Patti Stouter has been running a series of very interesting, even surprising, experiments with various materials that might be used to insulate earthbag walls. She has focused her attention on light-weight natural or recycled materials that can be bound together with a clay slip. She devised a test apparatus to measure how well the materials … Read more
I have been doing some further research into sources and qualities of mesh tubing that would be suitable for hyperadobe style earthbag construction. I feel that this innovation has so much merit that it should be pursued on several fronts, from further experimentation and documentation to eventual testing , engineering studies and code approval. Of … Read more
Here’s an interesting video by Konbit Shelter showing how they make a cement stabilized soil mixture with a hand-operated mixer. Konbit Shelter home page Video credit: Sucka Pants
The easiest way to create straight vertical corners when building with earthbags is by using corner guides in each corner. These are typically built with two 2x4s nailed together to form a right angle. Secure each corner guide with a stake at the bottom and two angled braces, which are also staked. (Note how we … Read more
Jeffrey Bousquet is the winner of our earthbag building contest that sought new building ideas. The intent was to gather and share the best original earthbag building ideas for my upcoming earthbag book, which should be finished in one month. This included creative building ideas that simplify, save labor, speed construction, reduce costs, and improve … Read more
I have been consulting with Mike Parker who started www.childrenofthedump.org in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico about how to build inexpensive, ecological housing for poor families who subsist off recycling materials from the city dump. They typically live in shacks and shanties that are often not adequate for their needs, nor do they provide proper housing for … Read more