Earthbag Dome Fort

Earthbag Dome Fort (click to enlarge)

The Dome Fort is my latest castle design. At 100’ x 112’, the 10’ high by 3’ thick (at the base) fortified walls enclose 9,964 square feet.

The Dome Fort showcases individual designs and combines them into a self sustaining, fortified homestead, where a group of 5-20 people could weather economic and social upheaval. This is a concept drawing that does not show every possible type of defense. Custom designs can be created to meet your needs.

Structures include:
Roundhouse/Dome Cluster 1,330 sq. ft. interior
2 Fortress Towers 1,717 sq. ft. interior each
Castle Tower House above Survival Shelter 880 sq. ft. interior
Carriage House with second story garage apartment 806 sq. ft. interior
2 Round Guard Towers 227 sq. ft. interior each, plus roof deck
Observation Tower 313 sq. ft. interior, plus roof deck

I’ll be glad to discuss all details, including the below grade structures (not shown), with serious clients who hire me at my hourly consulting fee. All plans can be modified for a modest fee. Send inquires to: strawhouses [at] yahoo.com.

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Earthbag Castle

Earthbag Castle (click to enlarge)

My goal with this project has been twofold: 1. showcase individual designs (which included some designs that have been on the drawing board for months), and 2. combine them into a self sustaining, fortified homestead, where a group of 5-20 people could weather economic and social upheaval. It is not designed to withstand a direct missile or tank attack by governments, or total nuclear Armageddon. All bets are off if things get that bad. But the 10’ high by 3’ thick walls (at the base) should go a long way toward deterring attackers if things do unravel. Anyway, this has been an interesting project and I’m glad to see the high page rankings. It’s definitely been a lot of work.

Earthbag Castle summary:
– The castle consists of four structures – Custom Chonburi main residence, Two-story Roundhouse Above Survival Shelter guesthouse/office, Carriage House with second floor garage apartment, Guard Tower tool shed.
– All structures include a waterproof roof deck with ladder access and crenellations capped with cement or geopolymer
– All structures are also available with more standard roof designs at no extra charge (example: trussed gable roofs).
– Renewable energy systems not shown, but there is ample roof space for solar panels, solar water heaters and wind generators
– Due to a lack of protective roof overhangs, this castle is best suited to dry climates, although a reader pointed out how similar castles have stood the test of time in European climates.
– All plans can be modified for a modest fee. Just email me at strawhouses [at] yahoo.com.

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Guard Tower

Guard Tower (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 169 sq. ft. interior main floor, 169 sq. ft. unfinished upper floor, total 338 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 16′ x 16′.

Description: The Guard Tower is part of my Earthbag Castle that should be completed soon. The Guard Tower serves as a tool shed and observation tower in ‘peaceful’ times. It could also function as a small dwelling for workers.

Guard Tower (click to enlarge)

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Carriage House

Carriage House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 403 sq. ft. interior main floor, 403 sq. ft. unfinished upper floor, total 806 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 16′ x 34′.

Description: This two car garage has space on the second floor for a garage apartment. The roof design can be altered at no extra charge. As shown, it’s part of my Earthbag Castle.

Carriage House (click to enlarge)

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Earthbag Survival Shelter

Earthbag Survival Shelter (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 20’ DIA (314 sq. ft. interior plus pantry), Footprint: 23′ x 31′

Description: This round earthbag shelter for up to 4-5 individuals is designed for survival through disaster, plague, etc. It is low cost, durable and practical. This shelter is designed for DIYers on a tight budget who will do most everything by hand. Instructions include numerous key details not evident on the plan: venting, roof framing, how to reduce excavation by 50%, drainage, water supply, etc. I have not seen a better, more practical survival shelter plan.

Earthbag Survival Shelter

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Attached Greenhouse w/ Vertical Glazing

Attached Greenhouse w/ Vertical Glazing West Elevation

Specifications: 9′ wide interior, any length desired, 36″ grow bed, Footprint: 9-1/2′ x desired length

Description: This earthbag greenhouse will fit with most of my 2-story house plans. Vertical glazing makes it suitable for most climates. Patio door replacement glass reduces costs. Super-insulated design allows for year-round use, with excess heat used to heat the house. Highly moisture resistant earthbag construction.

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Oval Shop/Backyard Office

Oval Shop/Backyard Office

Specifications: 98 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 11′ x 15′ as shown, but other sizes are possible

Description: Among other things, this oval earthbag structure can be used as a shop or office. As shown (1/2 floorplan), it is intended for sales of fruit drinks, sandwiches, etc. There is a door at each end and two 4′ pass-through counters to serve customers. The roof is rounded on the ends like the Polynesian Earthbag House. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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Earthbag Shed

Earthbag Shed

Specifications: any size desired. Send me your dimensions and I’ll give you a bid.

Description: Very simple design, but also very strong, practical and easy to build. Good beginners project. Includes shed roof with metal roofing, earthbag foundation and walls, no limit on design possibilities with earth plaster. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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Earthbag Ice House

Earthbag Ice House (partial view)

Specifications: 201 sq. ft. interior

Description: This 16′ diameter ice house uses earthbag construction techniques to make and store ice year-round without electricity.

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Cozy Cottage

Cozy Cottage (sunspace add-on)

Specifications: 136 sq. ft. interior

Description: This is an optional sunspace that can be added to the Earthbag Cabin. It turns a simple cabin into a nice small home, with extra solar gain and space for herbs and flowers.

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