Bonita Domes Project Update

Bonita Domes Project. Building Earth with Community
Bonita Domes Project. Building Earth with Community

“We are building our first project in Joshua Tree California using SuperAdobe Earth Bag building technology as taught by Cal Earth. Bonita Domes composed of The Village; a 868 sq. ft. triple dome structure. We are learning to build a home using minimal resources and materials on hand yet requires a good amount of physical labor. We invite you to come build with us. Here we will keep you posted about opportunities to visit to Bonita Domes Project, learn Super Adobe building technology and be inspired to create your shelter within community.”

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Ferrocement Roofed Domes for Tropical Climates

This roofed dome is designed for hot, rainy climates.
This roofed dome is designed for hot, rainy climates.

Domes are vulnerable to water damage, so what to do in rainy climates? I say add a roof. There are various roofed dome houses on our main website at EarthbagBuilding.com that you peruse here and here. Those are earthbag domes. The design I’m first presenting here is made of ferrocement. It’s just one more way to do things.

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Vanuatu Earthbag Update Aug 12, 2013

“Hi Owen, I’ve been sick for the past fortnight but it’s given me a chance to process all the offers and opportunities that have opened up.

I am going to have to work with the government in Vanuatu so I have to be very clear what I can offer to a community and how I can fund it.

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Minnesota Strawbale: Fruits of our Labor

Strawbale barn in Minnesota with vaulted metal roof.
Strawbale barn in Minnesota with vaulted metal roof.

“The first structure we built on our 9 acres was the tool shed. (After it served its purpose for storing tools it became a chicken coop, then a mini art studio and is now a sauna!) The second structure we built was this outbuilding that we call The Shop (pictured above). On the ground floor is Ken’s custom cabinetry workshop. He is a true craftsman. The upstairs portion is used for storage, although I imagine a remote guest quarters or art studio as another use for that space.”

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Eco Hobbit Home Photos and Drawings

The couple were living in a caravan for four years before the house was completed
The couple were living in a caravan for four years before the house was completed

More pics and drawings of the eco hobbit home in Pembrokeshire. This is a magnificent home and I want to get the word out. The local council may tear the home down as they’ve threatened, however we can turn this action against the wrongdoers by using it to rally support for natural building and affordable homes for all.

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Another Post Footing Alternative

Concrete footing detail for wood, bamboo or metal posts
Concrete footing detail for wood, bamboo or metal posts

Many of our readers use post and beam frames for their natural homes and so it’s important to know various options for setting posts. I’ve been corresponding with Zafra, one of our readers and the lady who helped translate my Earthbag Building Guide into Spanish. She and her partner Daniel are going to use bamboo poles on their natural home in Venezuela, but the method shown here will work just as well with wood or metal poles.

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