MAKING A PRIVACY WALL WITH CORN-STALK BALES

Here's a quick and dirty (dusty) way to build a privacy wall... with bales of corn-stalks - so plentiful in Mexico. This project will most likely be viewed by many as a little crazy - as indeed will be the way we made the video. Anyway here is the CRASH course in how-we-dun it. We await the "gong"...

And why did we build such a thing? Our little town has been experiencing quite a building boom and population explosion this past year. Many local folks who used to work in the United states are being forced to return home due to the down-turn in the U.S. economy and more strict enforcement of immigration laws. A new cement manufacturing plant is also under construction only one mile outside of town (900 workers, 24/7). What with many new houses being build close to us, more noise from TV's and stereos, more noise from the increased truck and car traffic (it used to be mainly burros!), and more kids romping in the street, we decided to build a privacy wall. It works!! It is not only far more peaceful again in our little casa, but making noise-free recordings is now possible again. Being chemically sensitive, Jim also appreciates how much the wall keeps fumes from trucks and cars from getting into the house. Mindy likes not having to dust or blow out the computers as often.

Here in tolerant and easy-going Mexico, the neighbors don't seem to mind our wall which would certainly be considered an eye-sore and unacceptable in most U.S. communities. They know us and understand why we built the wall, and they have lived with ramshackle structures built next to nice houses for generations. Most anything goes in Mexico. That said, the wall needs to completely plastered to protect it from rain and from insects and rodents taking up residence in it. And, of course, it will look much better that way too!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• privacy wall
• corn-stalk bales
• construction in Mexico

[tenmilechicks]

I like the music and the fencing plans. Is there an updated video of the finished results?

[waste9000]

I think this was recorded with that new Calculator 5000, circa 1991.

[mickeysnakeboy1960]

Wow! I sure hope somebody builds a shit hole like this next to my house...Two dikes who want to mow each other in privacy, now that's the American way fer sure...

[eriklares90]

That's ingenious! I've heard of people buidling houses out of hay bales here, i guess cornstalks might offer more support.

[kika421]

Looking forward to seeing how it will turn out when it is all plastered. :)