Popoyo

The Popoyo house is made of locally available natural materials and has all curved walls.
The Popoyo house is made of locally available natural materials and has all curved walls.

“Structurally speaking, the arch and curved walls create a much stronger building system. Just look at how long roman aquaducts have withstood time. By keeping the walls curved, you eliminate the need for costly rebar and concrete.

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DIY Superinsulated Vaults

Slumtube pallet vaults are designed and built to European standards for structural soundness, and have plenty of space for thick insulation.
Slumtube pallet vaults are designed and built to European standards for structural soundness, and have plenty of space for thick insulation.

As we reported the other day, Brian Waite’s straw bale vault kit in England is an excellent option. However, many owner-builders might prefer to build their own vaulted home from scratch using locally sourced, low cost materials so as to make any size and shape they want.

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Earthbag homes–easiest and cheapest green build

Earthbag building: The greatest advantage is that it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to construct a green home which with some hard work can be done by the homeowner.
Earthbag building: The greatest advantage is that it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to construct a green home which with some hard work can be done by the homeowner.

“Earthbag construction is a type of rammed earth construction where durable bags, usually polypropylene or burlap, are filled with local earth or other materials, laid in courses and tamped down into place to form walls. The greatest advantage is that it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to construct a green home which with some hard work can be done by the homeowner.

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