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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Disaster Resistant Catenary Dome

Disaster Resistant Catenary Dome (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 314 sq. ft. interior, 181 sq. ft. interior loft, total = 495 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 23’ diameter

Description: Catenary arches and domes are among the strongest forms in nature. This catenary dome is designed to withstand repeat hurricanes and other natural disasters. It is similar in construction to the Hemispheric Dome, but the Catenary Dome has a sleeping loft. Tilt-down stairs are shown, although you could make a single bathroom door and add a ladder to one side. This would give you more space in the loft.

Disaster Resistant Catenary Dome (click to enlarge)

More information is on our Earthbag Building Blog.

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Mindfulness Project Site Plans

Mindfulness Project site plan -- aerial view of dome cluster and gazebo (click to enlarge)

Houses in the Mindfulness Project, a planned sustainable community in Thailand, are grouped in clusters of five with a bamboo gazebo in the center and two Solar Vaults (1. mechanical room, shop; 2. toilets, showers, laundry) in the nearest clearing. This cluster shows Insulated Earthbag Domes. Some clusters will have Domed Roundhouses (an exciting new design coming soon). All houses are joined by paths covered with wood chips.

Mindfulness Project site plan -- dome cluster and gazebo (click to enlarge)

Actual tile work, which is inspired by the work of Gaudi, will be much more beautiful than shown.

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Triple Dome Survival Shelter

Triple Dome Survival Shelter (click to enlarge)

Specifications: Three 16′ interior diameter domes with 603 sq. ft. interior, 3 sleeping lofts with 312 sq. ft., total 915 sq. ft. interior, one bedroom, one bath, Footprint: 38′ x 38′

Description: This Triple Dome Survival Shelter provides much more space than my first earthbag survival shelter. This design is for long term survival for a family. It is earthquake and fire resistant, bullet and nuclear fallout resistant. It is built above grade to reduce risk of flooding. Features include buried cistern between the domes, plenty of storage space, vaulted entry with bullet resistant cellar door. Let’s hope for the best, but it’s also prudent to be prepared for the worst.

Triple Dome Survival Shelter (click to enlarge)

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Earthbag/Geodesic Dome

Earthbag/Geodesic Dome (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 24′-6″ diameter with 471 sq. ft. interior, one bedroom, one bath, Footprint: 28′-6″ x 28′-6″

Description: Many readers prefer rounded domes. However, rounded domes cannot be built by earthbags alone. This solution — inspired by Richard Laurens — uses a 24′ diameter geodesic frame set on 42″ high earthbag walls. Metal and wood geodesic frames are available as kits through various suppliers, or you could build your own. Lightweight bags of insulation cover the entire dome. A key feature is the expansive window wall that provides a sunny, pleasant home. Most dome homes, in contrast, have insufficient or poorly protected windows.

Earthbag/Geodesic Dome (click to enlarge)

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Enviro Earthbag Dome 2

Enviro Earthbag Dome 2 (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 20’ interior DIA main dome = 314 sq. ft., 16’ interior DIA bedroom = 201 sq. ft., 44 sq. ft. bath, plus 223 sq. ft. loft space, plus second dome and loft and closet for total = 1,164 sq. ft., Footprint: 23′ x 42′ plus buttresses

Description: This plan is the two bedroom version of Enviro Dome. It is the same plan except there is a second bedroom dome and closet added on the right.

Compact, but highly livable, the Enviro Dome 2 has everything you need. Three lofts add 371 sq. ft. extra space for sleeping, home office, living or storage. Additional storage options include space inside benches, a cedar chest at the foot of the bed, and an armoire north of the bed. A larger optional dome behind the master bedroom could include a walk-in closet, larger bath and laundry. Both Enviro Domes are perfect for the beginner do-it-yourselfer who wants to build their eco-friendly home at the lowest possible cost.

Enviro Earthbag Dome 2 (click to enlarge)

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Earthbag Peace Dome

Earthbag Peace Dome (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 19’ interior diameter, 283 sq. ft. interior main floor, 169 sq. ft. (16’ diameter) bedroom loft, total = 452 sq. ft. interior, 1 bath, Footprint: 22′ diameter

Description: How do you bring about the change you want to see? Live in harmony with earth and contribute to world peace.

Here is a simple dome anyone can build. This single dome contains all of the necessities for habitation. In addition to the basics, you could incorporate solar hot water, greywater recycling, composting toilet (shown, although a flush toilet can be used) to further reduce your ecological footprint. There are hot/cold, wet/dry climate design options available.

Earthbag Peace Dome (click to enlarge)

Peace Dome with optional thatched roof (click to enlarge)

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Tinyville Earthbag Domes

Tinyville Earthbag Domes (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 133 sq. ft. interior main dome, 38 sq. ft. loft, 78 sq. ft. small dome, plus 8 sq. ft. vault, 257 sq. ft. interior total, Footprint: 16′ x 29′ plus benches

Description: Like other tiny houses, Tinyville provides just the basics in a compact space. It is intended as a starter house for those with little or no building experience and very little money. This design joins a 13′ interior diameter main dome with loft and a 10′ interior diameter small dome, with a vaulted passageway.

Tinyville Earthbag Domes (click to enlarge)

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Enviro Earthbag Dome

Enviro Earthbag Dome (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 20’ interior DIA main dome = 314 sq. ft., 16’ interior DIA bedroom = 201 sq. ft., 44 sq. ft. bath, plus 223 sq. ft. loft space, total = 782 sq. ft., Footprint: 23′ x 42′ plus buttresses

Description: An ideal starter home, this plan is easy to extend or even create large dome clusters. Compact, but highly livable, the Enviro Dome has everything you need. Two lofts add 235 sq. ft. extra space for sleeping, home office, living or storage. Additional storage options include space inside benches, a cedar chest at the foot of the bed, and an armoire north of the bed. A larger dome behind the bedroom could include a walk-in closet, larger bath and laundry. The Enviro Dome is perfect for the beginner do-it-yourselfer who wants to build their eco-friendly home at the lowest possible cost.

Enviro Earthbag Dome (click to enlarge)

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Celestial Sunflower

Celestial Sunflower Earthbag Dome

Specifications: 24 sq. ft. interior diameter = 452 sq. ft., plus 300 sq. ft. bedroom loft, 752 sq. ft. interior total, Footprint: 34′ x 34′

Description: This dome maximizes daylight and views, in an open, airy design. Buttresses and earthbag benches reinforce the base on all sides. Interior can be finished per owner specs.

Celestial Sunflower Earthbag Dome - Partial Section

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