Living Building Challenge is a philosophy, advocacy tool and certification program that addresses development at all scales. It is comprised of seven performance areas: Site, Water, Energy, Health, Materials, Equity and Beauty. These are subdivided into a total of twenty Imperatives, each of which focuses on a specific sphere of influence. The purpose of the … Read more
The Project Somos Children’s Village in Guatemala has posted some photos of a large earthbag project they have going. Both Owen and I are impressed with the quality of the design and execution, as can be seen in the picture above. The bag work is very even and plumb, the buttresses are well integrated with … Read more
I published my preferred earthbag foundation method in my new book Earthbag Building Guide. It still seems to be the strongest method because it locks 1-1/2 courses of earthbags below grade. With this method, the site is raised prior to building the foundation with stable fill material such as road base, and compacted by driving … Read more
Ronin’s CORGANIX shipping container/earthbag hybrid design is gaining a lot of traction. His post yesterday at Renaissance Ronin Blog triggered 33 emails and mirrored content on about 30 sites. This is a new approach for earthbaggers that’s well worth considering. In this case, Ronin is selling the ISBUs with a pre-finished kitchen and bath. He … Read more
Description: 20′ interior diameter earthbag dome = 314 sq. ft., plus 14.5’ diameter loft = 110 sq. ft., total = 424 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 23’ DIA plus benches/planters These domes are a larger version of my Peace Domes. The bottom half is typical earthbag construction. The top half is lightweight insulation to speed construction … Read more
Pisco Sin Fronteras has been at it again, helping people in Peru build homes with earthabgs. This time they have assisted a dirt-poor family with a bed-ridden grandmother move up in the world from living under a tarp to living in a solid earthbag home, complete with doors and windows.You can read about the details … Read more