Earthships and Earthbag Construction (Your very own Hobbit Hole)
52 replies, posted
I've long been a fan of architecture employing green technology, recycled materials, and unique building techniques. A few months ago, my drafting professor turned me on to Earthships. Earthships, and their cousins, Earthbag homes, are some very cool biz. Ever since, I've been reading about them regularly, browsing different plans, techniques, and completed projects. I figured it'd be a cool turn to clue in the rest of you folks to this very sweet style of architecture, or at least to gab about it with people who are already familiar!
[U]What are Earthships[/U]
Earthships are an ecologically friendly style of residence, typically built into the sides of hills, and partially below ground level, wherein the primary building material is, well, Earth. They generally used recycled tires tamped with dirt and stacked on top of one another in order to create the load-bearing walls of the house. the structural elements are then plastered over with a weather resistant super adobe made of a mixture of soil and concrete. Interior walls may be contructed from bricks, adobe, earthbags, or traditional building techniques.
It sounds messy, but the end-result is actually very cozy, and has a rounded and organic quality reminiscent of Tolkien's Hobbit Holes. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, Earthships are absurdly strong, and more energy efficient than just about any contemporary building techniques. They are fire and storm proof, and can withstand massive loads and forces, being that they are essentially bunkers.
The major benefits of Earthship construction techniques are that the building materials can be found nearly anywhere (after all, you're standing on the primary element every time you step outside). As a result, the material cost for construction Earthships is extremely low, however they do require a much greater investment of manpower to construct. Earthships naturally regulate their own temperatures, as below ground level, soil tends to remain steady temperature within just a few degrees year round. With intelligently placed and angled windows, an Earthship can maintain a relatively constant, comfortable temperature in nearly any environment year-round, with minimal or no need for artificial heating or cooling elements.
[B][I]This is a picture of the building process of an Earthship. The footprint of the house is dug out, and then the structural walls are laid. Each tire is packed with dirt and stacked into place:[/I][/B]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/ESconst_zps78e15620.jpg[/t]
[B][I]After the structure is formed, the tires are plastered over with a regionally appropriate adobe or concrete mixture. The end-result is an extremely organic looking home, that has the potential to be stunningly beautiful:[/I][/B]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/ESext3_zps1dc1dd9a.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/ESext2_zpsecd94bf5.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/ESext1_zpsdf3e1658.jpg[/t]
[B][I]The interior of Earthships has an earthen Hobbit Hole quality that is functional, efficient, and very, very cool:[/I][/B]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/esint3_zps9f076ef3.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/esint2_zps33d4b6ef.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/esint1_zps04ed5574.jpg[/t]
[U]Earthbag Construction[/U]
Earthbag construction is similar to Earthship construction in that it involves packing shit full of dirt for its structural integrity, however it lends itself better to freestanding structures, and is generally a bit easier to work with, given that bags aren't big and heavy and made of rubber. This technique is typically done above ground, and is accomplished by filling sandbags or sacks with dirt, and then stacking them up like bricks, with strands of barbed wire in between each layer to secure them during construction. Like Earthships, these are very efficient and incredibly strong buildings. I recall a story in which a runaway truck slammed into an Earthbag wall that hadn't even been finished yet. The wall was completely unscathed, and the truck was totalled.
The major benefit of Earthbags versus Earthships is that they are cheaper to build off-the-grid, or in very remote locations, as there is no need to lug large amounts of old tires around. Bags are also easier to work with than tires, and your finished walls will be much thinner. Finished Earthbag homes have a much more organic quality, given that the bags easily lend themselves to rounded walls and dome construction, which is both cool looking, and very efficient from an energy savings standpoint. Earthbags are generally a better choice for smaller structures.
The drawback of Earthbags to Earthships is that the walls will be considerably thinner, thus potentially less efficient in terms of thermal mass and insulation. However, they are still considerably more so than traditional building techniques. Both Earthships and Earthbag homes are extremely resilient to weather and wear, as well as to insects, rot, and mildew. An Earthship or Earthbag home could easily remain standing for centuries with little or no structural maintenance.
