This Instructable includes complete step-by-step instructions on how to make an insulated earthbag foundation. You can use the same process to make insulated foundations for any type of structure – straw bale, earthbag, cordwood, etc. Yurts or gers are very efficient and practical in harsh, cold climates, as evidenced by centuries of use in Mongolia. … Read more
Here’s a nice project one of our readers sent in. Text below is from Birgit. “I just remembered I said I would send you a few pictures of my first experiment with lime mix earthbags here in Tanzania. So far they are “behaving” extremely well, and I am planning to do a “real” house in … Read more
We’ve been getting a fair number of inquiries from Nepal. It’s always great to hear from readers, but sometimes certain emails really stand out. This one really made my day. They sent some lovely project photos. Dear Sir, I am Narayan writing from Nepal. I am currently working in designing and building natural buildings in … Read more
Energy performance on most buildings can be improved with insulation, including those made of earth such as adobe and earthbag structures. Although most earthen structures are located in hot, dry climates, there is increasing demand for low-cost, eco-friendly earth building techniques in cold climates. This article explores four innovative methods for insulating earthbag buildings, which … Read more
Earthbag projects that take more than a few weeks to build will need to be protected from the sun. You could cover walls with tarps or coat the bags or tubes with latex paint. Or you could order UV-rated bags or tubes that are specially coated to protect against sunlight. The higher the UV rating, … Read more
I have been doing some further research into sources and qualities of mesh tubing that would be suitable for hyperadobe style earthbag construction. I feel that this innovation has so much merit that it should be pursued on several fronts, from further experimentation and documentation to eventual testing , engineering studies and code approval. Of … Read more