This emergency shelter was deemed a failure and rejected for use in relief efforts. Those involved with the design and evaluation of the shelter all failed to realize one simple point. Pure sand in sandbags (earthbags) will slump and shift as shown. But tamped soil consisting of an appropriate sandy soil/clay mix will compact into … Read more
From time to time we’ll post answers to reader’s questions. Q: What methods can be used to close the ends of earthbags? A: Most people fold the bag ends over and then butt the folded end tight against the previous bag. (This keeps the contents intact and prevents spillage.) That’s the fastest way. If money … Read more
There’s obviously a great deal of concern about the recent earthquake in Haiti. Disasters like this are all too common, and so we’re working hard to develop at least two low cost, easy to build earthquake-resistant earthbag house designs. We hope to be better prepared in the future with plans ‘ready to go.’ But in … Read more
Many readers are looking for inexpensive land where they can build their earthbag home. Unfortunately, building codes are often overly restrictive and make it difficult to build with alternative materials such as earthbags, straw bales, etc. But the good news is some counties have very few code barriers. As explained in previous posts, these counties … Read more
The internet has been vibrating along with the earth since the great quake in Haiti, and I have received quite a few emails responding to this catastrophe, often with suggestions about ways to assist the Haitians. I’ll quote from one particularly thoughtful response: “I would like for you and your colleagues together to present our … Read more
According to an article in the Spanish language newspaper El Heraldo of Chihuahua, Mexico on January 11, 2010, a Mexican affiliate of the CalEarth Institute has just started construction of a demonstration “Superadobe” structure. This will become the Nutrition Rehabilitation Center for the Municipality of Guachochi, Chihuahua, the first prototype in the state of Chihuahua. … Read more