[B][I]Here you can see the construction techniques associated with building an Earthbag home. The footprint is dug slightly below, or at ground level. Typically, the first several layers of Earthbags will be filled with sand or gravel, to prevent moisture wicking from the ground. Barbed wire is placed between layers to secure the bags:[/I][/B]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/ebconst1_zpsd05e0667.jpg[/t]
[B][I]The exteriors of Earthbag homes are extremely organic, and typically involve domes and arches to maximize the structure's strength and aesthetics. Multiroom Earthbag homes are generally made from a series of interlocking circles or domes:[/I][/B]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/EBext3_zpsffc006a9.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/EBext1_zpsd02dd83d.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/EBext2_zps205c4f83.jpg[/t]
[B][I]Because of their thinner walls, the interiors of Earthbag homes are very flexible, and can be made to look quite extraordinary:[/I][/B]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/EBint2_zps6b1aa79a.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/EBint1_zps19f61633.jpg[/t]
[t]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/EBInt3_zps92765bd4.jpg[/t]
Well then, I know what my dream house is going to be.
i do love bilbo's house
Those walking swastikas in the second to last picture are amusing. It'd be really cool to have a house like this.
[QUOTE=stupid07er;41381976]Well then, I know what my dream house is going to be.[/QUOTE]
The coolest thing is that these are extremely cheap to build, compared to traditional homes. The estimates I've seen on material costs are about $10 per square foot. Keep in mind that they do take a lot more manpower to actually erect, though. These are not complicated at all to build, but dirt is heavy, and you'll have to move a lot of it. If you're not doing the work yourself, you'll have to hire some people with strong backs.
I saw videos on earthships before, back in 2008 or something stupidly long ago like that.
They're pretty cool, and earthships are designed to be entirely self-sustainable from what I checked back then, so their own power, water, food...
[QUOTE=eurocracy;41382756]I saw videos on earthships before, back in 2008 or something stupidly long ago like that.
They're pretty cool, and earthships are designed to be entirely self-sustainable from what I checked back then, so their own power, water, food...[/QUOTE]
Yeah, if you're so inclined they can be built to be totally off the grid. I think a composting toilets might be a bit hardcore for me, though! I just love them for their architectural flair and easily learned construction techniques. There is very little know-how needed to construct these, you could learn nearly everything you need to know with a weekend workshop. When I eventually start my own family, I'd like to just get a couple of acres of land out in a somewhat more rural area, with less stringent building codes, and build a little family complex of these.
i've always wanted to make an off-the-grid fortress of solitude out in the middle of the mojave
have you seen garbage warrior, bda?
One thing I would love it a house built into a hill. Kinda like the 4th picture.
It's amazing how much energy you can save by building your house around the environment and climate. Something we used to do, forgot about, and now are starting to do again cause damn high energy bills.
Is it possible to build them in a way that doesn't look retarded
[QUOTE=Zeke129;41385988]Is it possible to build them in a way that doesn't look retarded[/QUOTE]
Yes, it's just that people want them to look different and artsy.
[QUOTE=Zeke129;41385988]Is it possible to build them in a way that doesn't look retarded[/QUOTE]
[img]http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/images/projects/ak1.jpg[/img]
Here is a boring square house if that's what you mean! It kind of defeats the purpose, though. There is a reason why most of the designs are cury and organic: domes are stronger than squares, easier to erect with earthbags, have less wasted space, and are more efficient at insulation.
D:
[QUOTE=stupid07er;41388620]D:[/QUOTE]
Earthships, fuck yeah!
I'm getting my degree in Architectural Design (undergraduate) and Architectural Engineering (Graduate) because of my love for these things. We're in the process of fixing up my dads house for sale so we can buy him a plot of land and build him a big ol' Earthship/Earthbag home with a couple of sub-levels and energy independence.
[editline]10th July 2013[/editline]
Love you, BDA. Thanks for bringing up the topic! I'll grab the book that I bought the other day and scan in a couple photographs. This whole movement really started to take off in the 70's/80's, and that's when the book was published, so it has loads of interesting content.
How do they shield against extreme rain? I'm a bit concerned when it rains for a week nonstop, the walls could get soaked?
