Five winning earthbag designs have been officially announced in the $300 House design competition. At least five of the top designs will be prototyped as part of a long process to refine the designs and eventually build them in poverty stricken areas. This is just an early announcement, a first call for volunteers, to let you know skilled/energetic workers will be needed. This will be a great opportunity to learn and network with other earthbag builders. More details will be posted soon.
@Owen : I like the blocks , I wonder that , with the increasing housing prices globally and (over)engineered housing standards, an approach could be to bring the technology with your system back to basic and affordable for (trendy) houses in richer area’s , make market conform profit and than use the cash flow to support on a scale that makes a difference to all kind of projects in area’s that do not have the luxury problem to pay an additional 20%on concrete and brick houses for getting a ‘green’ house with only added insulation instead of improving the construction techniques in tune with nature … . I would consider setting up a modest (block)manufacturing plant here in Flanders (Belgium) , find some enthusiast architects to promote it and fight the building codes for building approval … I think I could get some support from the local decision makers as they want to create a clean-tech valley in the area Limburg . In order to get started I will have to make a business case and business plan , make some samples and get a small pilot production up , make some sample houses … Would you consider supporting such an approach with information , agreement on affordable license fee ( knowhow transfer) to be paid out of achieved cashflow ?
Further I have got some samples from Mike MABEY ( Ati-composites.com) , I guess the difference is that he is adding a foaming agent to make the material lighter and using less material for similar result . I would greatly appreciate your feedback at Frank@snykers.net
I’m not sure what blocks you’re talking about. Lately we’ve covered compressed earth blocks, ash bricks and these larger blocks: http://geopolymerhouses.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/hydraulic-baling-machine/
All of these are in the public domain, and that’s how I prefer it. I just report on ideas and encourage people to use more sustainable building methods.
Email me from the About Us page if you have further questions.
If anyone ever finds themselves building an earthbag home in Alberta, I would be more than inclined to help.
Check out this couple. Not sure where they’re at in Canada or if they welcome visitors. The next blog post will probably be about their bag closing technique.
Canadian Dirtbags
http://canadiandirtbags.wordpress.com/
I saw your comment on the other post. I never thought I’d say this but: I may need to find a way to get to Alabama lol
We’re discussing the possibility of building just east of Dallas. A guy there has land and wants some experimental domes. There are no building codes. I’ll post more details as things develop.
Owen, I’m within driving distance of N.E Texas. I could provide some weekend help. I’m sure you’ll keep us posted as things develop.
The project in Texas has been canceled. I’ll probably build at my house. Thanks for the offer.
I’m a broke out of work bum with nothing to do. I’d love to volunteer my time! Getting someplace far away may be a problem,. If anything happens in California or the west coast, hopefully I can get my butt there and learn a valuable skill while helping the world in a tiny way. I fall under the unskilled but energetic category. Call me crazy, but building an earthbag home sounds like a vacation! I’ll stay tuned. =)
Great! You’re the first volunteer. Let’s hope more people volunteer so you don’t have to build the dome by yourself. Just kidding.
This project will be way easier than earthbag. It’s mostly tying rebar together with wire and plastering. And it’s only 13′ DIA so it should go fairly fast.
If they decide to do one prototype in Mexico, count me in !
Cato, from Chiapas, southern Mexico
It looks like we’re going to build near Dallas, Texas. But if the project is successful then we’ll have the documentation (building instructions, photos and hopefully video) that will help people build in other places.
I would LOVE to do this, but it’s hard to when you have a wife and a son relying on your income….
I’m looking forward to the details about it though.