Builder's Handbook

UTA LAK'A
Uta Lak'a Homebuilders Handbook
This manual has been funded by the Ministry of Development, Government of Denmar
k - DANIDA and is a publication of SAHA Project - Sustainable Human Settlements
in the Altiplano. Texts: Technical Drawing: Illustration and setting: Graphic De
sign: Staff: Raul Sandoval Tejada Rosario Rosario Loayza Loayza Ticona Jacquelin
e Susana Gabriela Urquiola Machicao Condori Honorio Juan Eulogio Paz Jiménez Qui
spe Alfredo Fidel Castillo Valerio Sanga Balboa Victor Mamani Fabian Lars Jørgen
Jakobsen Klaus Paul Erik Biding Hedingen Antonio Rivero O. No. 2000 units 4-1-2
20-00 La Paz • Bolivia
Portable Format [PDF]: First edition: Legal Deposit:
Uta Lak'a Homebuilders Handbook
- Blank page -
Content
1. 2. 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4
. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
3
Presentation
The Draft Sustainable Human Settlements in the Altiplano SAHA is a project that
is running sustainable buildings and development planning. It is run by two orga
nizations of human settlements, the Bolivian NGO Human Settlements Service Boliv
ia - SAHB and Danish Danish NGO International Service for Human Settlements - DI
B. The project is funded by the Ministry of Development, Government of Denmark -
DANIDA. The poor quality of housing in the Altiplano decreases quality of life
and both individual and collective development of the population. So since 1991
has been developing the concept Lak'a Uta, which involves the application of a s
elf-sustaining cover of adobe, which through a simple technique to build and wit
hout large investments of money, makes it possible to run a building with walls
and roofs using only the land and material. This concept is enhanced with the co
nstruction of a passive solar heating (Trombe wall) attached to the side of the
building facing the sun, which uses the thermal mass of adobe, storing energy du
ring the day and returned to the interior at night. One of the objectives of the
project is training for the self in the Bolivian Altiplano. This publication is
intended for low-income families in the Bolivian Altiplano.
4
Introduction
The Homebuilders Handbook Lak'a Uta has been conceived and designed to be a simp
le and easy to use to promote self-Uta Lak'a Concept. The use of adobe construct
ion, is currently constrained by inadequate technical knowledge, standards and a
lso because of prejudice arising from ignorance of the material by the general p
opulation. The content is grouped into six chapters that describe the entire con
struction process Lak'a Uta. This is a first edition that will be improved based
on further research and practical experience.
5
LAK'A UTA has the following properties:
• Use materials and retrieves local, low cost and • • • • • • • •
organic. It provides the possibility of having a house without using wood or cor
rugated metal. The cover of adobe has a natural effect of isolation. It is easy
to build, using simple tools and techniques. For the large thermal mass of adobe
, maintains a constant temperature day and night. This property is improved with
Trombe Wall. The inner surface of the dome is smooth, which can not live insect
s that carry diseases, such as the insect vector. It is resistant to fire and wi
nd. Allows its application to all types of designs. It uses no energy.
6
Chapter
1
Components of a Lak'a Uta
8
Chapter
2
Production of bricks and adobitos
Adobes and adobitos
Are the basic materials for the construction of a Lak'a Uta.
10
Tools
They are simple and easy to use.
Land Selection
• The land to make bricks should be formed by
clay, sand and silt. • Must not have stones, trash, or roots. • Remove the topso
il or culture because it is not appropriate for the manufacture of bricks and ad
obitos.
11
Analysis of land to make bricks and adobitos
Tests are being made to know the general characteristics of land which will prep
are the bricks and adobitos.
Sedimentation test:
This test is used to determine the composition of the earth.
1. Enter sifted soil
in a glass jar half full.
2. Add water to fill
the bottle, if possible, add a tablespoon of salt to accelerate the sedimentatio
n.
3. Be closed on the bottle, shake
hard to mix the contents.
4. Allow to stand
until the earth settles.
Observe the result, a good soil should have:
If the soil has too much:
• clay€add sand. • sand, add clay.
12
Test roll:
This test serves to establish the moisture content of clay and its composition.
1. With his hand into a ball of earth sifted moist.
2. Dropping the ball from one meter on hard floor.
If the fall is in one piece is too wet, let dry and try again. If there is still
a piece of clay content is high, add sand. If it melts completely, it is too dr
y, moisten and try again. If it is destroyed, its sand content is very high, add
ing clay. If it breaks into large pieces, composition and humidity are suitable
for the manufacture of bricks and adobitos.
13
Testing the board:
This test is used to estimate the plasticity of clay. It is done with a sample o
f mud, which has a suitable moisture test set with the bobbin.
1. Make a roll of clay
approximately 20 cm.
2. Place the roll on a flat surface
tablet-shaped mold until you have a half inch thick.
