These structures complete the series for my Earthbag Castle: Custom Chonburi, Tower House, Carriage House and Guard Tower. Now, everything has to be put together inside the castle wall. Stay tuned.
The Carriage House is a garage with some shop space and a second floor apartment for extended family or ‘servants’. The Guard Tower serves as a tool shed and observation tower in ‘peaceful’ times. It could also function as a small dwelling for some workers.
I think this house is beautiful. Is it possible to build it larger: 3 bedrooms ????? is there a suspended slab between the first and second level? if so, is it made with earthbags or concrete? 3 years that I plan to build a nice little earthbag home to my village in Africa where we know nothing about this technology. or at least, where I come from. I have many questions, I need your advice. I read everything I found on earthbags building. but I need more and I thank you in advance for your help.
Second story floors are typically wood framed. This enables most DIYers to build the house. But you could use a suspended slab if you wanted.
Custom plans are available. Email: strawhouses [at] yahoo.com
Won’t these structures require exterior buttressing for lateral support since they aren’t curved?
No, because the recommended building method is reinforced earthbags: http://earthbagbuilding.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/reinforced-earthbag-specifications/
You could also integrate the earthbags with a post and beam structure.