Earth Ships
Table of Contents
Introduction
"Earthships are passive solar buildings with renewable power, water harvesting, and sewage systems, designed to be off grid with minimal reliance on public utilities, and use recycled and natural materials. Due to high initial capital cost and resources needed, earthships have primarily been implemented in developed countries. However, the self-sufficiency earthships offer through their subsystems presents an opportunity for resource-constrained environments." - Feasibility of Translating Earthships in Africa and Future Design Considerations
Made from old tires and dirt.
Energy Production & Efficiency
They save energy by eliminating or reducing heating and cooling costs via passive temperature control of both the building materials and design. The greenhouse portion of the building helps stabilize the indoor temperature.
Open windows and cooling tubes help reduce the heat in summer, while the greenhouse potion can help heat the building when it is cold outside.
Solar panels and the POM (Power Organizing Module) with a collection of batteries can power lights and other electronics without a grid connection.
Water Capture & Recycling
Earthships are designed to capture water, use it for drinking and washing.
The grey water then moves through the greenhouse section, watering edible plants as it moved along a gentle slope.
That water then is used to flush toilets before going to an outdoor septic system which in turn empties into a nearby botanical cell to support outdoor plants.
This means the naturally harvested water can be used 3 or 4 times.
Lifespan: "Tires have a life of 30,000 years" and the building themselves are expected to have a 1,000 year life expectancy if well built, as well as in the correct climate for this building type.
When built incorrectly or in the wrong location, they may need yearly repairs and re-plastering.
Pro: Thermal regulation is better than that of concrete or other modern building designs, meaning little to no heating or cooling is required. They are also more sound proof thanks to the thick walls. They collect and reuse water, produce their own energy, and can be extremely pretty with their adobe and glass bottle walls.
Con: Getting permits to build these and people trained in building them can be a challenge. The Ministry of Architecture lists many cons of these buildings. A recurring warning is that these buildings don't always function as advertised.
Solutions: Connect with existing organizations and experienced builders to help with this type of project. They may also have experience in convincing local governments to give permission to build one of these amazing buildings. The Ministry of Architecture offers this collection of Tips & Tricks to Make Earthships Work.
Materials: Used tires, dirt, concrete, reclaimed wood, used bottles, and a roof for rain capture. Water and energy management systems also need to be included. These include windows opened by rope systems, and tubes for the passive cooling element of the building.
New Earthships Capture More Energy, Water & Food at Lower Cost
24:17 tour around the earthships of Tao
Resources
Articles
Studies
Feasibility of Translating Earthships in Africa and Future Design Considerations "Three earthship projects have been developed in Africa, each serving a unique purpose and overcoming different obstacles. Through earthship design principles, technical reports, and lessons learned from each project, this paper aims to outline design considerations for those who are interested in implementing an earthship in Africa."
Temperature Charts
Education Opportunities
Europe
UK
Self-Building an Earthship Course "Self-building an Earthship is a three-day course at Earthship Brighton run in partnership with Brighton Permaculture Trust. The course builds on the good work of Mike Reynolds and focuses on adapting Earthships to the UK and other European climates." Long-distance learners can also sign up for the online course.
North America
Guatemala
The Green Building Academy (GBA) "is Long Way Home’s unique 4-week intensive course designed for individuals who wish to dive deep into green-building and design topics, as taught by expert instructors.
GBA participants will be learning, building, and living alongside staff from all over the world as well as our experienced local team. Students will live in a green-designed home and will help keep a zero-waste household, an experience that can create life-changing habits.
The program takes place in April and November each year at our site in San Juan Comalapa, a rural town in Guatemala’s highlands. Participants who join the Academy will contribute to our efforts to make healthy and resilient structures accessible to low-resourced and climate-stressed communities." En EspañolLong Way Home’s Volunteer Program "is for eager volunteers who want to learn more about green-building and sustainable living in Guatemala."
Nicaragua
InanItah: Natural Building "While visiting or volunteering at InanItah, there is an opportunity to gain experience in a range of natural building techniques, including: cob, wattle and cob, home made paints, earthen plasters, earthen flooring and carpentry. There are ongoing possibilities to see working demonstrations of stone point foundations, traditional outdoor stone floor building, timber framing, compost heated hot water and gravity-based drinkingwater systems. We sometimes offer natural building workshops."
USA
New Mexico
Organizations
Europe
Czech Republic / Czechia
Earthship® Zeměnka® "European Earthship Centre Zeměnka is the first Earthship in Central Europe built by NGO Zeměloď under guidance of Michael Reynolds and his team with help of lots of willing people. It is located close to the town of Sázava and it was build 980 years after the Monastery of Sázava was founded; its shell construction took 21 days - from 5th to 25th May 2012.
European Earthship Centre which is owned and maintained by NGO Zeměloď serves as a demonstration and training centre of sustainable buildings. Visitors are able to see the building and experience the original Earthship concept directly.
Zeměnka was built as a prototype building, which - as a first building of its kind in Central Europe - is intended for testing in our conditions. Zeměloď informs about gained knowledge through discussions and lectures."
Germany / Deutschland
Earthship Tempelhof "Wir bauen einen öffentlich zugänglichen Experimentierraum für soziale und ökologische Skulptur! Unser Earthship ist das Reallabor für 25 Menschen und Zentrum des gemeinschaftlichen Lebens inmitten individueller Wohnräume. Bereits über 600x wurden diese innovativen Häuser verwirklicht. Im Zusammenwirken von Gründer und Visionär Michael Reynolds, seinem Team von Earthship Biotecture und unserer Gemeinschaft führt dieser Gedanke das persönliche Netzwerk und Erfahrungen aus unterschiedlichen Kulturen und Klimazonen zusammen."
Netherlands
UK
North America
Belize
EarthshipBelize "Our goal is to promote sustainable architecture and ecotourism in Belize."
USA
New Mexico
Oceana
Australia
Earthship Network Australia "We are a collective of people who believe in what we can do together. We have seen glimpses of what the future could look like if we can work together effectively and want to see this culture develop and grow into one which is more resilient and robust. One that is deserving of this planet. Are you ready to join us?"
Companies
These are builders with experience in earth ship construction, but being listed here isn't a garantee. Always remember to conduct your own research before investing in a home builder or design.
North America
USA
California
Pangea Builders "We Design & Build Inspiring Off-Grid Homes and Custom Designs."
New Mexico
Oceana
Australia
Pangea Builders "is licensed in Australia and New Zealand. We can design and build Earthships and any other type of building for off-grid living."
New Zealand
Pangea Builders "is licensed in Australia and New Zealand. We can design and build Earthships and any other type of building for off-grid living."