FAQ’s

A Compressed Earth Block (CEB) is a structural masonry block made by compressing earth, typically at a pressure of about 1,000 to 1,800 PSI, to create a solid, durable building material.

Parabellum Constructors will offer CEBS that are augmented by small percentages of Portland cement. While we appreciate there are other methods, we believe firmly that having stabilized blocks will provide the look and durability our clients and partners will value the most. We believe this is a prime example of what we mean when we talk about common sense sustainability.

If you are from a land outside of the United States, or if you have traveled the world, you already know the answer! The prevalence of earthen construction is worldwide, and the United States is far behind on implementing this construction technique on a notable scale. There are earthen structures located around the world that literally have lasted hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

A large part of the answer actually lies in why we build the way we have for so many decades. History shows that while timber-based construction in the United States was increasing prior to WWII, the need for readily available and economically feasible building materials increased both during and after WWII. In a sense, supply chains driven by War needs, as well as the skyrocketing housing demand as The Greatest Generation returned home solidified timber as a primary building material.

For Initial discussions and to help people on the learning curve, we like to say if you can build it with Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs), you can build it with earth block. This is important especially given code changes in hurricane and tornado-prone parts of the country continue to migrate towards CMU construction to address survivability and insurability concerns sweeping the nation.

There is no data driven answer to this question currently in the CEB space that we have found. Some of the Parabellum Constructors team are self-funding their first build in Central Texas in 2024. We will be able to demonstrate and explain costs factually at that time. While we are confident we can be competitive/better early when compared to ‘traditional methods’, the total cost of home ownership and energy efficiency will show the financial sense of using CEBS.

Are you interested in a bulletproof, fireproof, affordable structure that will last generations? Are you a DIY type who can lay your own blocks in order to drastically reduce your labor costs? Are you priced out of building, buying or renting a ‘traditional’ home? If the answer is yes to any or all of those, please follow us on our Journey and let us know when the time comes and we can work together.

Utilizing our AECT 3500 machine, Parabellum will be able to produce the following:

• 7” x 14” (thickness 3.5”)
• 8” x 14” (thickness 3.5”)
• 10” x 14” (thickness 3.5”)