Rainwater Towers Apartments

Rainwater Towers Apartments (click to enlarge)

Specifications: Three 16′ interior diameter roundhouses, total 660 sq. ft. interior, one bedroom, one bath, Footprint: 39′ x 43′

Description: This three-story, triple roundhouse tower apartment complex is designed to provide affordable housing in urban areas. The towers are primarily earthen construction. Made with earthbag tubes filled with earth and tamped solid, very few manufactured/processed materials are required. This greatly reduces construction costs. The apartment name comes from the fact rainwater is captured on the roof and directed to underground cisterns, which reduces demand on city water supplies. Each apartment is accessible by a spiral staircase in the front tower. Features include spacious 201 sq. ft. bedroom with large closet, modern kitchen and comfortable living room. All rooms are round to create an embracing, inviting ambience. The round towers are naturally stable and form a visually striking exterior.

Rainwater Towers Apartments floorplan (click to enlarge)

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Attached Apartment

Attached Apartment

Specifications: 444 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 20′ x 27′

Description: This is an optional add-on apartment to the Earthbag Chalet plan. It is ideal for grandparents or as a rental unit attached to the home.

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Earthbag Studio Apartment

Earthbag Studio Apartment

Specifications: 264 sq. ft. interior, fold-out bed, 1 bath, Footprint: 14′ x 26′

Description: This extremely efficient earthbag apartment utilizes all natural building materials and reduces energy costs. Building multi-unit structures reduces the number of walls required. They can be joined side-to-side and back-to-back. I used 24″ bags for this design for multi-story construction. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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