Custom Roundhouse Cluster (click to enlarge)
Specifications: 1,985 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Footprint: 20′ x 66′
Description: This is an example of how clients are combining my basic designs to create unique homes that meet their needs. The master bedroom is on the 2nd floor. The laundry was moved to a covered porch, but it could be kept in the same place as the 33′ Roundhouse.
Note: You can use rectangular doors and windows with semi-circular windows above.
Custom Roundhouse Cluster (click to enlarge)
Earthbag House Plans 
Hi Owen, thanks as always for your daily posts, I’m building quite a library.
I’ve signed up for Patti’s upstate New York earthbag courses that you mentioned a couple months back. First one starts in March, she’s laid out a nice program from the looks of it. I’m taking them all.
My wife and I hope to build in the next year…got to sell our big old brick colonial first.
This conjoined circular house is inline with what we’ve sketched out so far. I’ve always wanted to build a cluster of domes but this answers some of the shortfall in square footage (unless you build a bunch of 12′ to 18′ domes…which we might ultimately do anyway).
Question is, could you corbel a roof for the largest structure…or the two-story structure too? Or is a single story the practical limit for domes beyond 15′ or so?
I know you’ve touched on this before. We’re planning on working with the codes here in NY (or moving to Chile!) but expect some pushback.
Thanks, keep up the great work. This is a revolution in the making.
Thanks, Jim. Corbelled domes are limited to about 20′. You could go larger with added buttressing or reinforcing. One option is stacking bags on a rebar frame. You’ll definitely need an engineer to get approval in New York. All the added requirements may likely wipe out any savings of building with bags.
You could build a dome on the two story structure, but you’ll have the added difficulty of building the dome two stories off the ground.
Hi Owen,
First of all, I fully subscribe to “This innovative building method is exploding in popularity and there is enormous potential to provide affordable homes for all of humanity, all without damaging our environment.”. I really want to build this kind of architecture/structure at my country side location.
Now, I very much like this design (it seems it has also embedded the golden ratio) and I’m asking you if this design has a fully architectural plan for sale. I know your website is not commercial, but I am asking anyway (please contact my by email about this, if possible).
Also, before building this kind of architecture/structure I have to check with local construction authorities if it is permitted. Can you assist me with technical details/docs for this?
Also, as I live in Romania (temperate climate, 4 seasons), I need your opinion about how this structures (polypropylene bags filled with earth) hold in this kind of environment (raining, freezing)?
Thank you!
I found your blog by accident today. I was looking for ideas for my round bakery. This is really nice what you have here. Lovely work.
I love this design! Question – could a door be placed in the exterior wall of the walkway between the house and the studio, leading to an outdoor patio or a greenhouse room? It looks like the wall is long enough for that.
I would add the washer and dryer to the workshop, as well as a big stainless steel restaurant style sink to use in dyeing fabric…
It’s going to take me forever to decide on a plan. I love at least half of them.
Sure, you can add a door there. Most clients change things around from what I show. Everyone’s needs are different.
hi owen , thanks as always for your daily posts ıts perfect thank you.But ı askyou some questıons about thıs ım student in faculty of architecture and ı need thıs kınd of 3d plans autocads or lıke that for my homework can you help me for thıs ?
Sorry, I can’t do student projects. That’s what you need to plow through to learn the needed skills. Hang in there.
Hi can u come to FL and help us build this house? Please I love it! Please help!
pat Mayfield
4795445068
7949 southern oak dr.
Southport
But ive found 10 acers i have to build it on my husband was a mason for 30 years so please help us!.
I’m no longer traveling and doing workshops. You can post a free message on our Bulletin Board to attract trainers and/or volunteers. http://www.naturalbuildingblog.com/bulletin-board/
You can also contact all earthbag trainers by using the list on our Workshops page: http://earthbagbuilding.com/workshops.htm
Dear Owen what a great mission and vision you have,how would you feel about reciprocated roofs on these designs do you see any draw backs?
Reciprocal roofs are great. Search our Natural Building Blog for previous articles on this. They may be difficult to get code approved though.
I would like to know if I could request this plan but with some modifications? And if so, how much would you charge to draw it up?
I no longer do custom plans. You can buy the CAD files and pay a local home designer to make the modifications.
http://dreamgreenhomes.com/materials/earth/earthbags.htm
First Owen, Thank you for all the work you have done to make sustainable living attainable for everyone! I am interested in both the clustered roundhouses where they touch and the three roundhouse design where they are separated. My question is can the touching clusters be built in stages the same way the separated houses can? Thank you.
Yes, but it’s stronger to do at the same time so the bags are overlapped. Building separately you could pin each course to the previous roundhouse with rebar pins. Both ways will work.
It might be wiser to tackle one at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. It’s a lot of work.