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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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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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 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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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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