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
This is a demonstration of wattle and daub made with bamboo. Wattle and daub is the world’s oldest known building method used all over the world many thousands of years. Here we’re using bamboo. You could use small saplings and branches woven together in the same way. We peeled the bamboo on the surface – … Read more
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
Today’s post is a guest contribution by Krista Peterson. As more and more people continue to take on holistic lifestyles, it seems the benefits of doing so continue to grow in awareness. As has been shown through many examples, when it comes to the actual building process, using materials such as earthbags can not only … Read more