Adopress 5000

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Echale a tu Casa, a social franchise program developed by EcoBlock International

Manufacturing/Building Method

Ital Mexicana S.A. can mass produce the Adopress 5000 at its manufacturing plant in Mexico City. However, the Adoblock itself is produced individually, using the Adopress 5000, that can be operated by community members as they construct the structures.

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Echale a tu Casa will identify communities in need and establish a presence, discover a need, and implement a solution. Echale a tu Casa uses government subsidies and a carefully designed social franchising system to sell the product to communities. Allbiz also offers the Adopress 3000 online.

Distributions to Date Status

30,000 new homes constructed, 150,000 home improvements made since the company's inception in 1985. No information on number of Adopress products distributed is available at this time.

Design Specifications

The Adopress 5000 produces Adoblocks which are made with soil, cement, cal and/or sand. The blocks are comprised of more than 90% local soil and serve as a natural insulation source and reduces reliance on heating and cooling devices. The machine requires an electric, three phase motor or diesel 10 HP engine. Operation with 3 personnel can achieve daily production (i.e. 8 hour shift) of 1,500 (10 x 20 x 40 cm) or 2,200 (10 x 15 x 30 cm) Adoblocks. Additional dimensions and weight not specified.

Technical Support

Families are trained by EcoBlock International technicians about the operation of Adopress. Echale offers technical assistance from start to finish to self-organized communities in order to promote sustainability after Echale leaves the community.

Replacement Components

Unknown. The bricks are made from locally available materials.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Production targets are listed in the image below

Vetted Performance Status

According to the manufacturer, Adoblocks are 30-40% more resistant than traditional fired bricks or concrete blocks. Adoblocks also act as an insulation material due to the acoustic properties of the main raw material used: earth.

Safety

Unknown

Complementary Technical Systems

Ecoblock International's program, Echale a tu Casa, works best when properly implemented with its social financing and community building method to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the Adopress 5000.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

Echale requires a minimum of 30 families to express interest in order to take part in the project. Echale's approach involves setting up a local housing committee that holds regular meetings to develop a housing program, interact with other stake holders and replicate a social franchise. By creating this committee, Echale hopes to promote the sustainability of the product and community. Echale works with the National Housing Commission (CONAVI), the Federal Mortgage Trust (SHF), the Houseing Institue of Campeche (INVICAM), and a local NGO Impulsac, however no awards/certifications are listed from these entities. Highest score amongst B Corp honorees for Best for the World 2013. Echale is a GIIRS pioneer, a B-Lab corporation, a Schwab Foundation, entrepreneur, and an Ashoka Fellow.