[QUOTE=commander204;41388921]How do they shield against extreme rain? I'm a bit concerned when it rains for a week nonstop, the walls could get soaked?[/QUOTE]
I've had similar concerns. The only thing I've really come up with is traditional metal cornering used to prevent leaks in roofs and such. In regards to the walls, a lot of Earthships actually coat the outer walls with concrete, which (hopefully) would make it a non-issue.
[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;41388607][img]http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/images/projects/ak1.jpg[/img]
Here is a boring square house if that's what you mean! It kind of defeats the purpose, though. There is a reason why most of the designs are cury and organic: domes are stronger than squares, easier to erect with earthbags, have less wasted space, and are more efficient at insulation.[/QUOTE]
Domes are fine, a lot of superficial bits and pieces isn't. Even the most normal one in the OP has pointless curvy overhanging bits.
They're all gaudy, the face that the attic of this one has is my face looking at the other ones
Depending on how old you are and if you watched tv as a child you may or may not remember this. (UK)
[IMG]http://thecircular.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ttlTubbytronicSuperdome.jpg[/IMG]
Younger bro watched it.
I so would want to live in a house like this. I think once I start saving money I'll just use that money to have a fairly nice one built.
4th to last pic is my favorite, definitely looks like it came straight out of Hobbiton
[QUOTE=Zeke129;41390321]Domes are fine, a lot of superficial bits and pieces isn't. Even the most normal one in the OP has pointless curvy overhanging bits.
They're all gaudy, the face that the attic of this one has is my face looking at the other ones[/QUOTE]
Oh, that's two things:
1) The overhangs limit the amount of sun that enters the home during the hottest hours of the day, adding to the energy efficiency of the home
2) These are built mostly by hippies
I still think they're pretty darn groovy, though. Especially this one.
[img]http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k553/BigDumbAmerican/Earth%20Home/ESext1_zpsdf3e1658.jpg[/img]
That is a rather functional lookin' home. Still pretty, but hardly gawdy. The only potentially superfluous bit is the overhang on the upper deck, which I imagine is there almost entirely to aid in the natural heating/cooling of the house. If I were going to build an Earthship, this is basically how I'd want to go about it. But heck, you could build them however you want. I picked some pretty extreme examples from a quick Google search to showcase how flexible the building material was. These homes are about as customizable as it gets.
This one more to your taste?
[t]http://jamesednaycox.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/dsc01466.jpg[/t]
[editline]10th July 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=ewitwins;41388680]Earthships, fuck yeah!
I'm getting my degree in Architectural Design (undergraduate) and Architectural Engineering (Graduate) because of my love for these things. We're in the process of fixing up my dads house for sale so we can buy him a plot of land and build him a big ol' Earthship/Earthbag home with a couple of sub-levels and energy independence.
[editline]10th July 2013[/editline]
Love you, BDA. Thanks for bringing up the topic! I'll grab the book that I bought the other day and scan in a couple photographs. This whole movement really started to take off in the 70's/80's, and that's when the book was published, so it has loads of interesting content.[/QUOTE]
You are livin' the dream. I love architectural design, but I'm really strugglin' with the math side of things. That's always been my Achilles heel, and it's coming back to bite me now. The design and form and theory I love, but, you know. I need to have a sit-down with somebody and figure out where I could fit into the process, because I just don't think I'm mathematically minded enough for the engineering side of it.
[QUOTE=Boss;41391392]Depending on how old you are and if you watched tv as a child you may or may not remember this. (UK)
[IMG]http://thecircular.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ttlTubbytronicSuperdome.jpg[/IMG]
Younger bro watched it.[/QUOTE]
They played that show here in the US too
My parents were very close to building a house like this, however they went with a more conventional one to have a bit more space. Would have been neat but they went with a very open post and beam house which I think is just as cool (plus it gives me my awesomely cozy room while still giving us lots of space)
How hard is it to do multiple level buildings in this style (assuming you dig down deep enough) and how hard is it to do fairly open floor plans?
