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.
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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