One good method to raise a structure high enough to prevent moisture damage is to build on high ground and/or raise the building site (building pad). This is what I’ve done on our earthbag structures so far. We spread out truckloads of road base where the building would go, drove a truck back and forth … Read more
Let’s take a brief respite from castle plans, shall we? Our website traffic has hit another major spike and so I’ll take this opportunity to summarize some key facts about earthbag building. A few quick facts: – Successful completion of an earthbag/strawbale shake table test in Nevada applied forces that surpassed that of the Northridge … Read more
Observation Tower Specifications: 133 sq. ft. interior, , 99 sq. ft. upper floor, total = 232 sq. ft. interior, plus roof deck, Footprint: 15′-6” diameter Description: The Observation Tower for my Dome Fort (coming soon) could also be used for other purposes such as an office, pantry or even spare bedroom. The kids would love … Read more
This is nearly the same design as my 33’ (10m) 2-bedroom Roundhouse except the roof. The walls have a slight taper to create a castle appearance for the Dome Fort I’m currently designing. In addition, a second floor with slot windows has been added. Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 855 sq. … Read more
The folks at Canadian Dirtbags told me about their Prairie Castle domes. I wrote back and suggested a full blown desert fort made with domes. I tried to describe to them the image in my mind and was sure something like this would pop up in Google. But after a fairly lengthy search I never … Read more
This 20′ interior diameter, 314 sq. ft. design is my proposed solution to Dustin’s dilemma in Florida for houses that can withstand repeat hurricanes. See How to Build the Strongest Buildings That Can Last Centuries for more details. Features include: lexan windows with removable window and door shutters, monolithic geopolymer slab floor that’s integrated with … Read more