DIY Superinsulated Vaults

Slumtube pallet vaults are designed and built to European standards for structural soundness, and have plenty of space for thick insulation.
Slumtube pallet vaults are designed and built to European standards for structural soundness, and have plenty of space for thick insulation.

As we reported the other day, Brian Waite’s straw bale vault kit in England is an excellent option. However, many owner-builders might prefer to build their own vaulted home from scratch using locally sourced, low cost materials so as to make any size and shape they want.

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Insulated Earthbag Vaults for Rainy Climates

This is part 2 about building lightweight, insulated vaults with earthbags. Lower courses are gravel-filled bags to prevent water wicking up in the wall. Above that are standard earthbags filled with subsoil. These bags could be stabilized with lime or cement if there’s risk of flooding. Upper bags are filled with insulation and tied to … Read more