Sometimes special hardware can really come in handy for speeding construction. That’s probably why there are hundreds of different anchors and straps available – they really do make buildings stronger and easier to build. The anchors pictured above are used to build hogans, an octagonal shaped structure favored by the Navajo and others living in … Read more
Earthbag construction is a durable and affordable technique for building houses. The system was developed specifically with the goal of making them earthquake resistant, and they are in fact very effective at stopping most common bullet calibers. See all the best earthbag videos at EarthbagBuilding.com Videos
This just in from Ziggy at the Year of Mud website, a premier source for information on cob. There are tons of uses for cob, so this might be something you’re interested in. Text below is from Ziggy. “I wanted to write to let you know that I recently published a book through Blurb.com, based … Read more
This 785 sq. ft. interior design connects three sloped roof roundhouses and adjoining closets to create a unique roundhouse cluster design that is earth-sheltered on three sides — east, west and north — with a sunny courtyard on the south. The 16′ bedroom roundhouses on either side can be used as bedrooms, home offices, studios, … Read more
This Triple Dome Survival Shelter provides much more space than my first earthbag survival shelter. This 915 sq. ft. shelter is for long term survival for a family. It is earthquake and fire resistant, bullet and nuclear fallout resistant. This earth sheltered design is built above grade to reduce risk of flooding. Features include buried … Read more
Roofed domes are a very practical alternative to plastered domes in rainy climates. Plastered domes are vulnerable to roof leaks, and require rather extensive waterproofing and maintenance. Thatch can be very inexpensive in some areas. The thatched roof on our roundhouse, for instance, was only $100 for materials. This type of thatch typically lasts for … Read more