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Plans
Notes about warranties, code compliance, and engineering
Custom Plan Options
Arc HouseDefined by an arc, this gently curving house uses
passive solar design to capture the sun's energy during the day and
then store it in its interior mass to stabilize interior temperatures,
even in cold climates.
Attached GreenhouseHighly moisture resistant earthbag construction. Super-insulated
design allows for year-round use, with excess heat used to heat the house. 97 sq. ft. interior(but easy to expand lengthwise)
This Attached Greenhouse with Vertical Glazingwill fit with most 2-story house
plans. Vertical glazing makes it suitable for most climates. Patio door replacement glass
reduces costs. Super-insulated design allows for year-round use, with excess heat used
to heat the house. Highly moisture resistant earthbag construction. 9' wide interior, any
length desired, 36? grow bed; footprint: 9-1/2' x desired length
Baca HybridThis 2 bedroom, 2 story (3 levels), 1250 sf(to the outside)
house was designed as a hybrid, passive solar model. It is a compact design
that incorporates many aspects ofsustainable architecture, including an
attached solar greenhouse, a naturally cooled pantry, and the use ofsome
natural, local materials (earthbags and strawbales). The appearance is fairly
conventional, but it does have a curved north wall.
This Barn-style Houseis easy to extend lengthwise in the future. The
south-facing shed wing can be finished to client preferences. A larger dining
area, grow space, rec room, garage, or even an extra bedroom are all
possibilities. 1,260 sq. ft. interior plus 246 sq. ft. upper floor (1,506 sq. ft.
total), 3 bedroom, 2 bath; footprint: 33' x 46'
Features ofthis Beach Houseinclude a deck and large window wall that
faces the waterfront, and screened porch in the rear. Designed to weather
hurricanes and other extremes ofocean-front property - a perfect
application for earthbags, which far surpass most other building materials.
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This Beachcomer Houseis perfect for most large families. It has
spacious bedrooms with computer desks, a large modern kitchen and
wood stove. The master bedroom features a walk-in closet and
private bath, and is opposite from other bedrooms for privacy.
This Carriage Housewas initially designed to create garage and shop space, as well
as office and storage space for the designer's personal use. There is potentially about
900 s.f. ofusable floor area on two stories. It is a hybrid design, utilizing earthbags
plastered with papercrete, a steel prefabricated Quonset-style vault, concrete floor,
and wood-framed end walls.
Designed for the mountains, this vacation Chalethas a large window wall and
deck facing the mountain view. The master bedroombedroom is on the upper
floor. 672 sq. ft. interior plus 135 sq. ft. upper floor (807 sq. ft. total), 2
bedroom, 1
This sustainable home design is named after one ofthe most productiveagricultural regions in the world - Chonburi, Thailand. Rich with old world
charm and character, it has a tiled hip roof, covered entry with columns, arched
doorways, large country-style kitchen, and all bedrooms upstairs for privacy.
Master bedroom has private bath and love seat. Designed for hot climates, this
plan can easilybe modified for cold climates.
Classic country design and detailing make this a beautiful and
comfortableCountry House. Instead ofa large porch, it be enclosed for a
greenhouse and passive solar. 1,032 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 2 bath;
footprint: 27' x 35'
Ideal for urban or rural areas, this Cozy Cottageis the right size for new
families, or for retiring couples who want to downsize. Features include a
laundry room with mop sink and closet, kitchen island with breakfast bar,
built-in bookcases/entertainment center, wood stove, on-demand water
heater and a pleasant dining nook.
This Craftsmanplan has all the amenities ofa larger home, in a
compact space. 814 sq. ft. interior, 3 bedroom, 1 bath
This Crow Designhas 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 good-sized loft over the bedrooms and bath. 728 sq.
ft. interior plus 366 sq. ft. loft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath; footprint: 29' x 31'
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Classic mid-west styled farmhouses are extremelypractical. This
particularDouble Wide Farmhousedesign includes 10.5' high walls
on the north half, shed roofon the south half, loft over the bath and
bedroom, single framed wall down the center. This is a good design for
building in stages, including adding additions later.