3. Place the tablet in the palm of the hand as shown in the figures, the plastic
ity of clay is seen as
: If the piece that is broken is: Short Approximately within 8 cm, is too sandy,
add clay.
Median Aproximandamente between 8 and 15 cm, is good ground for marinades.
Long After approximately 15 cm, has too much clay, add sand.
14
Enforcement Procedure
Materials
• Land: Must be made up of sand, silt and clay.
Must not have stones, rubbish or roots. • Water should be clean pit recommended
or spring (not salt). • Straw: rough straw must be cut, in sizes from 10 cm to 5
cm adobes and to adobitos.
Preparation of the mud
1. Prepare clay soil and water, stirring with a shovel. 2. Knead with your feet
(foot) by adding water until
the mud has the proper humidity, according to the roll test. Then add the choppe
d straw. 20 It is recommended mix of land for a truck load of straw. to dry and
let it rest (sleep) a night.
3. Stack the mixture, cover with nylon or straw to prevent
15
Modeling of adobe and adobitos
The floor where the bricks and adobitos work must be level, uniform and clean. B
efore molding, the mud and sleep should be re-mix. To mold the bricks and adobit
os, follow the following procedure:
1. Clean mold with cloth
wet to prevent the clay from sticking to the wood and fill it.
2. Tamp the clay with your hands
especially in the corners.
3. Match of the mold with clay
wooden ruler, preferably is metal, and while thinner the thickness of the rule,
the easier it will smooth out the surface.
4. Remove the mold, preventing warp
the bricks or adobitos.
5. Make three rows with the fingers
the adobitos, to join each other better in the construction of the dome.
16
Dried and stored
1. After molded, dried in the sun, the bricks
for three days and adobitos for a day. If this cloud let it dry longer. that was
in contact with the ground to remove irregularities. stacked.
4. Once stacked the bricks and adobitos, it is important
2. Once dry, placed sideways and scraping the
protect them from rain by covering the top with straw or nylon and moisture from
the bottom with a canal dug around it.
3. It is recommended that the bricks remain side
adobitos twelve days and the four. After this time
17
Quality control
These tests are conducted to verify that the bricks or adobitos are of good qual
ity.
1. Resistance:
a) two
supports placed on the floor, lay a dry mud on its two corners, leaving the cent
ral part free. A good quality mud in this position must withstand the weight of
a person, breaking up means you have little clay.
b) Dropping a
adobe corner from a meter in height, if it is good only present minor damage, if
it is bad it will break into pieces.
2. Humidity:
In a brick or a knife inserted adobito if entering more than 3 mm, is not yet dr
y.
3. Composition:
If in the process of drying, the adobe or adobito have cracks or deformations sh
ould be discarded.
18
Production period
The production of bricks and optimal adobitos in times be no rain or frost.
Production Performance
Regardless of the preparation of the mud, it is estimated that one man can produ
ce per day:
• 100 to 150 bricks. • 200 to 300 adobitos.
19
20
Chapter
3
Pre-construction tasks Lak'a Uta
Tools
22
Location
1. Ground
The site chosen for construction of Uta Lak'a as possible should be stable and f
lat terrain,€eg avoid heavy clay soils with lots of cracks and especially avoid
areas that may flood.
2. Orientation
The longest side of the Uta Lak'a be located from east to west, a position that
will favor the Trombe wall is facing north and thus captures energy from the sun
during the day to restore it to the inside of the house during the night.
23
Preliminary work
1. Tool Storage
The tools used for the execution of the work should be saved if possible in a ta
nk near the building.
2. Land clearing
Before you start building the place of work must be left clean and free of grass
roots shrubs and garbage.
3. Land leveling
If the ground will present inclination is to define the level at which build and
 must be leveled by cutting and filling. After tamping and leveling moistened to
prevent settlement.
24
Chapter
4
Heavy Work
Stakeout
It is marked with canvases on the ground the width of foundations and walls of t
he Lak'a Uta, starting with the external dimensions of the walls. Stakes are use
d, canvas, stucco and meters to make the correct path.
26
To run the restatement is due to:
1. Drive two stakes into the ground as the location of
longest side of the Lak'a Uta (east-west), and separated at a distance of 2 m lo
nger than the measure of Uta Lak'a indicated on the plans.
2. Tie a string which is a level between these two poles.
3. From one of the stakes on a meter
A string which is finding a point corresponding to one of the corners of the bui
lding and drive another stake into the ground to mark it. equal measures.
4. To find the square, in a dial string which is May 12. At stake for the point
to tie the two
ends of this canvas.
27
6. From this point A, holding the string which is stretched over four
stringline measures, finding at point B, which is placed another stake to secure
it.
7. From point B to hold five measures and stretch the string which
so it is tight also at finding the point C, which is placed last stake and holdi
ng the string which is forming a triangle with sides measuring 3, 4 and 5 sizes
and will form the squad.
