Lava Rock House

[topograph]

I see older homes built out of lava rock; are there still contractors doing this type of construction, and if so, what are the positives / negatives?

[Carey]

There is very little new const of buildings with lava rock, although the material is readily available in Puna, the labor is $$$$ and there are problems with uniformity of the material & construction for earthquakes for code work. Many of the total failures in structures in the Oct. '06 earthquake were older lava rock constructions. Many of those structures are still awaiting repairs.

[heyyou]

Not to code means no insurance means no $ for rebuilding after damage.

[gtill]

There are people who sell Veneer of real Pahoehoe flow! Broken up it scabs over CMU walls, and gives a nice impression of solid lava!
This is pure thin black surface flow pahoehoe! It would be neat to transplant some of the more decorative flows to a block wall, fence etc!
Would provide insulation and appearance, but isn't structural! Also doesn't require painting!
Would be a good niche market for some lot owners! I bet outer islands would pay well for it!

[Kelena]

Pahoehoe can be reproduced in concrete, too. I have the stuff all over my patio which is why I call the place Hale Lavalava. It's, like, a double entendre.

[gtill]

If pahoehoe is being manufactured, I would doubt the quality will hold! Which will make it just like kailua made rocck













1


Gordon J Tilley

[emorata]

one of my rentals is two story, made of cinderblock and the facing is lavarock which is relatively easy to install...the only negatives is that coakie do love to hide in the crevaces and weeds, ferns and small plants love to eventually growing on the rocks so there is some maintenance involved....overall though, i do like the look since it really has a nice feel to the whole home.

noel

[topograph]

I was interested in lava rock not so much for the looks (though they are awesome) as because of the ecological benefits of using local materials versus imported. Will probably just end up building walls with it now...

[kani-lehua]

quote:

---

Originally posted by gtill

There are people who sell Veneer of real Pahoehoe flow! Broken up it scabs over CMU walls, and gives a nice impression of solid lava!
This is pure thin black surface flow pahoehoe! It would be neat to transplant some of the more decorative flows to a block wall, fence etc!
Would provide insulation and appearance, but isn't structural! Also doesn't require painting!
Would be a good niche market for some lot owners! I bet outer islands would pay well for it!

---

no. i wouldn't pay a dime for it. haven't you heard about the legends surrounding lava rocks? fact or fiction? many people return the rocks for fear of bad luck.

malia paha o lohe aku

perhaps they will hear

[mella l]

Quote "no. i wouldn't pay a dime for it. haven't you heard about the legends surrounding lava rocks? fact or fiction? many people return the rocks for fear of bad luck".

malia paha o lohe aku

perhaps they will hear

Perhaps I have a miss understanding. I thought the legend had to do with lava leaving the island, not lava used on the island for it's inhabitants. Any clarification?

mella l