Solar Pit House

Solar Pit House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 1,127 sq. ft. interior living space, 441 sq. ft. interior greenhouse, total = 1,568 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 36’x53’

Description: This modern solar pit house is based on the traditional pit house. The construction is much the same. Additional ‘modules’ have been added to create an elongated rectangular design for added living space and windows added on the south for solar gain. Each module is based on wood posts set in geopolymer or concrete footings. Wood beams approximately 10”-12” diameter are joined at the posts with half lap joints and pinned in place with rebar or logging spikes. Smaller poles around the perimeter lean against the beams. 24” wide earthbag walls with a reinforced geopolymer or concrete bond beam rest on rubble trench foundations.

Solar Pit House (click to enlarge)

Solar Pit House Section View (click to enlarge)

Complete drawings available at http://naturalbuildingblog.com/house-plans/free-house-plans/.
More information at our Natural Building Blog:
Solar Pit House Building Details
Evolution of the Pit House
Affordable, Superinsulated Cold Climate Homes

Note to other designers: I’d like to refine this design with input from other design professionals and make all drawings freely available on the Internet. Please email me at strawhouses [at] yahoo.com if you would like to contribute. Or just leave a comment here if you’re short on time.

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Earthbag Cluster Lodging

Earthbag Cluster Lodging

Specifications: 94 sq. ft. interior per unit, Footprint: 11′ x 13′

Description: These small shelters provide lodging for all types of sustainable communities, including ecovillages, training centers, youth camps, spiritual retreats, eco-resorts, and for refugee and natural disaster relief efforts. The curved shape adds interest and stability, while relatively straight end walls enable units to be joined for maximum efficiency. The design below shows two units joined together. Many other combinations are possible. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

Earthbag Cluster Lodging (Double Units)

Earthbag Cluster Lodging (Double Units) South Elevation

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Economizer Earthbag House

Economizer Earthbag House

Specifications: 432 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 19′ x 30′

Description: This plan is designed to be compact and efficient. Most houses this size do not have as many features — washer/dryer, wood stove, and modern kitchen and bath. An archway separates the bedroom from the main living area, yet maintains a sense of privacy with a room divider. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

Economizer Earthbag House East Elevation

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Earthbag Resort Rental

Earthbag Resort Rental

Specifications: 232 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 15′ x 25′ excluding carport

Description: There is a good market for durable, energy efficient vacation cabins/resort rental units and this plan is designed to fill the need. It can be built as shown for hot climates or flipped 180 degrees and used for cold climates. The area under the extended roof can be used as a carport or covered patio area. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

Earthbag Resort Rental West Elevation

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Narrow Lot House

Narrow Lot House

Specifications: 435 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 18′ exterior width, Footprint: 18′ x 32′

Description: Designed to fit narrow lots, this house has a compact yet efficient layout. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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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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Rainbow Cottage

Rainbow Cottage (partial section view)

Specifications: 273 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 16′ x 30′

Description: This design uses the same floorplan as Earthbag Vaulted Guesthouse. The main difference is the upper part of the vault is constructed with alternating arched layers of bamboo and bags of insulation (rice hulls, etc.). There are round stained glass windows, and colored bottles embedded in the end walls. Interior walls of earth plaster contain mica to reflect the light, thus the name Rainbow Cottage. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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Earthbag Hermitage

Earthbag Hermitage

Specifications: 160 sq. ft. interior plus 144 sq. ft. outdoor living area, Footprint: 20′ x 22′

Description: This spiritual retreat offers a quiet, contemplative environment behind massive earth walls. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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Earthbag Shophouse

Earthbag Shophouse

Specifications: 624 sq. ft. interior (58 sq. meters), 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 13′ x 40′

Description: This traditional shophouse is common throughout parts of the world, especially Asia. Shop owners (or employees) live in the rear of the shop. This eliminates commutes and saves on housing costs. A steel retractable door provides security at night. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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Earthbag Vaulted Guesthouse

Earthbag Vaulted Guesthouse

Specifications: 273 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 16′ x 30′

Description: Designed to stay cool in hot climates, this Nubian vaulted guesthouse features a pole frame and thatched roof structure that shades the earthbag vault. Additional cooling is provided by breezes that blow across a lily pool. The upper part of the vault is traditional leaning adobe construction. A flagstone patio adds outdoor living space on the east side. Note: this plan is now listed in the free shelter category.

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