The Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is documented as being the poorest place in this country. People freeze to death each year from hypothermia, starve to death and Pine Ridge is documented as having the shortest life expectancy rate for any community anywhere in the western hemisphere next to Haiti. A group calling themselves … Read more
A gusseted bag has a seam that eliminates bulging, protruding corners. Gusseted bags create neat, squared bag ends. Although not required for earthbag building, they can reduce plastering work somewhat by creating flatter wall surfaces. Unfortunately, they’re not readily available in our area, so I just smack any protruding corners with a hammer or stitch … Read more
We have a new webpage on the Project in Belize. It’s primarily a photo essay, but the photos are of such good quality that they pretty much explain the process. Thanks for the excellent photos Brendon! Kaki Hunter and Doni Kiffmeyer, the authors of Earthbag Building are present, and their trademark methods are employed. I … Read more
One possible use of earthbags I haven’t seen so far is using bags of vermiculite, perlite, scoria or pumice for insulating yurts, tents and other dwellings. Kelly Hart used scoria-filled bags on his domes, and we’ve discussed ceiling insulation previously, but I’m talking about stacking (free standing) bags inside of a structure for wall insulation. … Read more
I think it’s time for a poll. Let us know your favorite building shape. [polldaddy poll=1351580]
An Australian couple have been chronicling the development of their homestead, which includes building a strawbale house and an innovative approach to creating raised garden beds. They have resorted to sewing up strips of old sheets to make long bags, which they then fill with stabilized soil to create the beds. Once cured, the beds … Read more