Hobbit House

Hobbit House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 24′-6″ diameter with 471 sq. ft. interior, 471 sq. ft. loft, total 942 sq. ft. interior, one bedroom, one bath, Footprint: 27′-6″ x 27-6″

Description: Many people dream of a simpler life, free of the cares of this world. They want a home that is easy to build and maintain, small yet adequate in size, with everything they need to live comfortably with their small friends. This one and a half story home is designed for you. Features include drop-down stairs that lead to a spacious loft, wood stove heating, and modern kitchen with pantry space for Hobbit food. The undulating thatch roof or living roof is created by varying the knee wall height above the bond beam. (Another earthbag first.)

Hobbit House (click to enlarge)

Hobbit House with wood shingles (click to enlarge)

This alternate version uses a double pole roof to provide ample space for roof insulation. Inner and outer roof poles are bolted to steel compression rings like in my earthbag roundhouse. Wood shingles are practical and well suited for this curved roof design. Loft height in the center is 8′.

Hobbit House with Grain Bin Roof (click to enlarge)

Another good option is a grain bin roof. Good quality grain bin roofs are typically maintenance free for decades. Good choice for windy areas and hail zones. They are especially practical for those who live in agricultural areas and can buy the roofs separately from local grain bin suppliers. Hoist the roof in place with a crane, bolt in place and you’re finished.

Plans are available through Dream Green Homes. Just ask if the plan you want isn’t posted yet.

Hobbit House with haystack roof (click to enlarge)

More info about this haystack roof on our Earthbag Building Blog.

Hobbit House with 2nd story Open-air Deck (click to enlarge)

Here’s another version of the Hobbit House showing an open-air second story deck and rectangular windows. The deck adds another 471 square feet of living space at very little extra cost. This design is perfect for hot climates where breezes make a big difference in comfort. The deck can be accessed by stairs or a ladder.

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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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Crow

Crow (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 728 sq. ft. interior plus 366 sq. ft. loft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 29′ x 31′ plus porch

Description: One of my favorites, this design has a cathedral ceiling over the main living space, wood stove, passive solar design and large porch on the west to block the hot afternoon sun. There is a large loft over the bedrooms and bath.

Crow (click to enlarge)

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Earthworm Studio

Earthworm Studio (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 662 sq. ft. interior including bedroom loft, 1 bath, Footprint: 18.5′ x 39′

Description: This house was custom designed for a client who wanted total concealment by building into a hillside and using living roof and living walls. They also requested minimal environment impact and lowest possible cost off-grid design.

Earthworm Studio (click to enlarge)

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Double Wide Farmhouse

Double Wide Farmhouse (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 792 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 25′ x 39′

Description: I grew up in Iowa and Nebraska where this style of architecture is prevalent. Classic style farmhouses are extremely practical. This particular design is a variation of my Double Wide. Changes include 10.5′ high walls on the north half, shed roof on the south half, loft over the bath and master bedroom, single framed wall down the center, and a few other minor changes to doors and windows. This is a good design for building in stages, including adding additions later.

Double Wide Farmhouse (click to enlarge)

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2-story Roundhouse

2-story Roundhouse (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 452 sq. ft. interior plus 226 sq. ft. loft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 27′ diameter

Description: This charming roundhouse has everything you need within easy reach on the main floor, and a comfortable bedroom loft above with large closet and seating area next to the balcony railing.

2-story Roundhouse

2-story Roundhouse Upper Floor

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Green House

Green House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 315 sq. ft. interior plus 90 sq. ft. loft, Footprint: 18′ x 24′

Description: A play on words, this tiny house has ‘green’ walls and optional living roof (not shown). Plant covered buildings are very practical, because they can save materials and finish work, reduce heating and cooling loads, oxygenate air around the building, as well as provide habitat for wildlife, buffer noise, etc. This house was designed for two university students who are concerned about the environment. Vines work well, or you could use the living wall system I am currently developing. Here is a prototype of my living walls.

There are two main options: Loadbearing design (no posts), and post and beam.

Green House (click to enlarge)

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Kalypso Earthbag Garage/Storage Loft

Kalypso Earthbag Garage/Storage Loft

Specifications: 357 sq. ft. interior, plus 357 sq.ft. 2nd story, total 714 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 20′ x 24′ not including decks or benches

Description: The second floor of this versatile garage plan can be readily converted into an apartment. With some modifications, it could also make a nice home.

Kalypso Earthbag Garage/Storage Loft North Elevation

Kalypso Earthbag Garage/Storage Loft East Elevation

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2-story Earthbag Roundhouse

2-story Earthbag Roundhouse, first floor

2-story Earthbag Roundhouse, loft

Specifications: 452 sq. ft. interior plus 226 sq. ft. loft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 27′ diameter

Description: This charming roundhouse has everything you need within easy reach on the main floor, and a comfortable bedroom loft above with large closet and seating area next to the balcony railing.

2-story Earthbag Roundhouse South Elevation

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