Eco-Dome
CalEarth’s Eco-Dome can be built out of nothing more than dirt, barbed wire, and the same kind of polyethylene bags used to make sandbags to contain floods. The house will probably last longer if you mix some cement with the dirt, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
The bags come in the form of a continuous tube, and the house is constructed of layers of dirt-filled “snakes,” with barbed wire laid between them to keep them from moving. This 400 sq. ft. home is one of CalEarth’s plans that can be built from the dirt on your land.
It’s 21st-century adobe: faster and easier than traditional adobe construction, because you don’t have to make and dry individual bricks. This construction technique can be learned quickly by anyone, and is about the cheapest possible way to build lasting shelter. But these are by no means temporary buildings; they are so robust that they meet California building codes.
Plans and a DVD and bags are available at the CalEarth’s Eco-Dome web site.
Eco-Dome video of the construction:
Eco-Dome pictures of the structure.
Similar Posts
Sonoma Shanty Plans
I am excited to introduce the Sonoma Shanty Plans, based on a 120 square foot, 8' x 15' simple stru...more
U-Dome
If your looking for basic shelter with a very limited budget. Check out World Shelters U-Dome. a 20...more
Building the Tumbleweed WeeBee
Jay Shafer of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is a designer specializing in sustainable architecture ...more
WoodManor Playhouses
Children are lucky in many ways, but I just found a group of tiny play houses that make them even l...more
Sonoma Shanty Update
Yesterday I stopped by Little House on the Trailer to see how the Sonoma Shanty on wheels was comin...more
Loading ...
david moss on 15 May 2008 at 2:40 pm #
Where is this house located?
Kent on 15 May 2008 at 2:49 pm #
Hi David,
This dome is located at the Cal-Earth Institute Site: 10177 Baldy Lane, Hesperia CA 92345. You can also learn more by going to the site at: http://www.calearth.org/EcoDome.htm
Kent
jean on 08 Oct 2008 at 7:35 am #
Hello Dave,
How long do the bricks (or snakes) take to dry? Can the snakes be made shorter (1/2 the length) so a woman could
carry and build this dome dome home?
Kent on 08 Oct 2008 at 7:55 am #
Hi Jean,
According to the photos on the ordering page you fill the tube as you go. Go to this link http://www.calearth.org/ProductsServices/bagorder.htm you should be able to handle it.
austin on 09 Oct 2008 at 5:42 pm #
what is the wind scoop for?
kristina on 12 Oct 2008 at 11:33 pm #
hello,
i’m also interested why is wind scoop for? thnx
Roger Drowne E.C. on 28 Oct 2008 at 6:36 am #
GREAT Home
see…
http://www.EarthBall.org
Later, Roger@RogerART.com
esther on 11 Dec 2008 at 7:04 am #
is that type of house be in a tropical humid climate (rainy and cyclons)?
logan on 25 Feb 2009 at 8:50 am #
how long does it take to build one
Kent on 25 Feb 2009 at 9:08 am #
That would depend how many people you have working and the availability of materials. Please go to the EcoDome webiste for more information: http://www.calearth.org/EcoDome.htm You can also contact them and get more specific answers.
logan on 25 Feb 2009 at 11:08 am #
ok so how many hours would it take to build the 800 sq foot one with 10-12 people?
Kent on 25 Feb 2009 at 1:02 pm #
I personally don’t have the answer, you will need to get in contact with the people who have made them. Please see reply above and let us know what you find out.
Marco on 15 Jun 2009 at 7:37 pm #
will this hold up in snow? rain? Need to know. Would like to build one.