Lightweight materials such as rice hulls can speed construction ten-fold. But good design is important! Note how Paul in Thailand (see yesterday’s blog post) added buttresses and steel pipe here and there as problems developed. Basically, he was just “winging it”. Who knows how long the house will last before having mold problems. That’s unfortunate because a similar house built correctly could last many decades.
low cost
Update on Rice Hull House in Thailand
I haven’t heard from the owner of this rice hull house in a few years. Yesterday I came across some new comments by the builder and thought it would make a good update. A reader had sent a message pointing out how rice hull houses can be built like the strawbale house the other day. (Round, pipe bond beam, etc.) So yeah, here you go. Here’s the step-by-step directions for a rice hull house. Note how lightweight fill materials such as rice hulls require some extra reinforcement from rebar, posts, buttresses, etc. for stability. In contrast, heavy earthbags filled with tamped soil are much more stable. Also note how Paul added wide roof overhangs to better protect the walls.
Step-by-Step Strawbale Roundhouse
“A few months ago we raised a strawbale roundhouse with a reciprocal roof as part of our first Natural Building Workshop at Milkwood Farm.
Earthbag Training Center Proposal in Nepal
All of us were heartbroken over the recent earthquakes in Nepal. The big question now is what can I do to help in the most effective way? The following proposal is the rough draft of a Go Fund Me proposal to cover my expenses in Nepal for about two months starting in September. If you’re an NGO in Nepal who’s interested in setting up an earthbag training center, please contact me by email.
Shelter Craft Project
This workshop is over. You might want to keep an eye on their site if you live in the area. Maybe drop them an email or call if you’re interested in more earthbag workshops. Earthbag workshops are now available all over the world. Check out our Workshop page at Earthbag Building.com.
Nelson-based Nepalese Director Heads Home to Help
“The Nepalese director of a Nelson based charity is heading home to get rural children back to school after the devastating earthquakes.