Earthship Biotecture Bible

Welcome to a world of innovative, sustainable living! This book explores the fascinating and groundbreaking concept of Earthship Biotecture - a unique and effective way of building homes that are self-sufficient and off-grid. For over 50 years, Earthship Biotecture has been at the forefront of the movement towards a more sustainable future, and this book provides an in-depth look at this revolutionary form of architecture. With its focus on using recycled materials, natural systems, and passive solar design, Earthship Biotecture offers a glimpse into a world where we can live in harmony with our environment, reduce our carbon footprint, be self-sufficient, and have lifelong real security. Whether you're an architect, a builder, an environmentalist, or simply someone looking to live a more sustainable life, this book provides valuable insights and practical information to help you understand the full potential of Earthship Biotecture. Leading with 99 reasons why Earthship Biotecture is amazing, this book provides a comprehensive overview of this revolutionary form of architecture. From its ability to provide reliable organic year-round food production, to its potential to overcome water scarcity in any part of the world, this book offers a wealth of information and inspiration to those who are looking to create a sustainable future. Whether you're interested in building an Earthship for yourself, or just want to learn more about this innovative way of living, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired, informed, and empowered to make a positive change in the world. As someone who has lived in an Earthship home since 2012, I can personally attest to their comfort and luxury. My home has taken care of all my survival and comfort needs with minimal bills or maintenance - my only utility cost is $10 per month for gas for cooking. However, it's important to note that achieving total comfort with no heating or cooling is easiest in climates that are not too extreme. In such cases, Earthships can provide a lifetime of heating, cooling, power, water, and even food production with minimal effort or maintenance. In extreme climates, it is important to pay close attention to the many aspects of Earthship design in order to produce a perfectly functioning home. Despite their many benefits, Earthship Biotecture is still not fully understood, even among Earthship enthusiasts. This is because Earthships have so many overlapping benefits that it can be difficult to know and explain them all. Earthship Biotecture is an approach rather than a specific design, and each Earthship must be custom-made to fit its location, local materials, and climate. It is an art form that requires some experimentation and understanding of thermal mass, solar gain, and the interplay of natural forces. While there may be some negative opinions online about Earthships, most of these are due to a lack of understanding about Earthship Biotecture and the fact that it takes experience and understanding to produce a perfectly functioning home in a new location. There is a global crisis in affordable and functional housing, as well as a cultural and community breakdown happening simultaneously. Earthship Biotecture addresses these issues and provides a solution that not only gives people a place to live, but also a sense of purpose and community. Earthships bring people together and create a sense of belonging, as well as providing a means of sustainability and self-sufficiency. This book brings all of this knowledge together in an easy-to-read format to help you understand the powerful and revolutionary approach of Earthship Biotecture.

Alex shares his story with passion and humour and explains the most important concepts of earthship biotecture. You will also learn about the thoughts and considerations you need to make if you are considering self-building your home. This book can help you understand why Earthships perform so well in almost any climate. It is written for beginners and is a great resource for learning. It includes tales of many adventures and dramas and includes photos and illustrations. Earthship Biotecture originated in the USA and was invented by Michael Reynolds in the early 1980s. Earthship homes are a solution to many of our global problems such as climate change, the cost of living and family security. Earthships can be built with minimal skill or training and even on a small budget. They perform well in almost any part of the world, and can deliver you a truly off-grid, self-sufficient and sustainable life, forever!

Hacking the Earthship: In Search of an Earth-Shelter that Works for EveryBody is a comprehensive collection of academic and in-the-field research findings on Earthships, combined with practical how-to advice for designing and financing your own truly sustainable earth-sheltered home. Rachel Preston Prinz and contributing authors discuss the history, research, design issues, and evolution of Earthships, drawing on the knowledge of thousands of builders, craftsmen, and designers who have mastered the art of earth sheltering. Then, they walk readers step by step through design, offering a wealth of resources that can inspire, inform, and educate. Within, readers will find the tools needed to understand their place's culture, architecture, and climate... and the ideal building methods for their climate, personality, values, and budget. THE NEW GENERATION OF EARTHSHIP ENTHUSIASTS: • Does not want to cart questionable building materials long distances and call it “green”. • Wants to build locally and naturally… and they want to build it themselves. • Wants their buildings to be cool in summer, warm in winter, the humidity to be predictable and regular; and they want to minimize pests and allergens. • Wants to be able to get a permit and insurance, and resell their homes if they want to; or pass them on if they can. • They want a smaller home that is “just right”… for their budget, time, ability, energy use, and maintenance. • They want to make their home easy to manage, maintain, and get around in, even if they are in a walker or wheelchair. • They want their home to feel like it is made from and relating to the earth: in views, in light, in fresh air, in the ability to grow food, and in a beautiful landscape that supports the home. Finding the balance between all these desires is a delicate and lengthy process of discernment, study, and goal-setting. That is what this book aims to help you do. Chapter 1 THE EARTHSHIP REALITY PROJECT discusses the issues and resolutions of the design. Chapter 2 THE SCIENCE: ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND TIRE OFF-GASSING reviews academic and scientific research on Earthships. Chapter 3 A WAY FORWARD discusses financing and insurance, minimizing waste, managing the build, visioning, and Code requirements. Chapter 4 THE BUILDING’S CONTEXT AND SITE addresses the site and landscape. Chapter 5 DESIGNING FOR THERMAL COMFORT addresses natural, mechanical, and design options for improving thermal performance. Topics covered include passive solar design; thermal mass versus insulation; earth-coupling versus earth-sheltering; thermal and moisture protection; and natural ventilation. Chapter 6 THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM addresses the ways we can form the building’s structure. Chapter 7 THE ENCLOSURE SYSTEM outlines the construction of the building’s envelope or skin. We discuss traditional earthship building blocks like tire, glass, and can walls, as well as alternative systems like adobe, cob, rammed earth, earthbags, wood block concrete forms, timber frame, log, cordwood, and strawbale buildings. We also cover various roofing options as well as doors and windows. Chapter 8 ROOMS, SPACES, COLORS, & TEXTURES discusses how we can create a home we love. Chapter 9 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS outlines basic mechanical, electrical, and plumbing considerations, especially on-grid systems since those are what make an Earthship most affordable. Chapter 10 IMBUING SPACE WITH SPIRIT addresses psychological and spiritual aspects of design. Chapter 11 CONCLUSION: A NEW SET OF EARTH-SHELTER BUILDING CRITERIA Chapter 12 OVERWHELMED? NEED HELP? discusses some helpful tips if you hire an architect or residential designer . The APPENDICES offer resources and worksheets. Portions of the proceeds will go to our non-profit architectural education programs ARCHITECTURE FOR EVERYBODY and BUILT FOR LIFE.

"I've seen many books on this subject, but none so well documented and honest."—Whole Earth

The series of visions that inspired architect Michael Reynolds to develop and build the first Earthship.

In a series of 50 accessible essays, Philip Wilkinson introduces architectural movements and styles throughout history, as well as describing some of the greatest architects' most important and representative works. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Guggenheim, the classical orders of Vitruvius to the most recent contemporary trends today, 50 Architecture Ideas You Really Need to Know is a complete introduction to the most important architectural concepts in history.