28
8. Lay a string which passes through point A and point C and
with a far greater distance than the smaller side of the uta Lak'a indicated on
the plans. Set the canvas stakes. external walls of the Lak'a Uta, guiding the l
ongest side from east to west.
10. The stakes of the points A, B and C can remove the
square end of the process.
9. Mark from point A on these canvases measures
29
11. At points marked on the canvas
14. Mark on the floor the thickness of the foundation
correspond to two corners of the Lak'a Uta repeat the procedure for finding the
square, closing the box corresponding to the outer edges of the Lak'a uta and fi
nding it the fourth corner. opposite corners with tape and verify that the measu
rements are equal. paintings from the intersections, the thickness indicated on
the plans for the implementation of the foundation. From these tender and hold t
he canvas.
using the canvas as a guide for them and will drop flat stucco over the entire l
ength of the cloths. least one meter away from the intersection points in order
to keep them when making the excavation of foundations and plinth
15. The stakes that hold the canvas must be at
12. Check stakeout squad joining the
13. Drawing parallels to these canvases measuring about
30
Excavations
They then constructed ditches where the foundation, has a depth of 40 cm and a t
hickness of 60 cm, which can vary according to soil resistance. Used shovel and
pillory.
31
To run the excavation must:
1. Remove the canvas of the stakeout. 2. It runs the excavation of ditches accor
ding to
lines drawn on the field and with a depth of 40 cm indicated on the plans. side
are uniform and that the base of the trench is flat.
3. You should verify that the walls plumb
Must be prevented:
• Water is placed in the ditches because the ground
loses strength. • The excavated soil is deposited near the trenches because they
can fall into and also impairs the performance of the work.
32
Foundations
They are the foundation stone which rest the burdens of building and running wit
h stones that are placed inside the excavation. They are rough stone and mud mor
tar.
33
To run the foundation is:
1. Place the canvas to check that:
• The thickness of the trench corresponds to the canvas
using plumb.ۥ The depth of the trench is uniform with measuring tape measuring
at different points from the canvas.
34
2. In the trenches stones are placed in layers, the most
great in the corners and side panels, looking for the larger bearing surface bet
ween them and filling all gaps with mud mortar. Pre-wetting is desirable to avoi
d the stones that absorb water from the mortar. a protruding stone foundation le
vel, which is binding plinth.
3. In the upper layer of the foundation, placing each foot
35
Plinth
It is the intermediary between the foundation wall and the wall. They are the sa
me thickness as the walls and serve to prevent the deterioration of soil moistur
e. They should have a height of at least 15 cm. They are rough stone and mud mor
tar.
36
The location of the plinth on the foundation is different according to the load
they receive:
• The front and rear axle are the foundation leaving 10
cm on each side of it, because they support the charges on the walls falling ver
tically.
• The sides are glued to the inside line of the foundation,
outwards leaving 20 cm of it, because they support the roof loads that fall diag
onally.
37
To run the plinth should be:
1. Tie between the canvas of the stakeout stakes
indicating the thickness of the walls, so that the plinth is executed according
to the measurements of the planes. the canvas as a guide, placing the stones in
layers, the largest in the corners and side panels, looking for the larger beari
ng surface between them and filling all gaps with mud mortar. Pre-wetting is des
irable to avoid the stones that absorb water from the mortar.
2. Run the plinth level and plumb using
Another way to run the plinth is to build on the foundation, as measured by the
drawings a wooden box in which stones are placed with the above procedure.
38
Waterproofing
It is the protection that is placed on the plinth to prevent soil moisture up to
the walls. It is nylon. To run the waterproofing is: Place on top of nylon plin
th, standing 5 cm on each side. Other ways to run the waterproofing of the upper
face of the plinth are:
• Painting with dirty oil. • Apply bitumen diluted with kerosene. • Place cardbo
ard asphalt.
39
Walls
Adobe walls are joined with mud mortar, which define the interior of the Lak'a U
ta. Bricks are used 40 × 20 × 10 and mud mortar. The mud mortar for the bricks t
ogether is prepared: Build the wall up to one meter per day, to prevent the crus
hing weight of clay seals before they dry. Place the bricks and plumb line, shou
ld be well locked. The horizontal and vertical joints are mud mortar about 1 cm
thick.
• Earth • Straw cut sifted
40
To run the walls must be:
1. Place at the teachers, running
adobe seating level and plumb at the corners of the plinth on 1 cm of mud mortar
. Canvas tie between these adobes to align the course. Then lay bricks to comple
te the row, placing mud mortar up to 3 bricks at once, you must fill the vertica
l joints. procedure, pre-moistening the top of the previous row, to get a better
grip between courses, as well as to prevent the bricks absorb water from the mo
rtar.
