them in ur grinder.
Ruth I built a hotwire grid to melt larger pieces into smaller ones but it was too slow. The best way is to use a sawzal with a long 12 inch blade and you can quickly cut the pieces into smaller chunks. I got some very large solid blocks of styrofoam and used this method and it worked great.
New builds coming soon!