This Duplexplan has an adobe center wall for thermal mass, noise
reduction andbeauty. Adobe for the center wall is just one possibility.
Stone, earthbags and cordwood are all good choices. 819 sq. ft. interior, 2
bedroom, 1 bath; footprint: 15' x 35' (one unit), 30' x 35' (two units)
Earth-bermed Natural HouseHere's a dirt-cheap energy-efficient design.
Features include a loft for sleeping and office space, and south-facing windows
for solar gain and daylighting. A sloped living roofand earth berming helps the
natural house blend into its environment. 287 sq. ft. interior plus 287 sq. ft. loft,
1 bedroom, 1 bath
Based on ancient Native American designs, this Earth Lodgewith
living roofwill keep you cozy and warm even in the harshest climates,
because it is earth-sheltered. South-facing windows and a skylight over
the kitchen ensures ample daylighting.
The Earthworm Studiowas custom designed for a client who wanted
total concealment bybuilding into a hillside and using living roofand
living walls. They also requested minimal environment impact and
lowest possible cost off-grid design. 662 sq. ft. interior including
bedroom loft, 1 bath; footprint: 18.5' x 39'.
Emergency Earthbag Shelter Proposal, by Dr. Owen Geiger and Patti
Stouter, ASLA. The building concept outlined here consists ofsandbag
(earthbag) walls filled with sand or soil from the site, and tarps for roofing.
These emergency shelters would only be slightly more expensive than tarps by
themselves, but provide superior protection against wind, rain, heat, cold,
snow, bullets, fire, flooding, hurricanes and noise.
This Emergency Shelterwas designed by Kelly Hart and Dr. Owen
Geiger as a response to the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. The challengewas to provide quick, safe, decent shelter with minimal tools and
supplies to sustain life through the winter. It couldprovide more
permanent shelter with modest modifications.
English CottageThis charming curved cottage is styled after homes from a
bygone era, when rugged timbers supported the roofand walls were
reassuringly thick and strong. This modern cottage adds a spacious kitchen
with pantry and island, passive solar design, built-in cabinets and computer
desk. 834 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath
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Enviro Earthbag DomeAn ideal starter home, this plan is easy to extend or
even create large dome clusters. Compact, but highly livable, the Enviro
Dome has everything you need. Two lofts add 235 sq.ft. extra space for
sleeping, home office, living or storage. The enviro dome is perfect for the
beginner do-it-yourselfer who wants to build their own eco-friendly home at
the lowest possible cost.
The Enviro Dome 2is the same plan as above, except there is a second
bedroom dome and closet added on the right. Compact, but highly livable,
the Enviro Dome 2 has three lofts with extra space for sleeping, home office,
living or storage.
This Farm Guesthouse provides housing for your guests in style. It is
compact, yet highly efficient and comfortable. Features include a generous
kitchen, country style kitchen table and large covered patio. A vine covered
pergola dresses up the south side ofthe house and helps keep it cool. 343
sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath; footprint: 23' x 27' plus pergola
This classic Farmhousedesign can be built in two phases: 1. Main two-
story structure; and 2. Shed roofaddition with family room and 3rd
bedroom, with excellent passive solar gain. 928 sq. ft. interior plus 512 sq.
ft. upper floor (total 1440 sq. ft.), 4 bedroom, 3 bath; footprint: 32' x 35'
The Fourplexis a potential investment property that features
numerous sustainable building features, including earthbag walls,
superinsulation package, and compact and efficient design. Four
units, each 462 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath; footprint:48'x48' plus 8' wrap-around porches
This Garage/Apartmentis practical and affordable. It's ideal for use as a rental
unit or grandparents apartment. A two car garage, shop, storage area and
optional laundry are on the first floor. 525 sq. ft. interior apartment, 715 sq. ft.
interior garage, Footprint: 30' x 34'
This small Green Househas 'green' walls and a living roof. 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 asprovide habitat for wildlife, buffer noise, etc. This house was designed for two
university students who are concerned about the environment.
