Ferrocement house sighting and report

[Charles Moore]

I had a chance to tour a hand sculpted (no airform used) ferrocement house in the Pahoa area recently and am happy to report that it appears they are suited to this climate. The owner is happy with the house and would not go back to stick built houses. He reports no leaks and a perpetually cool temperature (probably due to large thermal mass)regardless of weather. He said if anything sometimes it is too cool. The main question for me has always been will the thing leak. The answer is no...it won't leak if done right. The owner of Pacific Gunite (does mainly ferro water tanks,pools etc.) in Mt.view says if concrete weren't water proof(able) he would be out of business.