2. To run the following courses, follow the same
41
3. The lock on the walls is achieved by inserting the
position of the bricks:
a) In the corners of the building are placed two
cut adobe ¾ ie 30 × 20 × 10 cm, and is sandwiched position in each course.
b) In the corners of the window and door
• In a row are placed two bricks cut to ¾
ie 30 × 20 × 10 cm in the opposite direction to which they are the bricks.
• In the next remains the position and size
40 × 20 × 10 cm of the adobes.
42
Lintels
They are elements in the front and rear walls, allowing leave openings for doors
and windows. Bricks are used 40 × 20 × 10 cm and mud mortar.
To run the threshold is due to:
1. Build the walls, leaving openings for
window and door until two courses rather than their height. Install wooden strut
s with a table, or stacking bricks to reach the height of the door or window.
2. On the center of the corners where
Lintel begin, draw an arc downward. Repeat the procedure in the other corner and
mark the point where they intersect. lintel.
3. Stacking bricks on the table to shape the form of
43
4. The point where two arcs intersect is
to chart:
• The threshold curve obtained taking
this point as the center and joining the two corners where you start the lintel.
• The inclination should be the threshold at the corners, extending the line be
tween this point and start the corners where the lintel.
5. Shaping the bricks with the curve of the lintel and the two rows carving
side which support the lintel.
44
6. With the curve and the slope obtained
starting at both ends fit the bricks with mud mortar and stones placed on top of
the boards. Finish the threshold in the central part, carving the last adobe fo
rm fit in this space.
7. Remove the bricks stacked or struts
wood before the mud joints to dry.
45
Wall catenary
Are the walls of the Lak'a Uta in the shape of the roof. Bricks are used 40 × 20
× 10 cm and mud mortar.
46
To run the wall is parabolic:
e) From these points, marking with plumb the
1. Build these walls around the form
indicating the drawings, and foresee the implementation of the lintels to leave
the door openings and window. on another wall with the following procedure: poin
ts at a distance of three meters.
intersections with the chain or rope, scoring the measurements obtained.
3. On the walls of Uta Lak'a that will take the form of
hold a canvas roof level in the starting line of the catenary which measures 3 m
eters.
2. To get the shape of the walls to draw the catenary) Nail on the wall at a str
ing which two b) Half of this distance (1.50 m), mark to
plummet down the catenary height (1.80 m).
4. Divide this distance of three meters into equal halves
to get 16 parts, marking the reference points.
5. From these points on the wall make up,
in the same order as the measurements obtained in the course of the catenary. ca
tenary.
c) Attach a chain or rope soaked in one of the
6. Join the points scored, winning the way 7. This is cut and fill the wall to o
btain
shape of the roof.
points that mark the ends of the canvas and regulate the other end until it coin
cides with the center point of the catenary (1.80 m). Hold the wet rope or chain
to this point when the three match points. to get 16 parts, marking the referen
ce points.
d) Divide the distance of three meters into equal halves
47
Chain
Adobitos is a row, with a thickness of 25 cm and a height of 15 cm that is built
on the outer perimeter of the walls of the Lak'a Uta catenary, which will build
the vault. Adobitos used 25 × 15 × 6 cm and mud mortar. To run the string must
be:
2. Join the 9 adobitos with tape, clamped at its edge
abroad, who will run the chain without distortion.
3. The chain runs mortar settling adobitos
1. Seat plumb and mud mortar, on the
clay at both ends simultaneously starting and finishing at the top. The intermed
iate adobitos served as retiring teachers are going as we move forward with the
chain.
outer perimeter wall adobito catenary one at each end and evenly spaced 7 adobit
os that will serve as guides or teachers for the implementation of the chain.
48
Vault
It is a self-sustaining dome with a thickness of 15 cm, which is constructed to
be placed adobitos inclined, leaning on the side walls and catenary of Lak'a Uta
. Adobitos used 25 × 15 × 6 cm and mud mortar. You must run the vault simultaneo
usly on both sides to close the courses in the middle and should build up a mete
r rows per day to prevent settlement of the vault by crushing the boards. To run
the vault is due to:
1. To build the dome without distortion between
chains, nailing canvas that will serve as guides at approximately every 50 cm (7
adobitos).
49
2. Using the canvas as a guide, keeping the same
proper locking tilt and continue the following courses.
50
3. The pitch of the rows is determined with a
ratio of horizontal space on the side wall and four equally spaced vertically on
the string. base of the course, must be cut at its base so as to fully seat in
the side wall and supported by the chain.
4. In all courses the 1st. will be inclined adobito
5. The first adobito of each course is interspersed with half
Adobe and Adobe to get a good lock between courses.
51
6. The courses are run with laying the adobitos
mud mortar and settle down with punches and side to adhere to previous debiéndos
e end of the row in the center of the dome before moving to the next.€recent out
bursts are about one adobito away in the middle of the dome.
