On-demand (starting January 1, 2025)
Soil Selection and Testing (120B)
$95.00
This one-hour online class is a condensed introduction to using earth as a building material taught via a series of video modules. This course gives an overview of what adobe is made of and how to test soils for suitability in earthen construction. As an AIA-accredited class, architectural professionals will also have the opportunity to earn 1 HSW Learning Unit.
Workload
1 hour (6 video modules + final exam). You will have until the end of the current year from the time of registration to complete the course.
Who is it for?
This course is suitable for building professionals, DIYers, natural building enthusiasts, adobe homeowners, aspiring owner builders, and the adobe curious.
Course Learning Objectives
- Learn about safety in earthen construction.
- Learn how to locate, identify and test suitable soils for use in adobe construction.
- Learn about clay minerals and aggregates and their role in the adobe mix.
- Learn how to test soils for suitability in earthen construction.
Instruction Type
This is a virtual class held using an online classroom platform hosting videos and supplemental reading materials. Practice and mastery are achieved via field-project demonstrations and a 10-question written exam. Instruction is asynchronous with all video content modules accessible to you when you register. Students can participate whenever their schedule allows.
Instructor
Kurt Gardella
Kurt Gardella specializes in online and field-based adobe construction education. He holds a Certificate in Adobe Construction from Northern New Mexico College (Quentin Wilson) and is also certified as a Specialist for Building with Earth (Registration #01-208-0810) by the Dachverband Lehm (German Association for Building with Earth) and the Handwerkskammer Ulm (Ulm Chamber of Trades and Crafts). Kurt also holds an Adobe Proficiency Certification from The Earthbuilders’ Guild. In addition to Adobe is not Software, Kurt also teaches classes for Adobe in Action and Santa Fe Community College.
Evaluation Methods
10-question written exam
