Earthships a Revolution in “Biotecture”

by Eric Wilson on December 24th, 2009

The United States Green Building Council is a relatively new organization, founded at the start of the last decade. However, communities have embraced energy efficient structures and natural materials throughout the history of mankind. Using the materials locally available to construct homes represents the fundamental approach to green building. Born out of the 1970s, Earthships are homes built into the side of hills for insulation. Many of these use old tires, glass bottles, and aluminum cans packed with clay, soil, or mud to serve as the foundation and basis for walls. The recycled – or reused – materials act as bricks and add a high level insulation to the buildings. (See the video clip after the “read more” link.)

These homes are built as self-contained systems where all parts are intricately integrated. This includes on-site power generation, water harvesting, sewage containment and treatment, heating and cooling without fuel, and an area for in-home food production. In addition, these structures are built using only recycled or reused materials. They take a systems approach to the structures, especially with regards to water and waste. Much of the building’s heat comes from passive solar design. The walls absorb the sun’s heat (thermal mass) and then release it throughout the evening. Captured rain water cycles through the home. It is used for bathing, cleaning, and plants, eventually leading out to the botanical cells outside, which further filter the water and waste.

Principle “architect” Michael Reynolds was featured on The Weather Channel’s Forecast Earth. Although the clip is not available to be embedded, here is a link to the YouTube clip. Reynolds, who refers to his craft as “biotecture”, has demonstrated the viability of Earthships in both the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as the western and eastern ones. Reynolds’ organization, Earthships Biotecture, contains a wealth of information, including links to hands-on seminars in Taos, New Mexico.

The clip below provides an overview of Earthships and biotecture: