Patti Stouter has devised a new way of reinforcing earthbag walls in seismic regions. Cement mortar is inserted in some joints between bags to lock the barbed wire in place and increase tensile strength. Mortar isn’t needed between every bag, and most likely every course doesn’t need this extra reinforcement. Designers/engineers could strategically place the … Read more
Specifications: 792 sq. ft. interior, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 25′ x 39′ Description: Sweet Spot is an attractive and very efficient three bedroom home. Two roof options are available: 1. clerestory roof (shown); 2. gable roof with optional porch roof. I’m posting upgraded plans (finished computer renderings) as they become available over at my … Read more
We’re using 2x4s instead of wide lumber whenever possible to save old growth trees and money. Smaller dimension lumber can be obtained from smaller trees, and so it’s more sustainable. For our rough window and door frames, also called ‘bucks’, we put two 2×4 frames side-by-side. The window hides the joint between frames. In fact, … Read more
Take a fly-through tour of the Enviro Dome, one of my most popular earthbag plans. Please note, not every detail is shown. The loft vegas (wood poles) and wood stove, for instance, have been omitted for simplicity. But you still good a good sense of what the home looks like. Anyway, I hope you enjoy … Read more
Grub hoes and grape hoes are my favorite digging tools. Shovels work fine with loose material such as gravel and sand, but it’s rather difficult digging clayey soil such as road base with shovels. One of these hoes, however, can cut right into the soil and readily pull the material into buckets without lifting. Think … Read more
Part 1: Earthen Plaster Summary covered the basics of clay, sand and mixing earthen plaster. This next post explains how to apply earthen plaster to earthbag walls. First, I want to say how incredibly simple this is. It’s as basic as smearing mud on the walls. But a little added know how will help everything … Read more