Recycled Glass Insulation

Recycled glass insulation by Knauf
Recycled glass insulation by Knauf

I’m always on the lookout for sustainable natural building materials. Recycled glass insulation is not only made in part with recycled glass, it’s also effective at reducing energy costs and improving the acoustics in homes and businesses. EcoBatt insulation caught my eye because it appears to be the largest brand of recycled, non-toxic glass insulation in the US. A few other brands are listed below, some of which are available in Europe.

Read more

Steadfast Nepal Earthbag Houses

The NGO Steadfast Nepal has started building earthquake resistant earthbag houses in Nepal.
The NGO Steadfast Nepal has started building earthquake resistant earthbag houses in Nepal.

From Roger, the inventor: “Steadfast Nepal just bought five earthbag machines (mini Earth Home Builders). This will help speed up home building at least 4 X faster / home. These units are not powered by skid steers as they have electric motors and gear boxes. They are light weight and allow the remotest villages to build with use of a power generator. They are called MEHB mini earth home builders and with help of Steadfast they were custom built for needs in Nepal. We hope to get the skid steer unit to Nepal in the future as they are the fastest way to build but of course the poor roads and lack of funds are slowing this down.”

Read more

Earthbag Animal Shelter in Nepal Survived the Earthquakes with No Damage

Earthbag animal shelter in Nepal survived the earthquakes without damage
Earthbag animal shelter in Nepal survived the earthquakes without damage

“Earthbag is an affordable and earthquake safe building method for Nepal, says Animal Nepal. The animal welfare agency was pleasantly surprised when its earthbag/adobe shelter did not sustain a single crack during the earthquakes that hit Nepal in April and May.

Read more

Jiri Earthbag Project Report

The Jiri earthbag house project is complete.
The Jiri earthbag house project is complete.

“We are extremely proud of the results of this project as we managed to achieve our targets and have had a very positive response from the Jiri locals. The Jirel house has been a response to local architectural vernacular and to the Jirel family’s comments during extensive consultation and discussions. It is a marriage of earthquake resilient earthbag design and our client’s lifestyle and culture. At the Jiri Build Project, we believe that this approach to design and rebuilding is absolutely crucial for the success of a project in Nepal.

Read more

UNM students rebuilding Nepal community center

UNM4Nepal is rebuilding in Nepal with earthbags
UNM4Nepal is rebuilding in Nepal with earthbags

“It was almost a year ago that a massive earthquake rocked Nepal. Nearly 8,000 people died and hundreds of villages were destroyed. Many buildings crumbled to the ground.
But out of those dark moments, a group of UNM students are shining through. Their goal: to help rebuild. A group of UNM engineering students have rebuilding on their minds after their visit to Nepal before the earthquake’s destruction.

Read more

NEA Earthbag Technology Report

The Nepal Engineer’s Association (NEA) invited me and Kateryna of Good Earth Nepal to submit a technical summary of earthbag building, which has just been published. An excerpt is below. The full report is also now free online at Earthbag Building.com. You might remember that Good Earth Nepal won the NEA people’s choice design award … Read more