Kyle’s Crazy House: Earthen Plaster on the Gnestle


“In this video, and the next few I post, I will be showcasing the buildings of Kyle Yoder, who’s lived at Dancing Rabbit ecovillage for several years and is known for the organic forms of his design. One of the great things about natural building is the freedom it gives builders to think beyond the 90 degree angle. Kyle’s just begun the finish plaster of his own home, the Gnestle, and we’re going to get a peek at his work and a little explanation from the builder himself.

Read more

Ultimus Multi-One MultiFunctional Miniloader

The Italian made Multione Miniloader is very versatile and would help streamline earthbag projects and similar construction work
The Italian made Multione Miniloader is very versatile and would help streamline earthbag projects and similar construction work

Ultimus Company Limited is the importer, manufacturer, and exporter that specializes in the trading of high-technology innovations. With Multione we have become world leaders in the production and distribution of multifunctional miniloaders that have already been chosen by thousands of people worldwide for their versatility and user friendliness.

Read more

Best Places to Live with Minimal Building Codes: Idaho County

Idaho County has no building codes, just septic and electric permits needed
Idaho County has no building codes, just septic and electric permits needed

I’ve been planning a series of articles on the best places to live in North America that have few or no building codes — places that are ideal for homesteaders to build their sustainable home out of natural materials. I’m asking readers to send us their recommendations. Today’s article is the first installment of the series.

Read more

Jake vs the Earthship part 8


“The back mass wall is up to the 7th course of bags and another course of foam insulation is about to start. In the video I show how the geotextile is woven through the mass wall making it monolithic. This is an invention by Howard Switzer (the Architect on this project) and he calls it “continuous buttress earthbag walls”. This design eliminates the need for poured concrete buttresses and battering the walls (leaning them back) and allows for a cleaner looking straight walled interior. We have had 300% the normal rainfall this summer in TN and this has resulted in much less progess than was anticipated.

Read more