DIY Ferrocement Domes and Vaults

Passive solar ferrocement vault
Passive solar ferrocement vault

“The “Green” movement has its roots in the late 60’s with the “back-to-the land” movement—-when people really started to think not just about alternative life styles but different methods of building—-including sustainability. It could easily be argued that the father and mother of the back-to-the-land movement were Helen and Scott Nearing.

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Toda Huts

The hut of a Toda Tribe of Nilgiris, India. Note the decoration of the front wall, and the very small door.
The hut of a Toda Tribe of Nilgiris, India. Note the decoration of the front wall, and the very small door.

“The Todas live in small hamlets called munds. The Toda huts, which are of an oval, pent-shaped construction, are usually 10 feet (3 m) high, 18 feet (5.5 m) long and 9 feet (2.7 m) wide. They are built of bamboo fastened with rattan and are thatched.

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Minnesota Strawbale: Fruits of our Labor

Strawbale barn in Minnesota with vaulted metal roof.
Strawbale barn in Minnesota with vaulted metal roof.

“The first structure we built on our 9 acres was the tool shed. (After it served its purpose for storing tools it became a chicken coop, then a mini art studio and is now a sauna!) The second structure we built was this outbuilding that we call The Shop (pictured above). On the ground floor is Ken’s custom cabinetry workshop. He is a true craftsman. The upstairs portion is used for storage, although I imagine a remote guest quarters or art studio as another use for that space.”

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