In this unique design, a two story roundhouse adjoins a hexagon.
TheHexagonal/Round Housefeatures include a large bedroom in the round, a
wood stove insert built into a central stone column, and a large loft above the
bedroom for use as a home office, etc. 18' interior diameter roundhouse = 254
sq. ft., roundhouse loft = 248 sq. ft., 20.5' hexagon = 372 sq. ft., total = 874
sq. ft. interior; footprint: 28' x 44'
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This one and a halfstory Hobbit Housefeatures drop-down stairs that lead to a
spacious loft, wood stove heating, and modern kitchen with pantry space for
Hobbit food. The undulating thatch roofor living roofis created by varying the
knee wall height above the bond beam. 24-6" diameter with 471 sq. ft. interior,
471 sq. ft. loft, total 942 sq. ft. interior, one bedroom, one bath.
The second floor ofthis versatile Kalypso Garage/Storage Loftplan can be
readily converted into an apartment. With some modifications, it could also make a
nice home.
The main characteristics ofthis L-Shaped Houseinclude efficient use
ofspace, while offering basic necessities and a few extras like a wood
stove, good-sized computer desk and passive solar design. 552 sq. ft.
interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath; footprint: 32' x 32'
This Mediterranean Househas curved walls, a commonplumbing wall, large closets and wood stove. 832 sq. ft. interior, 2
bedroom, 1 bath; footprint: 27' x 41'
This Modern Housefeatures a stunning 30' wide by 2-story window wall to
face the mountains, lake or other view or collect passive solar heat. A large
grow bed provides year-round growing space for flowers, dwarffruit trees,
tomatoes, herbs and other plants. 840 sq. ft. interior plus 390 sq. ft. upper
floor (1230 sq. ft. total), 3 bedroom, 2 bath, home office or bonus room
With these Modular Podsyou can configure them in many ways, with as
many as you want. Pictured is the simplest two-pod model. This enables
the home to be built one stage at a time, with tremendous versatility in
room arrangement.
Mountain CottageExcellent solar gain, superinsulated earthbag walls filled with
insulation, and interior thermal mass make this home ideal for cold mountain
climates. 638 sq. ft. interior plus 638 sq. ft. upper floor, 3 bedroom, 2 bath
The Native Spirithouse plan blends a hexagonal dwelling with a soaring tower,
all built ofearthbags. The first floor ofthe tower serves as a cool pantry that keeps
food cool without electricity. Other levels can be used as office space, a second
bedroom or storage. The top level is an observation deck - truly a stunning feature
in such an affordable home. 565 sfinterior, plus 291 sftower (4 levels) for a total
of856 sf.
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Building codes vary from region to region, but this backyard officemay not
need a buildingpermit because it falls below the minimum floor space
requirement of200 sq. ft. It is only 199 sq. ft
Anyone can build this simple Peace Domewhich contains all ofthe necessities forhabitation. In addition to the basics, you could incorporate solar hot water, greywater
recycling, composting toilet (shown, although a flush toilet can be used) to further
reduce your ecological footprint. There are hot/cold, wet/dry climate design options
available.
These free Rootcellarplans (posted right on the page) feature: Standard
15 earthbag walls with lower courses filled with gravel (18x30 bags or
tubes); Optional insulated room with 12 walls for a freezer;
Superinsulated shed roof; White metal roofing to reflect sunlight; Earthbag
steps covered with cement plaster; Cellar door to keep rain and snow offthe stairs (and prevent flooding)
In this Roundhouse/Dome Clusterthere is a 2-story roundhouse in
the center with either domes or more roundhouses on the east and
west. There is a possible third bedroom, game room or home office in
the roundhouse loft, 2 baths, separated bedrooms, large walk-in
closets, dining area next to the windows, and lots ofsouth-facing doors
and windows.
