Photo Blog #2

Earthbag building has clearly reached a new level of popularity. I’m amazed at how many earthbag projects I’m finding and so now I’m doing two blog posts a day. Photo Blog posts like this one will be a regular feature as I attempt to document the hundreds of new earthbag structures. It’s easy to find … Read more

Question about Fire Ants

From time to time we answer reader’s questions. James: I wanted to build with straw bales, but a builder friend advised me not to go with this type of construction here in Texas because of the problem of fire ants building nests in the straw. Owen: No one building system is perfect for every situation. … Read more

World Kid’s Foundation in Nicaragua

This post is quoted from the World Kids Foundation site. The next and perhaps most important step is the need to erect a building site. We are planning to use the earth bag construction method. In most cases, materials for earth bag construction is inexpensive, abundant and accessible. Rice bags and barbed wire are readily … Read more

Durability of Barbed Wire

I emailed New Mexico Barbed Wire Collectors Association about the durability of barbed wire outdoors in the elements. If barbed wire lasts a long time in the rain and snow, then it should be even more durable when protected from the elements. Owen: Our readers would love to hear about the durability of barbed wire. … Read more

Eco Friendly Shelters: Earth Lodge 2.0

Today’s post is from Eco Friendly Shelters, builders of earthbag shelters. I love the look and the concept. This project is a response to ever-increasing housing costs and regulations that prohibit ordinary Americans from being prepared for any disaster or emergency. The absence of a permanent foundation truly attracted us in a first place. All … Read more

Ancient Rammed Earth Structures

Earthbag building and rammed earth construction are very similar. Both methods utilize earth that has been tamped solid. In the case of earthbag building, polypropylene bags or tubes contain the soil and eliminate the need for expensive forms. Since they are very similar in composition, we can reasonably speculate that earthbag houses will last for … Read more