From Angela, a reader in Alaska: “I just wanted to add some updated info. I have been searching high and low for scoria. Alaska doesn’t have readily available sources. I have contacted a long list of people and while we can find the volcanoes and a scoria pit even, there’s no way to get it to the general public. Which really frustrates me because I’m been hot on the trail for a long time trying to build an earthbag home for us. If anybody gets any bit of updated info, please share.”
earthbag house
Song Weaver’s Florida Earthbag Home
Luke, a long time supporter of earthbag building and the guy who set up our Facebook page, sent me this suggestion. We’ve had a lot of requests for information about building earthbag homes in Florida.
The Mud Home: Earthbag Foundations
“There will be many who refuse to believe this will work. What no concrete? Will be their never-ending refrain.
Concrete foundations have been around for less than a hundred years. Buildings have been built for millennia. In the eastern Mediterranean it’s common to see structures still standing over 2000 years after they were built, without a drop of concrete.
New Tile Roof on our Earthbag Roundhouse
After about three years of life on our vetiver thatch roof we recently replaced the thatch with micro-concrete roofing tiles (MCR). MCR tiles and metal roofing are fast and easy to install, and both work well for roofwater harvesting. I like MCR tiles because they’re more durable and look better than most metal roofing, and don’t get as noisy in rainstorms. We cut the tiles with a right angle grinder and then covered the joints with cement. This roof should last 25 years or more. Also note, the vents on top will provide even better ventilation. (They’re screened to keep birds out.)
SuperShip Earthbag Dome Workshop in Nevada
Open Arms domes is a SuperShip (Superadobe/Earthship hybrid) residential home being constructed in central Las Vegas, Nevada (an actual IN CITY construction – very exciting).
Earthbag Room with Rocket Stove, Paperbag Floor & Pallet Ceiling Construction
“No more climbing the ladder every night up to his loft. Garen is all moved in and snug as a bug in his new room. Here are some new and improved ideas including an in-floor rocket mass heater (a new twist on a radiant heat floor), a construction paper floor, and a new twist on the pallet ceiling.”