Part 1 discussed the most efficient, cost-effective ways to build with earthbags. This post discusses a few related items. Building site: Follow these steps and you’ll save lots of time preparing the site and reduce the risk of problems in the future. Choose a building site that’s clear of obstacles and naturally higher than the … Read more
This article launches my new blogging gig at Mother Earth News, the leading US publication on sustainable living. Recently, I had an epiphany in a building supply center while looking at the thousands of products used to construct modern buildings. Even though I’ve been in the building trades for over 35 years and made countless … Read more
What’s the most efficient, cost-effective way to build with earthbags? How can you enclose the most space with the least time, effort and money? Well, it depends in part on climate, individual skills and preferences as far as styles/building types. (Other factors will be covered in a future post.) In general, round shapes are the … Read more
Here’s a new video by Guiding Star Creations. Text below is from their website. Guiding Star Creations: Cultivating thriving environments through inner transformation, earth architecture, and well-being. Neil and Stella are committed to empowering others through facilitating workshops, teaching, and creating projects that combine thriving environments with co-creation and inner transformation. They are planning their … Read more
Patti Stouter has published another earthbag technical report. It is a summary of the state of testing to date, and also covers some of the codes related to earthbag. The following information is quoted from this report. According to the new international earthen building standards, if earthbag walls with some reinforcing have shear strength equal … Read more
I just posted the recent news about gaining engineering approval for earthbag construction through PSE, Nabil Taha’s engineering firm in Oregon. He is licensed in 27 states and has developed an earthbag building system to meet international building codes. This is a major step forward for gaining widespread acceptance of earthbag building and we are … Read more