The folks at Vanirah Farm in India have been building an earthbag/superadobe dome that will function as a winter community kitchen. Building the main structure with earthbags was fast, but the finishing work has taken a lot of time. They are also building a large earthbag rainwater harvesting tank. This video shows some of the construction.
I’ve built 7 houses (6 in Texas). The last one in Southern New Mexico where in summer we have lots of 100+ days. The house is largely papercrete. My electric bill (with swampcooler) has never been over $75 – usually in the $30’s) and my water bill is usually around mid $20’s. The house is above ground with windows looking out across the desert and mountains. In the summer I spread 70% shade-cloth over the roofs. In the fall I take it off and let the sun keep me warm all winter long.
I lived in San Antonio as a child and all I can think of is what a waste to spend it underground like a mole. There are mostly beautiful days there weather wise. Enjoy it while you can. Build as large and grand as you can. You won’t regret it.
Earth-sheltered housing can be very connected to the exterior environment, with large windows looking out at views… it all depends on the design. The fact that such housing offers the possibility of zero energy input for heating and cooling in San Antonio is worth a great deal!
Hello. I’m looking to build eartbag home in san antonio how’s your advice for me
I just looked up the year-round underground temperature in San Antonio, and it is 72 degrees F. I suggest going underground and earthbags are a good way to go for this.