This is part 2 about building lightweight, insulated vaults with earthbags. Lower courses are gravel-filled bags to prevent water wicking up in the wall. Above that are standard earthbags filled with subsoil. These bags could be stabilized with lime or cement if there’s risk of flooding. Upper bags are filled with insulation and tied to … Read more
There’s a huge groundswell of interest in living more lightly on the earth. On the one hand, conscientious homeowners want to pollute less and protect natural resources. But they also want to save money on construction and energy costs and still have a beautiful, safe and comfortable home. Whether you call it natural building, green … Read more
Part 1 dealt with the physical side of building. Part 2 covered the young lady who’s helping hundreds of children in Nepal. This blog post points out ways to reduce housing costs. The common theme here is looking for workable solutions despite the challenges you’re up against such as lack of money, skills, tools, sufficient … Read more
This video does a good job of explaining the benefits of living in small spaces. Lots more related info is at Tiny House Design.
Mortgages are unaffordable to many millions of people who would love to have their own home. Here’s one low cost option that may prove helpful. Farmers often need extra help, and so you may be able to find a trustworthy farmer who is willing to trade your labor for a free place to build your … Read more
Thousands of families who have built affordable homes, cash up front, made of earthbags, straw bales, cordwood, cob and rammed tires are not in danger of losing their homes in the current mortgage crisis. And if you include affordable adobe, bamboo and thatch homes built worldwide, over a third of the world’s houses have avoided … Read more