Building the Load-Bearing Pillars The walls of the community kitchen/space structure will be a construction of stones, perfect in size and shape, found in abundance on this land and in this region. Concrete mortar will be used for its quicker drying time, compared to the more natural alternative:“Cal,” Lime mortar, which comes from limestone, shells, or coral calcium carbonate. Pre-made concrete blocks, 40 cm x 20 cm x 20cm modular units, are being used to build the load-bearing pillars, in the corners and on both sides of doorframes, for straighter lines and more strength (it is speculated) than stones offer. The first concrete blocks were set into the concrete slab of the foundation: Measure out exactly where they go in your corners, on either side of your door frames, in support of long spans, etc., then make absolutely sure they are level on all sides. We waited a day before continuing. Use a trowel, or your gloved hands, to put a thick layer of concrete on top your first block; set the next block on the first, eyeing the edges for plumb lines; use a leveler to make sure this block is level to itself and the ones below it. Iron rods (smaller lengths tied together with wire as the height increased) were placed inside each of the corner pillars, as well as in the load-bearing pillars placed at the joints of the roof beams. Make sure to continue measuring the distance between the blocks needed to fit the frames. Use a straight edge to check overall level. Step back and take a look once in awhile. We’re doing no more than five a day. Natural Building: Abroad Friday, April 25, 2008