Earthship Biotecture

Earthship design is a movement initiated by Michael Reynolds. Earthship Biotecture is a method of architecture and design that incorporates recycled materials, earthen materials, and renewable energy sources into a sustainable and self-sufficient home. The purpose of this according to Michael Reynolds it to achieve energy independence, sustainable housing, and relieve the burdens of stress on the environment from conventional building methods while keeping cost minimal. Utilizing waste and earthen materials, Michael was able to construct comfortable living, beautiful architectural design, and self-sufficiency with sustainable technologies. In achieving low cost construction methods, as little as $20 a square foot, a new way of living can be imagined in which utilities, mortgages, and sustenance cost are reduced. This reduction in expenses provide for the availability of greater opportunities due to decreased economic constraints, but furthermore provides a cost effective and sustainable method for supplying homes for those stricken with poverty.

The purpose of this writing is to discus some of the materials and methods required and the various components that work together to create a dynamic self-sufficient home. The first concept discussed is the principle of thermal mass to maintain a constant temperature. Houses are built with south facing walls, typically glass, providing the energy from the sun required to heat the dense walls. These walls begin to emit heat once temperatures drop. During the summer time a combination of proper ventilation and moisture resistant roofs layered with soil and native plant life provided necessary summer shade. The density of the rammed earth tire walls provided enough mass in the structure and b...

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...st, sustainable, and comfortable way of living can be achieved with little impact to the earth and its limited natural resources. Despite the fact that earthship utilizes a dynamic set of interconnection systems, earthship construction can be affordable and much of the construction requirements are low skilled availing itself to “DIY” construction. Low impact construction can help alleviate the stress of resource consumption and pollution in developed nations, while also supporting a lifestyle more harmonious to the natural order. In less developed nations or disempowered people, earthship can be utilized as a tool of empowerment. Through low cost design and construction earthship can be made available to many vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people aiding to alleviate homelessness, poverty, hunger, and many other social stresses that contribute to inequality.