Richard, a long time reader, is really excited about building with rice hulls. He’s especially interested in using this method after learning from Maggi of Chiang Dao B&B in Thailand that rice hulls are more durable than previously thought. So, not only do rice hulls save lots of time and hard labor, and create a highly insulating walls, they should also last a long time with proper precautions. Richard sent Maggi a list of questions to learn more details.
roundhouse
Baandin Laguna Resort
“Baandin Laguna, a uniquely natural resort with cottages built from clay, covered by leaf roofs, surrounded by mountains, rice fields and morning fog.
New Life Foundation Roundhouse
“We currently have two earth building projects in the works here at New Life. The first is an adobe hut with a living roof that we started building during the Winter Solstice Festival in December of last year, which is now very close to completion.
Protecting Earthbag Walls from UV Damage with Shade Cloth
Sunlight will break down polypropylene bags after a few weeks. Here’s a new idea to protect against UV damage. Tarps are big and awkward. Painting the bags is extra work and sort of messy. Shade cloth seems like one of the fastest, best methods to protect against UV damage. Secure the shade cloth to the bags with 2” galvanized roofing nails or something similar. Thanks to Ruedi for this tip.
Nuestra Earthbag Cabana
Earthbag roundhouse with thatch roof.
Earthbag in Pinal Villa Costalegre, Mexico
“An ExPat experience of building a small house in Pinal Villa, Costalegre, Jalisco.