7. Continue until the following courses
52
8. In this space begins to close
placing the vault holding the pitches spun dome shape, to a height where it can
be inclined to support a new row on each side and left the room for a new cast a
dobito continue this procedure on both sides to close the vault in the top.
53
54
Chapter
5
Facilities
Passive Solar Heating
The Trombe wall is a passive solar heating, which is built attached to the side
of the Uta Lak'a oriented to the sun (north), consists of a transparent plate mo
unted on a wall painted black, it stores energy from the sun during restores the
day and into night. Tin plates are used transparent plastic flat, prefabricated
concrete or adobitos and black paint. The Trombe wall is executed after the exe
cution of external plaster walls and ceiling.
56
To run the Trombe wall should be:
1. Accommodate a vertical element of the structure
on north-facing roof in the locations shown in the drawings, to verify their loc
ation. in the vault and then fill in based on the lateral wall of adobitos cours
es to the level where it will support the structure. in these courses of adobito
s if necessary to fill the empty spaces that may remain between the structure an
d the roof with mud mortar.
2. Mark the lower level where the structure fits
3. Mount the reinforced concrete structure, supported
4. On the surface of the vault including the
inside the structure to make four holes in 4 "(4 inches), two up and two down, t
hat pierce the dome to the interior of the house. In these holes can be placed P
VC pipe 4" cut or revoke bottles. included within the structure.
5. Black paint of the ceiling surface
57
6. Adobitos base must be trimmed along the
shape of the structure to be mounted tin plates. puncturing according to the arr
angement of the bolts concrete structure, fixing them with profiles of iron plat
inum around the perimeter and securing them with nuts. Before fixing the transpa
rent plates is important to fill the entire perimeter, the space between the pla
tes and the structure to prevent the loss Trombe wall heat stored and can be use
d various materials such as wool with mud, dung, discarded rubber, etc.
7. Fit the plastic corrugated sheets flat
58
8. To drain the rain water from the upper level
Trombe wall and the roof, forming a fill this space with flashing rolls of clay
and straw, then making a plaster on them.
9. Then run the flashing of
walls. In the place where is located the Trombe wall, place the straw on the bas
is of adobitos and should be given to flashing In the same slope as in the rest
of it.
59
Another way to run the structure where the plates are mounted is to use calamine
adobitos to form it on the vault. This structure must also be run after the ext
erior plaster walls and ceiling. To run you must:
1. According to the right place at the follow
the following procedure to form the structure in which the plates are mounted fl
at corrugated plastic:
• Runs a horizontal row of 15 cm
thickness and 1.80 m long on the side wall resting on the vault. • three courses
are run vertically supported in this row, two at each end and a central also 15
cm thick and 2.05 m in total length. • Completed a second horizontal row at the
top to close the structure.
2. In this structure to place wooden blocks
hold the corrugated plates which will be of 5 × 5 × 5 cm, will be cut in a pyram
idal form and placed with the largest base in the background, making recesses in
the adobitos, where needed, approximately every 50 cm apart Fix tacos stucco.
60
3. On the surface of the roof falls within
structure to make four holes in 4 "(4 inches), two above and two below that pier
ce the dome to the interior of the house. In these holes can be placed PVC pipe
4" cut or revoke bottles. included within the structure.
5. Upon completion of drilling and when the
surface is painted black, set the calamine nailed to studs with corrugated metal
nails. two sheets of corrugated metal, nails should be nailed on the calamine w
ith their heads protruding and bent to fix adobitos when running the second cour
se.
6.€In the central vertical element which are mounted
4. Black paint of the ceiling surface
61
7. Run the second course to close
sealed interior space Trombe wall, placing adobitos on the three vertical elemen
ts and the element. No second course is placed on the lower element to remove wa
ter from the rain.
8. To drain the rain water between the level
Trombe wall and top of the dome, forming a fill this space with flashing rolls o
f clay and straw, then making a plaster on them. walls. In the place where is lo
cated the Trombe wall, place the straw on the basis of adobitos and should be gi
ven to flashing In the same slope as in the rest of it.
9. Then run the flashing of
62
63
Ventilation
It is a small hole in the top of the front walls and serves to regulate the humi
dity inside the Lak'a Uta, as well as to air and renew the air within the enviro
nment. The renewal of air inside the Lak'a Uta is especially important when peop
le are asleep. On cold days, it is recommended that remains closed to prevent in
ternal heat loss. PVC pipes are used 4. To run the ventilation hole should be:
a) At the top center of the front walls,
approximately 30 cm below the deck, drill a hole approximately 10 cm in diameter
. a removable cap with mud and then refine the edges of the hole. You can also p
lace a bottle or revoke the holes cut.
b) In this hole set up a PVC pipe 4 "to take
64
Chapter
6
Fine Works
Exterior plaster and waterproofing of the dome
There are three layers of mud mortar made with different materials that are appl
ied to the vault of the Lak'a Uta. The plaster and waterproofing used to prevent
moisture, water from rain, hail and snow damaged the roof of the Lak'a Uta. Lan
d is used, straw and donkey dung. We recommend the use of stalk juice, if you ca
n find on the site. If the revocation process are presented rain or frost, it is
recommended to cover the walls to prevent the plaster is washed and worn. You c
an use nylon or any material that serves to protect it. To run the plaster and w
aterproofing of the deck must:
1. Clean the joints with tip and scratch the vault
with nails.
