Michael G. Smith has been the expert on cob and light straw/clay use at greenhomebuilding.com for nearly two decades, and has answered innumerable questions on these topics, most of which are posted on the website. In response to a question about using light straw/clay for a particular application, he wrote: Another possible solution, that I … Read more
I recently got this email from Steven Green: “I built a 10 meter earthbag roundhouse with the open air patio in Chaing Rai, Thailand. I bought the plans from Owen Geiger. In the cold season it is OK, a bit stuffy but warmer than outside. But now I’m suffering in the hot season. In the … Read more
This stunning 700-square-foot, self-built float home is fully off-grid with solar power, a pellet stove, a composting toilet, and an evaporation grey water system that ensures nothing is dumped overboard! It has an open concept kitchen, living and dining space, a master bedroom and bathroom on the main floor, two bedrooms on the second floor, … Read more
I got this email from Leeann and Cody Gantz: “I am writing to you from central Montana at the foothills of the mountains. Garden zone 4b. Very high wind area. Negative 35 degrees F is very possible here.” “I wanted to share some information for anyone who may be interested. We bought a small cabin … Read more
Katie Jones and Peter Schmitt’s Uptown Strawhouse will be built on the site of their current garage using straw bales for walls, which will not only make the home energy efficient but will actually sequester carbon. “Passive houses” meet a voluntary energy efficiency standard that drastically reduces the building’s carbon footprint and requires little energy … Read more
Rammed earth is made of damp soil or earth that is placed in formwork, and then compressed or rammed into a solid, dense wall. As a construction technique, rammed earth has been eclipsed by the development of reinforced concrete, but there has been renewed interest because of its aesthetics and its perceived environmental benefits. The … Read more