Three Roundhouses Design

Three Roundhouses Design (click to enlarge)

This plan illustrates what I think is the simplest, easiest way to build an earthbag home: build in stages, one roundhouse at a time so you can pay with cash and move in right away. It’s far easier to start small and add on later than jump right into building a large home that could take months or even years. I’ve talked about this a lot on our blog, but this is my first plan designed specifically for building in stages. This is becoming one of my favorites. What do you think?

The Three Roundhouses design combines:
– Hobbit House (starter house in this design): 471 sq. ft. interior, optional 471 sq. ft. loft, one bedroom, one bath, Footprint: 27′-6″ diameter
– Roundhouse Studio (master bedroom in this design): 177 sq. ft. interior, fold-out bed, 1 bath, Footprint: 18′ diameter, plus buttress
– 33’ (10m) Roundhouse: 855 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 36′ diameter
Total living space: 1,503 sq. ft. interior

Three Roundhouses Design (click to enlarge)

Related:
The Most Bang for the Buck? Part 1
What’s the Easiest Shape to Build?

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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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Roundhouse Cluster

Roundhouse Cluster (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 1,414 sq. ft. interior including lofts, 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Center roundhouse is 24′ interior diameter. Bedroom roundhouses are 16′ interior diameter. Footprint: 31′ x 65′

Description: Readers have shown a strong interest in my domes and roundhouses, so I decided to cluster them to create a new unique design for larger families. This version has three two-story roundhouses. There are a lot of things to like about this design: possible third bedroom, game room or home office in the main roundhouse loft, 2 baths, separated bedrooms, large walk-in closets, dining area next to the windows, and lots of south-facing doors and windows.

Roundhouse Cluster (click to enlarge)

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1.5 Story 33′ (10 meter) Roundhouse

1.5 Story 33' (10 meter) Roundhouse (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior plus 91 sq. ft. loft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath with laundry, Footprint: 36′ diameter

Description: 10 meters (33’) diameter is the maximum size of a round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This design features two large bedrooms with spacious closets, efficient kitchen and loft for home office or 3rd bedroom. The inner circular wall is built of recycled brick for strength and rustic effect. The loft has a 3′ circular skylight and a knee wall with view to main living space on first floor.

1.5 Story 33' (10 meter) Roundhouse (click to enlarge)

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1.5 Story 10 meter Earthbag Roundhouse

1.5 Story 10 meter Earthbag Roundhouse

Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior plus 91 sq. ft. loft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath with laundry, Footprint: 36′ diameter

Description: 10 meters (33’) diameter is the maximum size of a round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This design features two large bedrooms with spacious closets, efficient kitchen and loft for home office or 3rd bedroom. The inner circular wall is built of recycled brick for strength and rustic effect. The loft has a 3′ circular skylight and a knee wall with view to main living space on first floor.

This is a third version of my 10 meter roundhouses:
https://earthbagplans.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/2-bedroom-10-meter-earthbag-roundhouse/
https://earthbagplans.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/10-meter-roundhouse/

Another 1.5 story version with a loft over the north half is in the works. Email me if interested and I’ll fast track the design.

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10 meter Earthbag Roundhouse

10 meter Earthbag Roundhouse

Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 36′ diameter

Description: 10 meters (33’) diameter is the maximum size of a round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This spacious design features a large kitchen and south-facing window wall for excellent solar gain.

AutoCAD generated drawings of this plan are now available at no extra cost through Dream Green Homes.

10 meter (33') Earthbag Roundhouse

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