Free Economizer Earthbag House Plan

Free Economizer Earthbag House Plan (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 448 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 19′ x 31′

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. There are even two closets. An archway separates the bedroom from the main living area, yet maintains a sense of privacy with a room divider. Note: this plan is listed in the free shelter category.

Free Economizer Earthbag House Floorplan (click to enlarge)

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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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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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Solar Santa Fe

Solar Santa Fe (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 488 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 16′ x 45′ plus patio

Description: In addition to the charm of typical Santa Fe homes, this house is designed to optimize passive solar. A tiled roof along the south side is sized to prevent overheating in summer, but allow maximum solar gain in winter. Quality detailing is evident throughout — open, comfortable layout, rough-hewn posts and vigas (round roof timbers), built-in bench and kiva-style fireplace (or wood stove insert). On the cooler east side is a large outdoor flagstone patio (not shown).

Solar Santa Fe (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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Solar Cabin

Solar Cabin (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 622 sq. ft. interior plus 273 sq. ft. loft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 loft, Footprint: 25′ x 35.5′

Description: Have you been dreaming of a getaway in the mountains or off in the country? Here’s your chance to live your dream. This design is small and simple, yet it has ample size and all the comforts for off-grid living. Features include passive solar design (roof overhang modified for your area at no charge), large loft, grow bed and modern kitchen.

Solar Cabin (click to enlarge)

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