I’m always on the lookout for alternative building techniques. In this video, survivalist Ray Mears shows how to build a Siberian chum (tent) using a dozen poles. Three poles are tied together into a tripod and the remainder leaned against it. Reindeer hides are tied on top. But what of more permanent structures where greater … Read more
We have reported on the building of a community center in Pisco, Peru, and now this article from the Media Global organization has an update about how the community has responded to the introduction of earthbag technology: “The Ring of Fire” is a 25,000-mile hotbed of seismic activity stretching north from New Zealand through East … Read more
This is Cato from Chiapas, Mexico. You guys are right. For a few months, I did a lot of internet research, and decided that all that was really needed was an opportunity to get dirty. Since a couple of months, I am leading a crew of four peasants in a give and take learning experience. … Read more
Getting the plaster on an earthbag wall nice and flat can be quite challenging. You can save plaster work by covering the rough plaster with stone. You can buy flat stone facing. This is sandstone. Or you can get stone from out on the prairie or up in the mountains. You want flat stone that … Read more
From newleafinitiative.org In March 2011, New Leaf sent a team of allies and supporters to Haiti to construct an Earthbag building for our partners GrassRoots United. Earthbag buildings are built primarily from polypropylene bags, dirt and rubble. For two weeks, New Leaf worked extensively with Haitian volunteers to train them in the building process and … Read more
Some natural builders may be interested in building houses for profit. One suggestion is to find out what people want in your area. And so we’re going to look at a few houses here. This is what people are buying. These houses are made with brick, concrete and tile, but you could build the same … Read more