Terra-Dome Earth Shelter Build

[mojoinco]

It's amazing how much dirt it takes to make a pile. We have been involved in having an addition and remodel to our home, which included me doing the excavation and building a new driveway (a work in progress).

You might look around to see if any local concrete companies have a deal on bin blocks. Or even price other concrete structures that may not be perfect (septic or other concrete type boxes). I bought some seconds for building a loading ramp/dock at the head of my driveway (just a simple 6 block 'C' shape). They are heavy, but you could handle them with pipe (as rollers) and pulling them off your trailer with either the tractor or tying them off to a tree and pulling the trailer forward. Just ideas. The blocks were cheaper than a truck load of dirt (ok, plus me getting them).

Just ideas to spawn others.

 

[patrick_g]

Some earth sheltered home advocates argue in favor of NOT BUILDING IN A HILL SIDE. Their thought is to build on a raised location, AND THEN covering the building with adequate soil. This reduces considerations of ground water, super wet rainy periods, and the like. You still need to be careful like Sam and try to seal every potential possibility for leaks but you will have greatly reduced the potential for a hydraulic head of pressure that would greatly increase the leak possibilities.

Pat

 

[arkbound]

Hello Sam.
Sunday morning, just catching up on my TBN and your build. Hope you find enough dirt. Here is a thought, large blocks of Styrofoam, as in used from boat docks. The open ones are no longer allowed on lakes. Perhaps you can find some of those to use and cover them up. They do float, but if you are at ground level and cover with lots of dirt they should stay in place. They would be easier to handle than the big concrete ones (also a good idea) Just a thought.
On another subject will you consider e-mailing me off TBN? I would like to discuss a possible visit the end of September as I will be in OKC then and going to my place near Mountain Home, Ar. I thought if it was convienent I could stop by for a short visit on my way to Mt Home. e-me at biglou.iak@att.net Thanks
PS- We are on the same page about being prepared.
Semper Paratus!:thumbsup:

 

[SamWalton]

We have begun the final water proofing but took a break to have our counter top installed and hook up the sink. Oh and our dear friend is looking for corn.

 

[ND Vet]

Sam,

I was looking for your house plans back at the beginning of the thread and couldn't find them even though you referred to them. Did they get lost or am I just missing them? I wanted to look at your plumbing plans. Had a plumber tell me today that mine aren't doable with fixtures on the outside (concrete) wall.

 

[sajurcaju]

Sam,

I was looking for your house plans back at the beginning of the thread and couldn't find them even though you referred to them. Did they get lost or am I just missing them? I wanted to look at your plumbing plans. Had a plumber tell me today that mine aren't doable with fixtures on the outside (concrete) wall.

Does your plumber understand that the insulation goes outside the concrete, so the concrete is warm?

Steve
Maine

 

[SamWalton]

Sam,

I was looking for your house plans back at the beginning of the thread and couldn't find them even though you referred to them. Did they get lost or am I just missing them? I wanted to look at your plumbing plans. Had a plumber tell me today that mine aren't doable with fixtures on the outside (concrete) wall.

My plumbing may not have been shown. I have them on the CAD layers. We used frost free hose bibs.

 

[SamWalton]

Due to the lack of time and the required attention to matters of great importants I will no longer be posting to this blog. I wish you all the best and have a plan to be safe.

Sincerely
Sam Walton

 

[tony Cecil]

Good Luck to you Sam---I will miss following along with you progress Tony

 

[sajurcaju]

Sam, I understand busy. I'll miss hearing your progress.

Steve
Maine