During March of 2010, Rowen Wilson and Heather Taylor, the two youngest members of the volunteer team, led a small group of Costa Rican youth in the construction of a prototype Earthbag Building. Composed of sacking tubes filled with clay and sand, and covered with waterproofing material, these structures are inexpensive and fun to build. … Read more
This is one of the best ovens I’ve seen! It’s super low cost and simple. “By simply using clay and organic matter you can create an oven that is beautiful, versatile, energy efficient and it will cook delicious meals. We want to share this idea because we believe it can create business opportunities and help … Read more
Anyone know where these are available new? Note the reference to the old Mother Earth News Magazine article (free online) and the warning about providing a pressure relief valve. Heat-Booster.com Related: Exchanger Wood Stove (wood stove and oven with copper coil and salvaged water tank) Tony’s Homemade Hot Water Heater (not part of a wood … Read more
Even though the Earthbuilder’s Encyclopedia CD covers adobe and rammed earth construction, earthbag builders will find lots of useful information. Lintels, bond beams, plasters, mixing, site preparation, attaching things to walls, design issues, etc. are all relevant since there’s so much in common. The CD is a compilation of years of Adobe Builder Magazine articles, … Read more
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1xt4nEvipg I think almost everyone knows about planned obsolescence, but you might be surprised about the extent that it’s used. For instance, there’s a lightbulb in the Livermore, California firehouse that’s burned continuously for over 100 years. As explained in the The Lightbulb Conspiracy documentary, a group of industry leaders conspired decades ago to reduce … Read more
An airlock entryway (vestibule) has two airtight doors that reduce the amount of air infiltration and heat loss when the exterior door is opened. They create a buffer area to block the wind and improve energy efficiency. Double door airlock entries are common features in energy-efficient homes in cold climates, but they also reduce air … Read more