Earthbag Lodge with Domes

Earthbag Lodge with Domes (click to enlarge)

Earthbag Lodge with Domes (click to enlarge)

Specifications: Lodge = 800 sq. ft. interior, 19’ interior DIA master bedroom dome plus loft = 452 sq. ft., two 16’ interior DIA bedrooms plus lofts = 600 sq. ft., one 16’ interior DIA bath/mechanical dome = 201 sq. ft., two baths, total = 2,053 sq. ft., Footprint: 62′ x 66′

Description: A first of its kind earthbag home that captures the timeless and magical appeal of earth sheltering in the round. Based on ancient Native American designs, this modern earth lodge with living roof will keep you cozy and warm even in the harshest climates, because it is compact, earth-sheltered and superinsulated. Heating options include wood heating and/or radiant floor heat. The lodge ceiling is exposed wood poles. South and east-facing windows and skylight over the kitchen ensure ample daylighting in the lodge. Mechanical and bedroom domes are attached with earthbag vaults.

Earthbag Lodge with Domes floorplan (click to enlarge)

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Earthbag Lodge

Earthbag Lodge (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 800 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 40′ x 40′

Description: Based on ancient Native American designs, this earth lodge with living roof will keep you cozy and warm even in the harshest climates, because it is compact, earth-sheltered, insulated and uses wood heat. South-facing windows and skylight over the kitchen ensure ample daylighting. It can be built for about $2,000 assuming wood poles are gathered locally.

Building basics: This hexagonal structure consists of earthbag walls, about head high, and a wood framed wall on the south. Six large center poles with timber beams support sloping roof poles and living roof. To reduce risk of moisture problems, it’s best to build above grade and add earth on top of the structure rather than digging below grade.

Earthbag Lodge (click to enlarge)

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Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 18′ interior diameter roundhouse = 254 sq. ft., roundhouse loft = 248 sq. ft., 20.5′ hexagon = 372 sq. ft., total = 874 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 28′ x 44′

Description: In this unique design, a two story roundhouse adjoins a hexagon. Features include a large bedroom in the round, a wood stove insert built into a central stone column, and a large loft above the bedroom for use as a home office, etc.

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination (click to enlarge)

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Pod Houses

3 Pod (click to enlarge)

Specifications: Main pod = 372 sq. ft., double bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., master bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., connecting spaces = 220 sq. ft., total = 1,336 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 42′ x 87′

Description: This design connects hexagonal pods or modules that can be arranged in various configurations using more or fewer pods. This enables the home to be built one stage at a time. The bonus room in the double bedroom pod can be used as a study, etc. The bonus room in the master bedroom pod can serve as a home office, guest room, etc.

3 Pod (click to enlarge)

Here’s another configuration using two pods.

2 Pod (click to enlarge)

2 Pod (click to enlarge)

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Native Spirit

Native Spirit (click to enlarge)

Native Spirit (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 565 sq. ft. interior, plus 291 sq. ft. tower (4 levels), 1 bedroom (fold-out bed), 1 bath, Footprint: 35′ x 45′

Description: This is my favorite design so far. I think it’s especially nice in elevation.

Native Spirit (click to enlarge)

The original post generated over two dozen comments.

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Cluster Designs

Customers are combining my designs in many new and interesting ways. Most of my designs are intentionally small and simple in order to keep costs low. But some people want larger houses. This can be achieved by clustering domes, roundhouses, hexagons, and adding on pantries, sun rooms, greenhouses, etc. to create a home just the way you like.

Some of these designs are truly unique. Here are three examples:

Earth Lodge Cluster (click to enlarge)

Six Pod Cluster (click to enlarge)

Double Arc House with Pond

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Earthbag Pods

Earthbag Pods (Click to enlarge)

Specifications: Main pod = 372 sq. ft., Double bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., Master bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., connecting spaces = 220 sq. ft., total = 1,336 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 42′ x 87′

Description: This design connects three hexagonal pods or modules that can be arranged in various configurations using more or fewer pods. This enables the home to be built one stage at a time. The bonus room in the Double bedroom pod can be used as a study, etc. The bonus room in the Master bedroom pod can serve as a home office, guest room, etc.

Here’s another configuration using two pods.

Double Earthbag Pods (click to enlarge)

Update: These plans are being used on multiple projects, including one in Uganda. An NGO there have adapted the basic design for their situation. Below is an illustration of the right half of the Two Pod design, which will be built in two stages (right, left) and feature many appropriate technologies. They’ve added an outdoor porch with two rocket stoves and oven, and a solar wall oven to keep heat out of the house.

Two Pod design in Uganda

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Native Spirit

Native Spirit Earthbag House

Specifications: 565 sq. ft. interior, plus 291 sq. ft. tower (4 levels), 1 bedroom (fold-out bed), 1 bath, Footprint: 35′ x 45′

Description: This is my favorite design so far. I think it’s especially nice in elevation. (See below.)

The Native Spirit house plan blends an octagonal dwelling with a soaring tower, all built of earthbags. If one chooses, the upper half of the main house can be built with bales. (The lower half uses earthbags because it’s earth-bermed.) The first floor of the tower serves as a cool pantry that keeps food cool without electricity. Other levels can be used as office space, a second bedroom or storage. The top level is an observation deck — a truly stunning feature in such an affordable home. The hollow, central column in the main structure can be built with stone or CEBs. The stove pipe runs up through the column and the thermal mass helps stabilize indoor temperatures. Large south-facing windows create an attractive plant shelf and provide excellent solar gain. Other features include a large built-in bench, fold-out bed and home office. An airlock entry has a washer and dryer, coat closet and bench.

Native Spirit East Elevation

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