Konbit Shelter Houses

Earthquake resistant earthbag house in Barriere Jeudi, Haiti
Earthquake resistant earthbag house in Barriere Jeudi, Haiti

“In the summer of 2010, Konbit Shelter partnered with the Mango Grower’s Association of Leogane, in the village of Bigones, Barrier Jeudi, to create a multi room community center. We returned in December to construct a one family house. By sourcing all materials within Haiti, and raising money to hire a crew of builders from the community, we are able to bring the kind of assistance that promotes the local economy, creates jobs, and builds valuable skill sets.

Read more

Creating a Ferrocement Boat

Creating a ferro cement boat from EMAS on Vimeo.

Another great project by Wolfgang Buchner of EMAS in Bolivia, the inventor of the EMAS pump. I want one of these! This ferrocement boat could be built for around $50, depending on where you live. (Adjust for costs in your area.) Try finding a sturdy boat for that price. And it’s so simple to do! Once you’ve mastered the basic steps, you could build many other types of boats. What about a houseboat made one section at a time? This would be a great cottage industry product for certain areas.

Read more

Chris’s Scoria Dome in Crestone

Chris’s reciprocally framed scoria bag dome in Crestone
Chris’s reciprocally framed scoria bag dome in Crestone

“This is Chris who’s building the 24′ reciprocally framed scoria bag dome in Crestone. It has a 12′ gothic arch out the front southside; a vaulted airlock entrance; a 100 square foot cool pantry; and loft. I have a few months into this, 90% solo.

Read more

Gurunsi Earth Houses of Burkina Faso

Gurunsi Earth Houses of Burkina Faso
Gurunsi Earth Houses of Burkina Faso

“The small country of Burkina Faso near the border to Ghana may not have many resources or economic wealth, but with the plentiful raw materials available the Kassena people make some of the most culturally rich and architecturally beautiful villages, such as this one in tiébélé, built using traditional gurunsi vernacular. The dwellings occupy a community of just over one hectare in area, and are made of a sun-dried mix of clay, soil, straw and cow droppings moistened to a perfect mortar, mixed by foot to create strong pottery-like structures.

Read more

Manasaram Architecture: Bamboo Symphony

Exterior view of Bamboo Symphony by Manasaram Architecture
Exterior view of Bamboo Symphony by Manasaram Architecture

“Recently completed ‘bamboo symphony’ by Bangalore based Manasaram Architects has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival award 2011 in both the mixed use office and small office categories. An open air interior space is stepped into the rugged terrain in a spiraling configuration. Reminiscent of a billowing fabric, the canopy wraps around the harvesting pond directing the shell roof’s storm runoff into the water feature.

Read more