Cyclone Pam, one of the worst cyclones ever recorded in the Pacific Ocean, blasted the island chain of Vanuatu with category 5 winds up to 185 miles per hour and 26 foot storm surge. The women’s earthbag center near Port Vila and the earthbag water tank made it through the storm with minimal damage, despite the widespread destruction in the region.
disaster resistant
Update: An Earthbag Training Center for Teachers in Nepal
An earthbag training center for teachers in Nepal from Eco-Logis on Vimeo.
“A short video presenting First Step Himalaya, NGO who is building a training center for teachers in rural Nepal (Sindhupalchok district). They decided to build with earthbags: an economical, ecological & quick technique.
Earthbag History in the Making in Coron, Philippines
I recently visited an incredible earthbag project in the Philippines. The earthbag houses are in Barangay Lajala, a coastal barangay near Coron that was devastated by super Typhoon Yolanda last year. About 90 percent of the houses in Barangay Lajala were completely destroyed while the other 10 percent were partly damaged. This is the largest earthbag project of its kind and so I will be posting numerous stories to document as many details as possible. They use a different earthbag method than anyone else. See below for details.
Live from Indonesia: 10 Years After the Asian Tsunami
The devastating 2004 Asian tsunami was pivotal in my life. The tsunami occurred while I was working for Builders Without Borders. Intensive research into every conceivable house building method I could find all pointed to the conclusion that earthbag housing is the safest, strongest, lowest cost and most appropriate housing method for disaster prone regions such as Indonesia. Here I am 10 years later visiting the region as part of my tour to promote natural building.
Building Earthquake Proof Bamboo Homes – Indonesia
This video was made after the Earthquakes hit and destroyed many house in Indonesia. They called in a expert to build housing made of Bamboo for shelter.
Basalt Reinforced Domes
I’m not a fan of concrete monolithic domes, but the use of basalt roving reinforcement is an interesting technique that could be used with other building methods. It’s very strong and doesn’t rust. Consider using it in hurricane and earthquake zones.