The Roundhouse Studiois perfect for home offices and studios ofall kinds, and
also as a tiny house. Ideal beginner's project. This studio is one ofthe simplest,most practical ofOwen's designs. Multiple units can be connected ifyou want to
add on later or they can be built as free standing structures in clusters pavilion style.
Numerous roofoptions available.
10 meter Roundhouse10 meters (33') diameter is the maximum size ofa
round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This spacious design
features a large kitchen and south-facing window wall for excellent solar gain.
855 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1bath
This 1.5 Story Roundhousefeatures two large bedrooms with spacious closets,
efficient kitchen and loft for home office or 3rd bedroom. The inner circular wall is
built ofrecycled 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.
2-Story Roundhouse 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. 452 sq. ft. interior plus 226 sq. ft.
loft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath
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2-Story Roundhouse above Survival ShelterIts prudent to have a safe place to go to
in case ofemergencies, and what better place than your basement. Hurricanes, tornadoes,
blizzards and other natural disasters are all too common. While others panic and run for
last minute preparations, you can calmly retreat to your basement (through a hidden trap
door) thats wisely stocked with everything you need to ride out the disaster.
Sacred MountainsThis is a 2 bedroom, 1 story, 1725 sf(to the
outside) house that is designed around the traditional hogan
concept ofSouthwestern native Americans. This was originally
designed as a demonstration home for a variety ofnatural building
techniques, so that it employs cordwood, strawbale, adobe, rock,earthbag, and timber-frame aspects.
Here's a highly flexible plan for low-cost Shop with Officespace with
excellent passive solar design. The office can be added later, and there is
an optional storage room on the north. 270 sq. ft. interior shop and 158
sq. ft. office
How to Build a Small Earthbag DomeA free, step-by-step description ofhow a 14
foot diameter earthbag dome was created. This prototype dome could serve as a model
for emergency shelters, cabins, studios, garden sheds, etc. It should work well in
earthquake-prone areas and places subject to flooding, winds, and hurricanes. This
description is presented in three parts.
The Solar Cabinis small and simple, yet it has ample size and all the comforts
for off-grid living. Features include passive solar design, large loft, grow bed
and modern kitchen. 622 sq. ft. interior plus 273 sq. ft. loft, 1 bedroom, 1
bath
This modern Solar Pit Houseis based on the traditional pit house.
The construction is much the same. Additional modules have beenadded to create an elongated rectangular design for added living
space and windows added on the south for solar gain. This plan is
available for free!
This Solar Ranch Houseis a very livable and comfortable, this solar
ranch has vaulted ceiling in the great room, a modern kitchen and wood
stove. 805 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath
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In addition to charm, this Solar Santa Fehome is designed to
optimize passive solar. A tiled roofalong 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 rooftimbers), built-in
bench and kiva-style fireplace (or wood stove insert).
This unique earth-sheltered Spiraldesign includes a large grow bed,
exposed timber ceiling and living roof. 740 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1
bath
This unique earth-sheltered Spiral 2design includes a large grow
bed, exposed timber ceiling and living roof. Ample light is provided by
the window wall next to the grow bed, window and door glazing, andsuntubes. Distinguishing features include two bedrooms, masonry
two-way fireplace, covered porch and cool pantry for storage of
food.
The Spiral Dome Magichomes combines the Peace
Dome andSpiral Houses, which are also available separately. But by
combining them it really creates a truly exciting design. This unique,
almost Hobbit-like earth-sheltered design includes a large grow bed,
exposed timber ceiling and living roof. 452 sq. ft. interior dome, 740
sq. ft. interior spiral, plus pantry, 2 bedroom, 1 bath
Subterranean Survival ShelterThis round earthbag shelter for up to 4-5 individuals
is designed for survival through war, plague, etc. It is low cost, durable and practical.
