Ferrocement is resource efficient because it uses minimal rebar and concrete to produce ‘thin shell’ structures. The resulting curved members are somewhat similar to trees and plants. This is the opposite of straight concrete walls that rely on massive thickness to gain strength (and cost way more money). One of the best sites for learning … Read more
Timbrel vaults offer another low cost, sustainable roof building method. This method is suitable for do-it-yourself owner builders if you do the research. Suggestions include: use a simple design with a reinforced concrete bond beam and modest spans. Look into using low-fired, lightweight brick like the type used in Mexico and SE Asia. “The ‘Sustainable … Read more
“The small size (app. 600 sq. ft.) and super-efficient design fully lends itself to an inexpensive and minimal off grid solar wind inversion (4K or less) system, which could eliminate one fourth of our cumulative energy consumption if adopted by everyone. No one would need to be “ON THE GRID”…!” Source: Elevated Earth Technologies
“Harmony of human habitats with nature, the use of soil and solar energy enables us to build energy-efficient shelters, produce healthy food, process waste and meet the material and spiritual needs in a sustainable manner and in accordance to the local environment. Join us during the earth sheltered passive solar greenhouse building workshops and explore … Read more
“There’s a grassroots movement in tiny homes these days. The real estate collapse, the economic downturn, burning out on 12-hour workdays – many people are rethinking their ideas about shelter – seeking an alternative to high rents, or a lifelong mortgage debt to a bank on an overpriced home. In this book are some 150 … Read more
I received an email about the high fire risk in Victoria and much of southern Australia, and they explained how they are considering earthbag domes as a fire safety strategy. Wooden roofs, especially houses with roof overhangs, would be at much higher risk of fire than domes. Fire would go right on past a properly … Read more