This ecoresort design joins two earthbag roundhouses with private baths between. (click to enlarge)
Specifications: Two 16′ diameter roundhouses = 402 sq. ft. interior plus 80 sq. ft. baths, total 482 sq. ft. interior (241 per unit), 1 bed, 1 bath per unit, Footprint: 19′ x 49’
Description: This ecoresort design joins two earthbag roundhouses with private baths between. The roof extends over the porch to create a shaded area with benches for relaxing. Windows on all sides provide optimum ventilation and thermal comfort (15 degrees F or 8 degrees C cooler inside than out). Glass block and bottle walls add a splash of color and fun. Thatch could be used, although metal roofing is more durable and fire resistant, requires less maintenance and allows for roofwater collection. With just a little modification, the two units could be joined to create a home by enclosing the porch as a passageway, converting one bathroom into a laundry room, and deleting one kitchen.
Double Unit Ecoresort floorplan. (click to enlarge)
When something works exceeding well, it makes sense to pursue similar options. I’ve been saying for some time that earthbag roundhouses are the simplest, fastest, easiest, most practical way to build with earthbags. (Domes are great in some ways, but they have certain design limitations and are not the best choice for our hot, rainy climate. Square and rectangular designs have some benefits, but tend to be a bit boring, especially for an ecoresort, and long straight walls require additional support.)
That’s one reason I’ve created designs such as Two Roundhouses with Greenhouse, Three Roundhouses Design, my Hobbit designs, as well as numerous other roundhouse designs at Earthbag House Plans. (You can easily browse all roundhouse plans by selecting ‘Round’ in the Category menu on the right side of the page.) Note — most people end up modifying these basic designs to meet their needs, which can easily be done for a modest fee.
Each step of construction is explained in this Earthbag Roundhouse Instructable.
All plans are available through Dream Green Homes. Not all plans are shown. Just ask if there’s something you don’t see.
Wow, this looks great! I’ve always dreamed of having a little ecoresort somewhere nice but now I just have to settle for my yurt. at least it’s round
I’m filing this away as a “maybe, someday” project.
We may build this someday.
Owen
What I like about this design is the potential income from the second unit as a rental. You are building both a residence and income producing property. The fact any utilities will be smaller and that is is eco friendly should be a good draw.for a tenant. Or you may have a son or daughter who wants to remain somewhat autonomous or may move out. If they move out then you can rent it out and not be stuck with a larger place you didn’t really need. Just thinking out loud.
Those are some good ideas. You could also use one side as a grandmother’s apartment, studio/office, etc.
Rammed tires is way more work than earthbags. Try making some samples of each and see for yourself. There’s no advantage to tires, and numerous disadvantages. Several people are building earthbag earthships. Search our Natural Building Blog for details.
I love the unique design. Especially the roofing. I hope you make this a reality some day. I’m always intrigued but different styles of architecture. My house in Des Moines is nice but I want to rip it all down and do something crazy. Thanks for the inspiration.
We were planning an ecoresort a year or so ago but the land deal fell through. It would have been a perfect location and a good business opportunity.