66
2. The first layer is applied with force to the dome
to match the surface with mud mortar obtained by mixing: • Earth sifted (2 sizes
) • Straw cut (one measure) This layer should be about 2 cm thick and uniform ru
le.
67
3. Plumb on both perimeters
chains, mud blocks approximately 1.5 cm thick, one at each end of the chains and
7 at equal distances, which serve as reference for training teachers. each stri
ng to string. At a distance that is comfortable for the rule (maximum 1.50 m), b
locks are placed as the thickness between the canvas and the vault to run interm
ediate teachers.
7. For penca macerated bruise and leave
for a week: • 1 measure of stalk • 1 measure of water Add this juice to prepare
the clay mortar.
4. Once placed these anchors, they stretch canvas
5. Following the shape of the dome, joined
blocks forming strips of clay to serve as a master to obtain a uniform surface i
n the second layer of plaster and waterproofing. procedure for the first, fillin
g the spaces between the teachers with mud mortar obtained by mixing: • Earth si
fted (8 measures) • Straw cut (2 sizes) • donkey dung (two measures)
6. The second layer is applied with the same
68
8. The third layer is applied with an iron, pressing
pressure evenly over the dome to tune the surface (about 0.5 cm thick) clay mort
ar obtained by mixing: • Earth sifted (2 sizes) • sifted donkey dung (an action)
• Penca macerated (1 action ) This plaster needs maintenance every year or two,
 if it has been damaged by rain water, snow, etc..
69
You can also revoke and waterproof the roof with mud entortado. The entortado is
applied in strips of 60 cm wide at the bottom starting and finishing at the top
. It runs simultaneously on both sides of the dome. To run you must:
1. Apply mud mortar on the vault in a
area of 60 cm starting from the bottom and ending at the top. stop and spun, wit
h the same procedure for applying the mud mortar. to match the surface. This lay
er should be approximately 1.5 cm thick and uniform rule.
2. On this layer of mortar is placed straw without roots
3. The force is applied on the straw, mud mortar
4. Entortado is completed in the vault with
same procedure.
5. To refine the surface is applied with an iron
squeezing pressure evenly over the dome to tune the surface (about 0.5 cm thick)
clay mortar obtained by mixing: • Earth sifted (2 sizes) • sifted donkey dung (
an action) • Penca macerated ( an action) This maintenance plastering every one
to two years if it has been damaged by rain water, snow, etc..
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Other ways to cover the vault are:
• After running the clay layer that standardizes the
vault surface a layer of straw 5 cm thick. It is placing the straw in strips of
60 cm on the vault with mud mortar, starting at the bottom and ending at the top
. It runs simultaneously on both sides and should include the surface will not b
e staggered.
• A second layer placed at 45 º adobitos on
vault, placing running cast on it with mud mortar and coating the entire surface
. Adobitos are applied on these two layers of plaster for protection: The first
clay mortar obtained by mixing: • • • • sifted Earth (8 measures) Straw cut (two
measures) donkey dung (two measures) penca macerated juice (3 steps)
This layer is uniform rule. The second clay mortar obtained by mixing: • Earth s
ifted (2 sizes) • sifted donkey dung (an action) • Penca macerated (1 action) Th
is layer serves to refine the surface and even with iron.
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Interior Plaster
There are two layers of mud mortar made with different materials that are applie
d on the interior walls of the Lak'a Uta. It serves to standardize and prevent w
ear of the walls and ceiling of the Lak'a Uta. Land is used, straw and donkey du
ng The use stalk juice, if you can find on the site. Should wet the roof and the
walls before applying each coat of plaster.
To run the revocation must:
1. Clean the tip and scratch together
the walls and the roof with nails.
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2. Plumb at the ends
dome, mud blocks approximately 1.5 cm thick, one at each end of the vault and 7
at equal distances, which serve as reference for training teachers. tend canvas
between them end to end. At a distance that is comfortable for the rule (maximum
1.50 m), blocks are placed as the thickness between the canvas and the vault to
run intermediate teachers.
3. Once placed these tacos, is
4. Following the dome shape is
blocks together to form strips of clay to serve as teachers to obtain a uniform
surface, these teachers must continue to plummet on canvas and walls. In the fro
nt walls teachers should be placed at the ends and edges of the window openings
and door, with paintings and plumb.
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5. The first layer is applied with force
on the roof and the walls, filling the spaces between the teachers with mud mort
ar obtained by mixing: • Earth sifted (4 measures) • Straw cut small (1 degree)
This layer is uniform rule keeping the thickness of the teachers.
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6. The second layer is applied with an iron
squeezing pressure evenly over the dome to tune the surface (about 0.5 cm thick)
clay mortar obtained by mixing: • Earth sifted (2 sizes) • donkey dung (an acti
on) • penca macerated juice (1 action) You can add lime plaster or clay mortar f
or the tune.
7. For penca macerated
mash and let stand for one week: • 1 measure of stalk • 1 measure of water Add t
he juice to prepare the clay mortar.
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Exterior wall plaster
There are three layers of mud prepared with different materials applied to exter
ior walls of the Lak'a Uta. It serves to protect them from erosion and to preven
t moisture, water from rain, hail and snow damage to the walls of the Lak'a Uta.
Land is used, straw and donkey dung. We recommend the use of stalk juice, if yo
u can find on the site. At the junction between the wall and the plinth should b
e done on the plaster a slope to prevent rainwater from entering and wet. If the
revocation process are presented rain or frost, it is recommended to cover the
walls to prevent the plaster is washed and worn. You can use nylon or any materi
al that serves to protect it. Walls should be wet before applying each coat of p
laster. It runs after finishing the plaster of the vault.€To run the revocation
must:
1. Clean the joints with tip and
deface the walls with nails.
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2. The first layer is applied with force to the walls
to match the surface wet with mud mortar obtained by mixing: • Earth sifted (2 s
izes) • Straw cut (one measure) This layer should be about 2 cm thick and unifor
m rule.
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3. On this surface finished canvases are placed
and plumb, strips of clay about 1.5 cm thick, which serve as guides or teachers
to obtain a uniform surface on the walls. the intermediate at a distance that is
comfortable for the rule (maximum 1.50 m). In the front walls teachers should b
e placed at the ends and edges of the window openings and door. same procedure a
s the first, filling the spaces between the teachers with mud mortar obtained by
mixing: • • • • sifted Earth (8 measures) Straw cut (two measures) donkey dung
(two measures) penca macerated juice (3 measures)
4. The teachers are placed at the ends and sinker
5. The second layer is applied with
This layer is uniform rule keeping the thickness of the teachers.
6. For penca
mash mash and let stand for one week: • 1 measure of stalk • 1 measure of water
Add the juice to prepare the clay mortar.
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7. The third layer is applied with an iron, pressing
pressure evenly over the dome to tune the surface (about 0.5 cm thick) clay mort
ar obtained by mixing: • Earth sifted (2 sizes) • sifted donkey dung (an action)
• Penca macerated (1 action ) This plaster needs maintenance every year or two,
if it has been damaged by rain water, snow, etc..
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Floor Covering
The coating is a layer to refine the surface of the floor of the Lak'a Uta. Sift
ed soil is used which can be mixed with different materials like donkey dung, ta
r, dirty oil or linseed oil. To run the floor covering must:
1. Mark a level line on the walls at a height
1 m, which will serve as reference to determine the final level of the floor.
2. Inside the Lak'a Uta, fill and compact
natural soil moist with Ram up to half the plinth.
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3. Apply a second layer of sifted soil moist
up to plinth level and compact.
4. From the reference level a meter
on the wall down, get teachers at this level within the meaning of the vault, tw
o at each end and a central level by checking with horizontal. make the final pl
aster, filling the gap between teachers, standardization and refinement with an
iron rule. It is advisable to add to this mortar donkey dung, tar, dirty oil or
linseed oil, to obtain a surface more resistant and that does not produce dust.
5. Prepare mud mortar with sifted soil and water
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To prevent moisture can make a pavement and compacted prior to backfilling with
soil. You can also use Gambote rustic brick wall covering. To run you must:
1. Inside the filling and compacting Uta Lak'a
moist soil, leaving enough space to place the brick veneer.
2. With the line drawn as reference to verify
final level of the floor, check the horizontality of the same. ensuring that the
re are no empty spaces between them. filling all the spaces have been empty.
3. Gambote a brick-laying side by side,
4. Pour a layer of sifted soil on the bricks
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Plinth
The base is a coating on the base of the wall that protects it and makes cleanin
g to prevent the waste is deposited in the corners. To run the base should be: O
nce dry, the floor and finished the interior plaster, scraping and moistened the
junction between the wall and floor to place a strip of clay that is molded wit
h rounded giving a bottle to the socket.
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Flashing
A layer of straw that is placed on the side walls of the Lak'a Uta and below the
window. The flashing serves to prevent water from rain, hail or snow fall direc
tly on the walls and damaged. Adobitos are used, mud and straw. To run the flash
ing side should be:
1. Put clay mortar on the wall side
adobitos a row of cast.
