This is a poll to determine what shape you like best for the Earthbag Roundhouse/Dome Cluster. (Floorplan shown below.) Do you prefer domes on either side of a central roundhouse or all roundhouses? Please leave a comment below.
Roundhouse Cluster (click to enlarge)
Specifications: 1,314 sq. ft. interior including lofts in the roundhouse and both large domes, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Footprint: 31′ x 65′
Description: Readers have shown a strong interest in my domes and roundhouses, so I decided to cluster them to create a new unique design for larger families. There is a 2-story roundhouse in the center with domes on the east and west. (Optional version with three two-story roundhouses.) There are a lot of things to like about this design: possible third bedroom, game room or home office in the roundhouse loft, 2 baths, separated bedrooms, large walk-in closets, dining area next to the windows, and lots of south-facing doors and windows.
Earthbag House Plans 
Dear Sir,
I am instrested in three bedrooms two bathrooms earthbags house i would to ask you to come to Jamaica to help us to construct my home i am a single mother who would love to have my own home built this will be the first time i am asking for help from out side of our country.
thanks in advance i do hope you will concider my request God bless.
Erneita Anderson-Brown
Thanks for the invite. Actually, I’m very busy developing house plans, working on websites and writing books. The goal is to explain everything that’s needed as simply as possible so people can build their own homes without costly contractors and other specialists. Anyone can do this. So I encourage you to keep reading and learning.
Hi Owen,
This is fantastic! I’ve just begun discussing permits for this plan in Ontario Canada and the response has been surprisingly positive! I still have a great deal to learn and don’t plan to begin building until 2011 but I wanted to thank you for your wonderful work.
Best,
Sophie
Thanks. Glad to hear you like the plan. Which configuration do you like the best?
Tough to say at this point. Buidling codes and such aside I prefer the cluster designs. I like the fact that you have an unobstructed view of the complete round structure in each room with this design. On the other hand, I think that I have to build a roof to meet code and doing so on the cluster style will require quite a bit more work, I suspect. I’m still researching reciprocal roof designs to see if I might be able to make this work on the cluster design. If so, I think that’s the direction I’ll go.
Hope this helps.
Yours,
Sophie
Thanks Sophie. Do you have a preference for domes or roundhouses on each side?
I doubt code officials will approve reciprocal roofs. You’ll likely have to buy factory trusses. The best option is probably raised heel scissor trusses that provide space for insulation and create a nice sloped ceiling.
I think I’d prefer the look of the roundhouses on each side (although I like that I could build the domes myself for far less money).
Thank you for the advice on the trusses! I found a great image of a log scissor truss used as a center point for a rounded section of a home and it looks stunning.
Not shown: 2nd story with loft over one half of center roundhouse; small lofts over other two rooms that are suitable for home offices, storage, etc.
Hi Owen,
I have an odd question… do you happen to know the average slope of a dome’s roof? Any chance it’s 60 degrees or greater?
Sophie
Domes don’t have slope because they’re curved. Slope is the amount of rise (increase in elevation) divided by horizontal distance, which is expressed as a percentage. This requires a straight line between two points. So dome curvature has to be expressed as a radius.
I personally prefer the domes as in my Hurricane prone locale they offer more protection than conventional roofing.
I just decided on “Roundhouse Cluster” yesterday. I think three conical roofs would look really great. But maybe I should offer both options… More feedback would be welcome.
Someone wrote and wants to order this plan with domes. So… both options will be available soon. The three roundhouse version with conical roofs will be available soon, followed shortly thereafter by the roundhouse/dome cluster.
I don’t understand the difference between the roundhouse and the dome, but I love this plan. Would it be possible to add another bedroom just like the second bedroom? (I love the lofts that are included, but would rather have the additional bedroom on the same floor as the others.) It should be on the same side as the second bedroom. Also, it would be better if the second bathroom is on the same side as the 2nd bedroom instead of being across the Living/Kitchen/Dining roundhouse. What about a laundry room? It could be an addition similar to the closet for the second bedroom. I have just discovered Earthbag and strawbale housing options and am quite interested in the concept.
The two main options are:
1. Two story roundhouse in the center, joined with two story roundhouses on either side, all with conical roofs.
2. Two story roundhouse in the center, joined with domes (one each side)
And to answer your questions, yes you can add more rooms, closets, laundry, etc. And like most of my other plans, you can add a greenhouse in front.
