My focus has always been on low cost, low tech housing solutions. But people are starting to plan large earthbag projects, and it’s only natural to look for ways to reduce costs and labor. One option is to modify the pneumatic tampers used for rammed earth by adding a wider base. It would take some … Read more
Another earthbag workshop is being offered this year in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand. This six day, $500 workshop includes an excellent hotel, and transport to and from the work site. Last year’s project was this earthbag roundhouse. This year’s project is a Cool Pantry that is designed for keeping food cool without electricity (although we will … Read more
Today’s post is about another low cost housing project in Haiti. Lower walls are ‘earth logs’ made with soil-filled filter fabric. Fabric is placed inside wood forms, filled with local soil and pinned closed. Earthbags are stacked on top. “The Foundation of St. Peter has started building houses out of the rubble in Haiti. We … Read more
Continuing with Owen’s assessment of the Hyperadobe method of building earthbag walls, I have had some further thoughts. This innovation comes to us from Fernando Pacheco, a Brazilian engineer, and it has been used there for at least two years. I have prepared a detailed page at www.earthbagbuilding.com that is a step-by step guide to … Read more
This 20’ DIA (314 sq. ft. interior plus pantry)round earthbag shelter for up to 4-5 individuals is designed for survival through disasters, plague, etc. It is low cost, durable and practical. This shelter is designed for DIYers on a tight budget who will do most everything by hand. Instructions include numerous key details not evident … Read more
Here’s a posting from HaitiVolunteer.org asking for volunteer construction workers in Haiti. Rasin Foundation is looking for volunteer carpenters, masons etc. to help us finish building our environmentally friendly and low cost earthbag medical clinic which has 5 exam rooms, 1 waiting room, 1 procedure room and bathroom. Located in rural Petite-Riviere, Leogane, our current … Read more