2. Fill with mud mortar giving the inclination
required between the side wall and the roof, to form the flashing.
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3. Calar a groove on the top of the
junction between the ceiling and tilt so that the chaff under the last layer of
plaster. mud on the inclined surface, entering the groove.
4. Place the straw without mortar roots
5.€With mud mortar and iron filling,
making a plaster on the link between the straw and the vault for this well seale
d. overhang.
6. Cut the edges of the straw
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To run the flashing of the window should be:
1. From the center of the window opening to the
carving outside the bricks where the flashing will be supported, giving the desi
red inclination, about the height of a brick.
2. Bundles of straw are mixed without roots
(Approximately 7 cm) with clay mortar and are placed in this space.
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3. Apply mortar on the hard clay
frotacho flashing and uniform.
4. Apply the mud mortar and flashing
trowel, pressure and tighten evenly to refine the surface. It is advisable to ad
d to this mortar donkey dung, tar, dirty oil or linseed oil for a more durable s
urface. If possible, run the flashing Gambote rustic brick thrown by placing cem
ent mortar, forming the slope of the flashing.
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Carpentry
Are elements (doors and windows) that can be made of wood and reinforced concret
e, which are placed into openings that connect the interior and exterior of the
Lak'a Uta. The joinery is executed before the plaster interior and exterior of t
he Lak'a Uta.
Carpentry concrete
Carpentry is made of precast concrete in place of wood, are used for windows and
measure 0.29 x 0.29 m. 9 elements are used for the window and placed in three r
ows. To mount the window must be concrete:
1. Prepare mortar with 1 part cement and 5
sand, place the mortar on the bottom of the window on the rod and mount the firs
t row with three elements next to each other, filling the vertical joints. concr
ete elements corrugated steel rod of 6 mm, with cement mortar, embedding 5 cm on
each side of the wall.
2. Put on this row, in the channels
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3. Install the second row and placed in the holes
another rod embedded in the wall.
4. Complete window and fill the third row
the space gap between the window and lintel with a adobito the center and sides
with mortar to smooth the inner and outer surfaces. window when you have finishe
d the plaster interior and exterior of the Lak'a Uta.
5. Place the glass and mount the wooden blade
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90
To assemble the door frame should be:
1. Cross hammering nails 4 "on top
central and bottom of each side of the frame serve to hold in the wall. door to
enclose the nails and the recessed base of the wall of the frame horns.
2. Calar the sidewalls of the opening
3. Fit the frame to verify their level and plumb. 4. Fill with plaster fretwork
spaces to set the
framework.
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The door leaf is placed after the finishing end of the Lak'a Uta. To assemble yo
u must:
1. Brush the sheet with the framework to open
and close without difficulty.
2. Secure the hinge pins when it is
verified that the door is fully assembled.
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Painting
Painting is a coloring material that is applied to the walls and the roof after
revoked. Lime and water is used. To run the painting of the interior walls of Ut
a Lak'a must:
1. Prepare wash painting with:
• 2.5 kilos of lime • 10 liters of water Let stand for 10 days.
2. It should correct the irregularities which may have
the plaster dust from the last layer of plaster. Sand the surface if necessary a
nd caulk the gaps. the roof and the walls, waiting for each hand dry before appl
ying the next, until desired shade is obtained.
3. Apply with a brush several coats of the paint on
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Background papers
Sidewalk
It is recommended that after the work is executed outside a sidewalk along the e
ntire perimeter of the house, with a minimum width of 30 cm. This sidewalk is us
ed to protect the foundations of the leaked water. It runs the pavement from the
foundation walls, with a slope to drain water. In the outer edges of the sidewa
lk can make a stone ditch.
General Cleaning
At the end of the work should remove the scaffolding, trash and debris outside t
he building and any surplus materials have been. Should wash the glass in the wi
ndows and doors. It must sweep the floor of the house leaving the house clean be
fore being inhabited.
Bed
You can build a bed with a base of bricks and a wooden frame. To run you must:
Wardrobe
You can build a wardrobe adobitos, it is recommended to be located next to the e
ntrance of the Lak'a Uta. To run you must:
1.€Against the wall
and posterior wall in which holes are Trombe, make a rectangular adobes base wid
th of 0.90 m × 1.90 m long with walls of three courses. wooden frame on this bas
is to support the mattress or the clowns.
1. Make a base
rectangular, 0.8 m wide × 0.95 m long with two rows of adobitos attached to the
front wall and side of the Lak'a Uta. based on a small wall rises adobitos. plac
ing a rod embedded in the center of the low wall and the front wall of the Lak'a
Uta will serve to hang the clothes.
2. To close the closet
2. Place boards or
3. At the height of 1.60 m
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UTA LAK'A
Training