Hi Owen,
I personally like the roundhouse cluster.. I have been looking for a similar style. I have not been able to
I would be interested in purchasing these plans also when you make them available. I am looking to build a 27 unit Ecovillage.
I like the plans simplicity, and roominess. How do you think a small backyard tilapia pond would fit in the plans of this unit.
Glad to hear it. Plans will be available very soon. They’re nearly complete, and when they are, they’ll be available through Dream Green Homes: http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/materials/earth/earthbags.htm
You could easily include a tilapia pond outside. You could also build a greenhouse along the front and put inside.
Thanks for the link, I see the plans are available with a few others. Have these plans been used in actual projects? Have the plans past any building permit qualifications. I am looking in counties that do not have strict building requirements. But the word I am hearing from other alternative builders is that it is somewhat difficult to get permits for some structures.
Almost every plan has sold; some have sold numerous times. So yes, these projects are being built worldwide. That’s one of my goals — to help provide affordable and sustainable housing globally, not just for the rich or one particular country. This is achieved partly by offering simple, affordable house plans over the Internet to keep costs low.
However, I do not attempt to keep up with all the projects. I’m very busy on multiple book projects, seven websites, magazine articles, research, workshops, new drawings, etc. We rely on people sending us photos and updates of their builds so we can share with others.
Codes vary from county to county, state to state, country to country. It’s crazy. It’s a horrible bureaucratic mess we humans have created for ourselves. And, unfortunately for those in the building trades, it’s something we have to deal with. We regularly encourage people to build in rural remote areas with few or no codes. This can save tens of thousands of dollars and years of dealing with obstinate officials who often seem primarily concerned about extracting fees to support the current system.
That said, people are finding places to build. It just takes a lot of time and patience. Look for ecovillages and other sustainable building sites on the Internet. Here’s one book that identifies counties with no codes in the US: No Building Codes by Terry Herb http://nobuildingcodes.com/
We’re also working hard to gain engineering approval so people can build in areas that enforce building codes. We’re getting very close to this goal. Stay tuned.
HELLO, I have been dreaming, and your designs are great!!
lots to choose from. Have any people built these in tennesse?
I purchased property there, and wanted to go more in tune with our environment.I did not no if people had started the process with permits, and all..also, are there any gray water
treatment systems that have passed codes in multiple states?
Wondering if can go that way in more populated areas…LOVE the plans for clusters, lots of room for guest, or people to extend there stay.. possible create a small community with like
minded people. Multiple clusters seem to be the best to me…
THANK YOU, Daryl
I’ve lost track where all the houses are at. I’ve sold quite a few plans now. There are some in your general area of Tennesse/Kentucky. However, most people don’t advertise their projects. They don’t want hundreds of people knocking on their door and traipsing through their homes. Can’t say that I blame them. My associate Kelly Hart probably had several thousand people tour their home. They’ve since sold it, but there used to be visitors almost daily.
My favorite greywater book is by Art Ludwig: http://oasisdesign.net/ His books go right to the point and tell you just what you need, and they’re low cost.
How come we always have to learn this stuff from British people? Not that I mind, just wondered. Good show, very informative.
Who’s British? I’m not.
love the round hobbit styles…love that you make it available to all who want to build this way…hopefully we’ll get the 100th monkey effect this year 😉
I prefer the domes on the side of the roundhouse. Purely functional as one of my top three main goals is hurricane/tornado protection.
I love the domes on either side as well. I did my first superadobe workshop on the weekend and am very interested in this cluster. We would need three bedrooms (as we have two daughters) and I thought that the domes would be great for them and the master bedroom in the loft above the main roundhouse. I’d like a greenhouse on the front wall as well. Now I just need to see if the local council will approve earthbag dome construction without a roof. I’m in Australia and I don’t know of anyone else who has built one here but will do my homework. Thank you very much for all of your wonderful information and if my council will approve them, I’ll be purchasing your plans very soon.
Tracie
personally i dislike the lofts and second floors for the simple fact that everyone gets older and wont be able to climb the stairs easily. i love the clusters seperated by either covered walkways or the greenhouse one is amazing! we are looking into one of your designs very few i like every aspect and others i have edited a lot of items. thank you
why choose?? both are awesome and homes should be as individual as the people living in them ! I love your work and have been following your progress for a few years now and spreading the word to all my friends. I’m still
looking for the 100th monkey 😉