Earthship houses are an amazing combination of reclaimed materials and earth to make efficient and sustainable homes that have a deep connection with the environment. In this workshop, we will focus on designing an efficient and low-cost Earthship.
The workshop is divided into a theoretical part ( 2 days) and a hands-on experience of building the Earthship, from the design of the floor plan to the foundations, walls, and finishing. The hands-on portion is geared towards a group of 6 or more for one month, but shorter time periods are offered for a 1-day visit or one-week participation. Hospitality and meals on-site included for out of the area participants depending on availability for an extra fee.
In the workshop we will discuss:
- The different types of building techniques: conventional and alternative. Cons and pros of each one, as well as costs
- Why does a different environment call for different building techniques?
- Desert vs. cloud forest
- Plains vs. mountains
- What to use and how? Local materials and possible uses in the construction
- Designing an underground house floor plan: light and airflow
- Ferrocement structure, foundations, waterproofing, plumbing and graywater, electric systems