Zero Energy Two -- click to enlarge
Specifications: 1,275 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Footprint: 36′ x 73′ not including cisterns or optional survival shelter.
Description: Zero Energy Two is a two bedroom version of Zero Energy One. See next post below. This revolutionary design features zero net energy use, extremely low ‘near zero’ embodied energy and extremely low cost of around $10/square foot (cost of shell, excluding energy systems). This design is the result of years of research in energy efficiency and low cost, alternative building methods.
Note: If you want extra space for more bedrooms, etc. then I suggest adding a basement.
Earthbag House Plans 
another winner.
jpu
You wouldn’t happen to have a 3 or 4 up your sleeve, would you?
You can order custom plans through Dream Green Homes: http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/materials/earth/earthbags.htm
Why did you forgo the front corridor style airlock usually in such designs, for end airlocks? Just curious.
My design offers more private space, and avoids the attached greenhouse look and associated maintenance of growing lots of plants. End airlocks provide additional entrances and additional light from the sides.
What you’re describing can be obtained by ordering a custom plan through Dream Green Homes: http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/materials/earth/earthbags.htm
Dear Good People:
My wife and I are moving to Caldera, Panama, located at 1,000′ high in the tropics. The weather fluctuates between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity. We are interested in building a two bedroom house with good closet space. It rains & I mean RAINS seven months a year. Is this a good choice of building method for this kind of environment?
I really can’t tell if the 2 bedroom plan is enough for us because I cannot read the fonts. I’m not interested in stealing the plan, but, I would like to see if it is adequate for our needs. How can I take a look at it before buying it. What’s the cost of the plan?
Also, there won’t be anyone with knowledge in building with earthbags, will that be a problem? I once built a hay bale house, the next one will be earthbags for sure. Thank you.
Earthbag building is well suited to rainy climates. In fact, that’s how I got involved in this. I was looking for solutions to the 2004 Asian tsunami, where hurricanes, earthquakes, heavy rains and floods are common. After a lot of research I realized earthbag building was the most practical, lowest cost, most sustainable building system for these conditions.
You can make the web page larger by holding down your Control key and pressing +. Repeat as necessary. This plan is now available in AutoCAD. You can order from Dream Green Homes: http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/plans/zeroenergy2.htm
Almost anyone can learn to build with earthbags, but it does take time and effort to learn the process. We try to provide everything you need to know for free on our websites at EarthbagBuilding.com, Earthbag Building Blog, etc. Plus, be sure to buy a copy of Doni and Kaki’s Earthbag Building book.
Dear Owen:
God bless your heart for your thoughtfulness in house building. Like most people I wrote you before exploring your websites. Now I’ve just scratch the surface, BUT, the amount of attention to detail, quality and common sense that goes onto your approach to building I had not come across.
My wife and I have decided for the zero energy two plan, it seems to fit our needs quite well. I’m NOT good with my hands, I’ll have to rely on others to apply the knowledge that you have to offer. Hopefully we’ll come across someone who is committed and thorough. Our experiences with building houses has been very bad. We have dealt with amateurs, thieves and goofballs.
Hopefully this time we’ll meet better people.
Thank you very much for caring.
Building with earth is lots of work, so get some help. I’ve been training indigenous people for the last few years to help me build my buildings. Break things down into very simple steps: filling buckets level, carrying and handing up buckets, tamping, etc. They learn each step in about 30 seconds. Often the strongest, most skilled workers have jobs elsewhere, so I hire whoever I can find (saves me money, also). I mostly hire average people of all ages, including housewives, old men, young men, partially employed truck drivers, farmers, etc. Almost anyone can do this if you know what to do and can show them. (You don’t even need to know the language — just show them.)