The Earthship concept is the brainchild of Michael Reynolds, who
has written several books on the topic. Near Taos New Mexico, where
he has his Earthship Biotecture business, are whole communities of earthships.
The basic earthship design incorporates substantially bermed, passive
solar architecture. The primary retaining walls are constructed with
used tires, filled with earth and stacked up like bricks. The interior
surface of the tires is then plastered with adobe or cement so the tires
don't normally show. Mike has also pioneered the use of empty aluminum
cans mortared into lightweight, curvable walls. Earthships often employ
many ecological concepts, such as water catchment from the roof, reuse
of greywater, composting toilets, indoor gardening, etc.
While some of the work of building is simple to do, it also tends
to be very labor intensive. Furthermore, the wood framing required is
not simple. Some of the earlier designs tend to overheat, especially
in the summer, because of the slanted glass to the south. I have seen
some truly elegant earthships, along with some that are pretty funky.
Engineered plans are available that seem to please building inspectors,
as these have been built in many localities.
Here is a 5 minute radio interview with Kelly Hart talking about Earthships:
Earthship: How to Build Your Own by Michael E. Reynolds, 1990. This is the first in a series of three books about earthships. The basic concepts are clearly outlined.
Earthship: Systems and Components by Michael Reynolds, 1991. This second book in the series goes into more detail about specific systems that are adjuncts to the basic earthship.
Earthship: Evolution Beyond Economics by Mike Reynolds, 1993. This last book in the original trilogy is more of an exposition of Mike Reynolds's ideas about building and its place in the scheme of societies.
Comfort in Any Climate by Michael Reynolds, 2000. Comfort in Any Climate is about creating a comfortable space in any climate without the use of fossil fuels for heating and cooling. The book breaks down important sustainable design concepts into clear, easily understood elements: thermal mass, insulation, heating, cooling, and ventilation. Using examples of built Earthship designs, the author shows applications of the presented concepts through text, illustrations and color photos.
Click on image to buy from Amazon.com
Click on image to buy from Amazon.com
Water From The Sky by Michael Reynolds, 2005. This book takes its readers from problem to solution. It addresses the water shortage in New Mexico, the United States, and around the world. Step by step the book outlines how to solve the problem of water shortage through catching, storing, using, reusing and treating rainwater.
The Tire House Book by Ed Paschich, 1995. What are tire houses? Who builds them? How do they do it? Will I see the tires when the house is finished? How weird are they? Can I do it myself? You'll find the answers to these questions and more in this book that "Earth Quarterly" called "...an excellent addition to the library of any potential tire house builder, offering a wealth of unique ideas that can jump-start you to getting up, getting out, and building that sucker!" And the "Albuquerque Journal" said: "Better keep this one on the night table; you'll probably want to refer to it as you build a home or an additiona to one." Using "landfill" tires and a revolutionary process, houses are being built that are both revolutionary and evolutionary--Michael Reynolds builds self-sufficient Earthships™, and Ed Paschich builds traditional homes using tires for the exterior walls. This book will tell you how you can be more responsible when you build a home, improve a home, or add a garden. You'll learn about constructed wetlands, solar air conditioning, and xeriscape landscaping. It's all here with many illustrations and photographs.
Click on image to buy from Amazon.com
These are some of the latest plans from Earthship/Biotecture, Mike Reynolds' planning company. This is called a "Castle Earthship" and is the more basic of three new plans. A more advanced plan includes a two story jungle greenhouse.
The Earthship home will keep you comfortable in most any climate on the planet. These Earthship plans are the result of 40 years of research and development in the field and on the drawing table. Because these plans are "off-the-rack," this a very "user friendly" approach for the owner/builder. This unit can be the easiest first step into the Earthship method of living. Sizes begin at the 800 square foot "Nest" studio and go up to a 3 bed, 2 bath Earthship and larger. Because every room surrounds you with thermal mass, the rooms provide an embracing thermal stability. The Earthship modules may be built individually, in a step by step fasion to create a comprehensive approach for all aspects of a completely sustainable home.
Studio - 800 sq. ft. One Bed - 1000 sq. ft. Two Bed - 1200 sq. ft. Three Bed - 1500 sq. ft.
Floor Plan for 2-Bedroom Model
For more information about this plan, and many others, visit our sister site www.dreamgreenhomes.com, where you will find a wide range of plans for sustainable homes, greenhouses, small buildings, garages, and food storage space for sale. Dream Green Homes is a consortium of outstanding architects and designers, who have pooled their talent and expertise for your benefit.
LINKS
earthship.org this is the home site of earthship/biotecture, Mike Reynolds' business.
This video features an interview with Michael Reynolds and shows various earthships.
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concerning the information on these pages. Neither I nor any of the
advisor/consultants associated with this site will have liability
for loss, damage, or injury, resulting from the use of any information
found on this, or any other page at this site. Kelly Hart, Hartworks,
Inc.
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