Design

Imitation Stone Walls and Fake Rocks

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR7MhJ5h_c8 You can make textured walls, benches and other objects that look just like stone. This video and the article below show you the basics. I prefer the beauty of natural stone, but this is an option worth considering for special situations. Here’s one example. You could plaster your walls to simulate the color and … Read more

Low-Cost Reinforcement of Earthen Houses in Seismic Areas

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[Most text quoted from the referenced article shown below.] Vernacular earthen houses located in seismic areas are at risk because of their inherent structural vulnerability. Adobe houses, for instance, are strong in compression but weak in tension. Earthquakes pull adobe houses apart, causing great loss of life and property. However, due to economic reasons, earth … Read more

Turning Sand to Stone

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Bacillus pasteuri, naturally occurring bacteria, can be used to turn sand into sandstone (calcite cement). This relatively simple process creates durable, low cost building materials. The technical name for this is microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Ginger Krieg Dosier of the United Arab Emerites was awarded the Metropolis 2010 Next Generation Winner for her innovative work. … Read more

U-shaped House

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The U-shaped house is my latest house plan to get updated to computer renderings. Based on reader demand, the house is slightly larger than the original. Specifications: 990 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, Footprint: 31′ x 46′ Description: This pleasant home looks inward to an inviting flagstone courtyard with trees and plants. Spacious … Read more

Failed Plaster on Dome

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The following report from an anonymous experienced builder in Haiti is about a new earthbag dome that’s already failing. My intent is not to bash these particular builders (I don’t even know who they are), but rather use this example as a learning opportunity to encourage good design. It’s great that people want to help … Read more