[QUOTE=KmartSqrl;41394874]How hard is it to do multiple level buildings in this style (assuming you dig down deep enough) and how hard is it to do fairly open floor plans?[/QUOTE]
I've seen a lot of designs with multilevel buildings, actually. This building technique is absurdly strong, given that your primary structural element is essentially stacked sandbags plastered over with several inches of modified cement. They have a very high yield strength. Still, I dunno how high you could go without sacrificing a lot of the benefits of this style of building. It might be better do a hybrid, if you're looking at multilevel buildings, with an earthbag or packed tire main level, and wood or masonry for the second or third floors. While earthbags could take the weight of a second story, the actual construction aspect of it would become laborious enough to outweight the benefits.
As far as floorplan and square footage, that's up to the designer's discretion. They can be as private or as open as you'd like.
Small square footage, but a very spacious studio-style design:
[img]http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/plans/images/spiralP.jpg[/img]
Similar square footage, but a much more clustered design. Also, no bathroom for some reason.
[img]http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/triple-dome-survival-shelter-sm-600x375.jpg[/img]
I know you explain it in the OP but how exactly is the temperature kept comfortable? Apparently soil helps, but a lot of these are above ground it looks like. Just curious because I live in an area that ranges between 100f high humidity summers and below freezing winters.
Also confirm or deny that these are the hobbit homes that the UN and american liberals want to force on Americans???
The way you construct an earthship or earthbag home, and how to choose which one is more efficient from an energy standpoint, depends pretty heavily on the climate of your region. The bones of it are pretty simple, though.
The four key concepts will be: ambient soil temperature; solar heating through intelligent window placement; the thermal mass and insulative values of your construction materials, and proper ventilation.
Subsurface soil maintains a relatively constant temperature that is similar the annual average of your climate's temperature. This temperature only varies by a few degrees throughout the year. In the winter, soil will be considerably warmer than the weather outside, and in the summer it will be considerably cooler. Partially or fully submerging your home into a hillside or the ground will allow you to benefit from that by allowing the temperature of the soil permeate through your walls and floor.
Soil will only get you so far, though. If you live in a moderate climate, then the average temperature of subsurface soil may be quite cool. This is how root cellars worked, back when anybody had root cellars. In order to help heat the inside of your home, windows are necessary. The number, placement, and orientation of your windows will depend largely on your climate. If you live in a more desertous region, with cold nights and hot days, you may want all of your windows facing Eastward, and to have overhangs. This will allow the sun to warm your home in the morning, but shade your home as the sun climbs higher into the sky and the day gets hotter. If in a colder climate, windows angled towards the sky, skylight, and both Eastern and Western facing windows may be necessary to absorb enough solar heat to keep your home comfortable. Moderate climates may prefer North and South facing windows, for a less dramatic effect on their heating and cooling.
In order to make good use of solar energy, your construction materials should employ an appropriate amount of thermal mass. Thermal mass is an object's ability to absorb heat. It absorbs the heat of the sun while the sun if shining on it, and then radiates that heat as the ambient temperature cools down, helping to keep your home cool in the day, and warm at night. Stone and masonry are great for this. It's important to strike a right balance for your climate, though. The insulative factors of your construction materials, which will vary depending on what kind of soil, clay, or gravel compositions you are filling your earthbags with, will further help to regulate your building's ambient temperature. A proper balance of thermal mass and insulation will absorb excess heat during warm weather, and radiate stored heat during cool weather.
Lastly, of course, is ventilation, and that doesn't need a whole lot of explanation. If your home breathes too little or too much, you'll suffer from a hot or drafty house.
Get these four factors balanced well for your environment, and you will have very little reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.
And, please... Everybody knows that sustainable design is for fuckin' LIEberals.
The largest flaw with Earthships (which, in my personal opinion, isn't a flaw) is that a lot of cities and towns haven't adjusted their building codes to allow for the construction of these amazing homes.
That's why I've been forced into eyeballing chunks of property in my county, instead of the actual city of Tucson. County building restrictions are less strict, and make this sort of thing possible.
[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;41392292]
This one more to your taste?
[t]http://jamesednaycox.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/dsc01466.jpg[/t]
[/QUOTE]
The design, yes
I'd just go with different colours
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