This blog post describes super low cost earthbag building methods that do not have to meet code. These dirt cheap building methods are primarily for those in mild climates (minimal freezing) and low or non-code areas.
natural materials
Wampanoag wetu: biodegradable house-dome before Bucky Fuller
“The Wampanoag people who lived along the U.S. East Coast built dome-shaped homes called wetus. The round shape was most efficient for heating or cooling the home evenly and for withstanding high winds and hurricanes. It also emerged naturally from the support structure built from saplings bent to create a frame. The winter homes were covered in bark and the summer homes were covered in mats woven from cattail reeds.
Inside View of Ancient Shelter
I probably won’t be recommending Pinterest very much since they’ve made it much harder to view their site for non-members. Maybe it’s just me because I’ve spent so many hours scouring their site, but I’m practically blocked. Anyway, I found this interesting drawing on a shelter page at Pinterest and thought I’d share.
Japanese-inspired wood-clad (legal) tiny home in Ohio small town
When Alex Melamed and his wife moved to the tradiational brick and mortar town of Yellow Springs, Ohio they built a home only as big as they needed at the time. Melamed is a builder and could keep costs low while still incorporating high design elements like shou-sugi-ban (charred wood) siding.
DinDang Natural Building Center
“The DinDang Natural Building and Living Center aims to promote the natural and traditional techniques of building and the lifestyle that goes with it in the Phato area in southern Thailand.
Underhill – The Magical Hobbit-Like Eco Cave House
“This week we visit Underhill, an incredible hobbit-home like, eco-cave house built into a hillside. The off-the-grid house is cleverly constructed to resemble a cave. With no electricity in the house, the stone, wood and rustic features truly make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.”