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
It’s going to be just like an old fashioned barn raisin’ at the Green Desert Eco Farm in Rockvale. But instead of using planks, hammers and nails, builders will use lots of feed bags, earth and barbed wire. Richard Hubler and his wife, Kerry, are preparing to build their first earthbag shelter, and they invite … Read more
I almost jumped out of my chair when I read about this ‘affordable housing’ project in Alaska. The estimated $220,000 cost for this home is “less than half of the cost of new homes recently built in the village.” It has 900 sq. ft. conditioned space, 1080 sq. ft. total. (That’s about $204/sq. ft.) I … Read more