Earthships are the personification of innovation, design, and resourceful construction. These extremely sustainable buildings, which can be built in any part of our world, will sustain us with potable water, electricity, contained waste treatment, and sustainable food production. This might end up becoming our model 'home' over the ensuing fifteen - thirty years.
THE PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICAL, 'GREEN' DESIGN:
Building with Natural & Recycled Materials
* Solar/Thermal Heating and Cooling
* Solar/Thermal Heating and Cooling
* Water Harvesting
* Contained Biodegradable Pollution Treatment
* Interior/Exterior Food Production
THE CONCEPT
The creation of Earthships are the innovation of New Mexico's architect Michael Reynolds, also the originator of Earthship Biotecture, who characterizes these homes as "radically sustainable" within the home building industry. This completely green, low-tech style of building originated in New Mexico, making use of soil-packed tires for building blocks, with various forms of refuse and natural materials.
The Earthship technique incorporates an estimated 45% recycled materials; alongside plastic and glass bottles, aluminum cans, wood, natural plaster and stone, as well as metal from laundry machines and fridges, while generally depending on the sun for heat.
EARTHSHIPS IN BC
In British Columbia, there are 14 Earthships, with new ones either under construction, or under review on a consistent basis. These are set in Brittany Lake that lies inside the Chilcotin, Nanaimo, Darfield, Lone Butte Lasqueti Island (2) Silver Star access road near Vernon, Creston (2) Barnhartvale, and Old Campbell Creek Road near Kamloops (2). There are two projects underway in the Comox Valley, under the scrutiny of the Comox Valley Regional District, for new builds in Fanny Bay and Merville.
This kind of construction is quickly finding its path into our collective conscientiousness not only for home design, but for buildings such as Community Centres, Shelters, Eco Villages, Commercial use, and several other 'special use' properties.
THE PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICAL, 'GREEN' DESIGN:
Building with Natural & Recycled Materials
* Solar/Thermal Heating and Cooling
* Solar/Thermal Heating and Cooling
* Water Harvesting
* Contained Biodegradable Pollution Treatment
* Interior/Exterior Food Production
THE CONCEPT
The creation of Earthships are the innovation of New Mexico's architect Michael Reynolds, also the originator of Earthship Biotecture, who characterizes these homes as "radically sustainable" within the home building industry. This completely green, low-tech style of building originated in New Mexico, making use of soil-packed tires for building blocks, with various forms of refuse and natural materials.
The Earthship technique incorporates an estimated 45% recycled materials; alongside plastic and glass bottles, aluminum cans, wood, natural plaster and stone, as well as metal from laundry machines and fridges, while generally depending on the sun for heat.
EARTHSHIPS IN BC
In British Columbia, there are 14 Earthships, with new ones either under construction, or under review on a consistent basis. These are set in Brittany Lake that lies inside the Chilcotin, Nanaimo, Darfield, Lone Butte Lasqueti Island (2) Silver Star access road near Vernon, Creston (2) Barnhartvale, and Old Campbell Creek Road near Kamloops (2). There are two projects underway in the Comox Valley, under the scrutiny of the Comox Valley Regional District, for new builds in Fanny Bay and Merville.
This kind of construction is quickly finding its path into our collective conscientiousness not only for home design, but for buildings such as Community Centres, Shelters, Eco Villages, Commercial use, and several other 'special use' properties.
About the Author:
Looking to find out more about Earthships? Visit www.offgridliving-rob.blogspot.com to find out about the Earthships in BC and Brittany Lake BC
