$300 Forest House

$300 Forest House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 256 sq. ft. 16’x16’ one room house plus 4’ wrap-around porch, Footprint: 24′x24′

Description: Do you dream of having a small place in the woods that can be built practically for free? The Forest House with its striking pyramid roof is made almost entirely of natural products that are readily available in tropical forests – wood poles, bamboo and thatch. Recycled doors, cabinets, sink, composting toilet, solar shower and other materials, plus building on a hillside keep costs to a minimum. Consider leasing the land or work-trade agreement. Features include steeply pitched roof to shed rain, open ceiling to improve ventilation, built-in desk, retractable plank and metal barriers on each post to deter pests. Options include under-bed storage, mosquito bed net, split bamboo (shown) or bamboo matt, split bamboo or wood plank floors, rustic curved wood railings. Building permit not required. High speed Internet not included.

$300 Forest House floorplan (click to enlarge)

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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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Summer Breeze

Summer Breeze (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 1,335 sq. ft. interior, 4 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 33′ x 48′

Description: This luxurious earthbag home is ideal for hot climates. The center section has extra windows on each end to allow breezes to flow through the house. Features include a large master bedroom with private bath access, laundry, breakfast bar, wood stove and built-in cabinets.

Summer Breeze (click to enlarge)

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Natural House

Natural House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 287 sq. ft. interior plus 287 sq. ft. loft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 16′ x 30′

Description: Here’s a dirt-cheap energy-efficient design that’s simple to build. This is a good starter project. Features include a loft for sleeping and office space, and south-facing windows for excellent solar gain and daylighting. Earth berming and simple curves helps the Natural House blend into its environment.

Natural House (click to enlarge)

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Craftsman

Craftsman (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 814 sq. ft. interior, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 25′ x 42′

Description: This plan has all the amenities of a larger home, in a compact space with Craftsman detailing. Stylish yet simple and practical.

Craftsman (click to enlarge)

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Roundhouse/Dome Cluster

Roundhouse/Dome Cluster (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 1,330 sq. ft. interior including lofts in the roundhouse and both large domes, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Footprint: 31′ x 70′

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. 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. Note the larger master bath with laundry.

Update: A new easier to build version is available with vertical walls and shed roofs on the walk-in closets and master bath.

Roundhouse/Dome Cluster (click to enlarge)

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1.5 Story 10 meter Earthbag Roundhouse

1.5 Story 10 meter Earthbag Roundhouse

Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior plus 91 sq. ft. loft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath with laundry, Footprint: 36′ diameter

Description: 10 meters (33’) diameter is the maximum size of a round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This design features two large bedrooms with spacious closets, efficient kitchen and loft for home office or 3rd bedroom. The inner circular wall is built of recycled brick for strength and rustic effect. The loft has a 3′ circular skylight and a knee wall with view to main living space on first floor.

This is a third version of my 10 meter roundhouses:
https://earthbagplans.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/2-bedroom-10-meter-earthbag-roundhouse/
https://earthbagplans.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/10-meter-roundhouse/

Another 1.5 story version with a loft over the north half is in the works. Email me if interested and I’ll fast track the design.

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