This how-to is designed for both novice and skilled builders, owners, and prospective owners of adobe houses. O'Connor, an engineer, covers every phase of construction - from testing soil, stabilizing, and manufacturing adobe blocks to details of interior and exterior woodwork, ironwork, tiles, and tinwork. He explains how to make the foundations, floors, walls, and roofs and gives precise specifications of heating, plumbing, and electricity. Twelve floor plans in both Territorial and Pueblo styles are included, as are many designs for kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces as well as portals , patios, and landscaping. Photographs, drawings, diagrams, and technical charts make this an indispensable handbook and reference for anyone interested in construction, architecture, solar energy, and Southwestern lifestyles.