It seems many readers are hesitant to plunge in and start building an earthbag house. That’s understandable. Building any home is a major undertaking and it makes sense to plan accordingly. The best advice for those just getting started (after doing the prerequisite background research) is to build something small like a storage shed or earthbag bench. Earthbag benches are very easy to make, inexpensive, durable and low risk (come on, what can go wrong?). They only take about three hours to build, making them a perfect weekend project.
Here’s the basic process. Select a nice relaxing spot, and then decide on the size and shape. Curves are great and naturally stronger than straight benches. It’s best to build on a trench filled with 12” or so of gravel or concrete rubble. Use gravel-filled bags on lower course(s) until you’re above the high water level, and tamped soil-filled bags on additional courses. Put a loop of barbed wire between courses to prevent slippage. If the bench adjoins your house like ours does, add extra barbed wire to connect the bench with the wall.
The last step is plastering; either lime or cement will work. You can add natural iron oxide pigments to the plaster and create virtually any color imaginable or paint it. We originally planned to paint our bench the same color as the house (cream color). That idea lasted about 5 minutes, when we realized our dog’s muddy paw prints required a dark color. (Brownie, our dog, loves the bench and the cool floor inside.)
Be sure to visit my new Picasa earthbag photo album for more pics.
Hi Owen
That looks great. Just a question – you mention lime plaster. Can one put lime plaster straight on the bags? I always read that if you use lime plaster you should do an earthen plaster first (or chicken wire) so the lime has something to adhere to. Now where I live (East Africa) it is hard to find clay close by, but I can buy lime. I’d like to get some projects started here in Tanzania (starting with a garden wall for practice), but obviously need to keep it “local and cheap”. Thanks!!!
I’ve never worked with lime plaster and so you’ll have to refer to other sources. It’s not even available where I live.
A get-your-feet-wet bench is a great idea! I need some seating around the fire pit, so this will be the next Home Place project. Thanks for the suggestion. I’m watching your blog comments for folks to post bag deals.
Well, yah boot, youse canna store nuttingk in thet
there bench is what me Granpere would say. -K
Hollow earthbag benches will be covered in a future post, ha ha.