Owen Geiger

Earthbag Greenhouses

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Earthbags are ideal for building greenhouses due to their resistance to moisture damage. Most anyone can build with earthbags, which can cut construction costs. When filled with insulation such as perlite or scoria, earthbag walls and foundations enable you to grow plants year-round. Excess heat from a greenhouse attached to your home, like the one … Read more

Earthbag Buildings Can Look Any Way You Like

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Much as been written about the technical aspects of building with earthbags and how they can be used to build safe, durable, beautiful, low-cost structures. But many readers are unfamiliar with this building method and are wondering what earthbag buildings look like. This inspired me to create a virtual tour of some of the best … Read more

Thatched Roofs

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Many earthbag builders are fond of curved houses. That’s great because earthbags readily lend themselves to curved shapes. But what about the roof? Thatch roofing is one good solution, depending on your climate and local codes. Here are a few links to get you started. Exotic East, Bali huts and thatch Installation instructions This is … Read more

Instant Earthbag Building Blocks

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Jerry Collette of www.recycledrice.org is planning to use prepackaged rice hulls that come in 50 lb. polypropylene bags to build an earthbag tipi at the Pine Ridge Reservation. (See www.earthbagbuilding.com/bulletin) He says that they cost about $6 US each, so it is not exactly dirt cheap, but there are definite advantages. Rice Hulls make excellent … Read more

Internet Radio Show Appearance

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I was a guest on an internet radio talk show Wednesday, April 15, 2009 in the afternoon, discussing topics related to green home building. Quite a bit of the discussion was about earthbag building.  See  http://truthbrigade.com/ If you missed the live show, it will be archived at http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-11887/TS-212923.mp3 I don’t actually make my appearance on … Read more