20' DIA (314 sq. ft. interior plus pantry)
This Summer Breeze Housedoes well in hot climates, but would also
have some solar gain in northern latitudes. The center section has extra
windows on each end to allow breezes to flow through the house.
Features include a large master bedroom with private bath access,
laundry, breakfast bar, wood stove and built-in cabinets.
'Sweet Spot' refers to a great place to live as well as a good, efficient design.
The Sweet Spot is designed from the inside out using all standard sizes for
maximum comfort and convenience. This includes a large bedroom with desk, a
standard 5' bath withbathtub, large kitchen with standard sized frig and sink, and
large living room and dining area. There is an addition for the south side ofSweet
Spot. It adds two extra bedrooms and more living space.
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Like other tiny houses, Tinyvilleprovides just the basics in a compact
space. It is intended as a starter house for those with little or no building
experience and very little money. This design joins a 13' interior diameter
main dome with loft and a 10' interior diameter small dome, with a vaulted
passageway.
The Torus Designconcept was inspired by the movie Thrive, which outlines
ways ofcreatingprosperity and equality in the world. The design brings
together three emerging trends: increasing selfsufficiency including
renewable energy and food production, families moving back together to save
money, and sustainability. 2,224 sq. ft. interior, 564 sq. ft. greenhouses, 1,520
sq. ft. courtyard, each side has two bedrooms, two baths.
This intriguing Tower Houseslopes from 21 feet interior diameter at ground
level to 13 feet diameter at the upper deck. Perfect for environments with high
winds and good views. 346 sq. ft. interior first floor, 227 sq. ft. upper floor, 133
sq. ft. observation deck, 623 sq. ft. total interior; footprint: 24' diameter
This Triple Roundhouse Clusterdesign connects three
sloped roofroundhouses and adjoining closets to create a
unique roundhouse cluster design that is earth-sheltered on
three sides - east, west and north - with a sunny courtyard on
the south. 785 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath; footprint: 28'
x 58' plus buttresses.
This spacious Two Bedroom Round Housedesign features a large master
bedroom with desk and walk-in closet, efficient kitchen and south-facingwindow wall for excellent solar gain. 855 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath;
footprint: 36' diameter
This pleasant U-Shaped homelooks inward to an inviting flagstone
courtyard with trees and plants. Spacious windows fill the home with light,
while the earth floors, earth plaster and earthbags provide thermal mass to
store excess heat, thus providing an even, comfortable inside temperature
in moderate climates.
This Wilderness Cabindesign is for remote fishing and hunting camps where it isdifficult to transport building materials. It is compact, efficient and easy to build. A
sleeping loft is under the high side ofa shed roof. Note: Pier footings are shown
here for sloping sites, but with earthbags it is usually easier to build right on the
ground.
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Zero Energy Oneis a major step forward in sustainable housing. This
revolutionary design features zero net energy use, extremely low 'near
zero' embodied energy and extremely low cost. This design is the result of
years ofresearch in energy efficiency and low cost, alternative buildingmethods.
Zero Energy Two is similar to the Zero Energy One plan above,
but it has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, as well as separate
airlock entries into the bedrooms, bermed mechanical room and
pantry. There is even a built-in solar oven in the kitchen.
Zero Energy Fouris a four bedroom version ofthe Zero Energy
home series. This revolutionary design features zero net energy use,extremely low near zero' embodied energy. 1,693 sq. ft. interior
plus 901 sq. ft. interior greenhouse, 4 bedroom, 2 bath; footprint:
40' x 109' not including cisterns or optional garage.
Most ofthe above plans can be modified for a nominal fee . Ifyou are interested in this, we can
query the architect/designer to find out how much this might cost. Once a price is agreed upon, you can
use the form below to make payment.
