This may not be the most exciting post, but the information is important. We’re seeing photos of earthbag projects under construction that show barbed wire not being installed correctly. The best way is to use long pieces of barbed wire, preferably pieces that continue around the entire structure. Overlap the ends of the wire about … Read more
From time to time we answer reader’s questions. Paul: In the EcoOcha video I noticed they tamped the sides to reduce the ‘log cabin’ look and to reduce the amount of plaster required. This smoother surface would be much easier to plaster. Owen: Yes, more and more builders are flattening the walls like this to … Read more
I recommend Precision Structural Engineering at Structure1.com for anyone needing engineering on their earthbag home or other buildings. Engineering is available for seismic and non-seismic areas. Precision Structural Engineering is a leader in the green building movement. They developed the first code approved earthbag building system that’s suitable for most any design.
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
Here’s another great low cost building option for areas such as Haiti. These plastic blocks can be used for interior or exterior walls. December 15, 2010 was a big day for Harvey Lacey, the maker of a hand operated press that turns plastic trash into building blocks. That was the day Harvey made his first … Read more
Our previous post about Earthbag Locations caught the attention of readers, who are sending us information on additional countries. This is a good example of how it’s impossible to keep up with everything, especially when information is in foreign languages. Paula, one of our readers, said: “In Brazil there are various institutions that teach building … Read more