Bonita Domes Project Update

Bonita Domes Project. Building Earth with Community
Bonita Domes Project. Building Earth with Community

“We are building our first project in Joshua Tree California using SuperAdobe Earth Bag building technology as taught by Cal Earth. Bonita Domes composed of The Village; a 868 sq. ft. triple dome structure. We are learning to build a home using minimal resources and materials on hand yet requires a good amount of physical labor. We invite you to come build with us. Here we will keep you posted about opportunities to visit to Bonita Domes Project, learn Super Adobe building technology and be inspired to create your shelter within community.”

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Solar Food Steamer

Solar steamers efficiently steam food and produce distilled and pasteurized water.
Solar steamers efficiently steam food and produce distilled and pasteurized water.

“As the solar steamer is using steam as heat transfer medium, it is an indirect cooking system. This allows the design of a split system where the thermal solar collector can be placed at some distance (e.g. on the roof) apart from the place of cooking (e.g. in the kitchen). The cook is not exposed to the sunshine and can use the steam at whatever height or location is convenient and culturally acceptable.

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Ferrocement Roofed Domes for Tropical Climates

This roofed dome is designed for hot, rainy climates.
This roofed dome is designed for hot, rainy climates.

Domes are vulnerable to water damage, so what to do in rainy climates? I say add a roof. There are various roofed dome houses on our main website at EarthbagBuilding.com that you peruse here and here. Those are earthbag domes. The design I’m first presenting here is made of ferrocement. It’s just one more way to do things.

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Vanuatu Earthbag Update Aug 12, 2013

“Hi Owen, I’ve been sick for the past fortnight but it’s given me a chance to process all the offers and opportunities that have opened up.

I am going to have to work with the government in Vanuatu so I have to be very clear what I can offer to a community and how I can fund it.

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Minnesota Strawbale: Fruits of our Labor

Strawbale barn in Minnesota with vaulted metal roof.
Strawbale barn in Minnesota with vaulted metal roof.

“The first structure we built on our 9 acres was the tool shed. (After it served its purpose for storing tools it became a chicken coop, then a mini art studio and is now a sauna!) The second structure we built was this outbuilding that we call The Shop (pictured above). On the ground floor is Ken’s custom cabinetry workshop. He is a true craftsman. The upstairs portion is used for storage, although I imagine a remote guest quarters or art studio as another use for that space.”

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Eco Hobbit Home Photos and Drawings

The couple were living in a caravan for four years before the house was completed
The couple were living in a caravan for four years before the house was completed

More pics and drawings of the eco hobbit home in Pembrokeshire. This is a magnificent home and I want to get the word out. The local council may tear the home down as they’ve threatened, however we can turn this action against the wrongdoers by using it to rally support for natural building and affordable homes for all.

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