Earth sheltered/bermed construction

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 291. This was taken on the southwest side of the house. The walkway is outa site on the left. More shiutters on the windows (white things).

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 292. This was taken on the southeast side of the building (up on the hill visible in #291). You can see the thin layer of soil on the roof (less than 1' according to the architect).

 

[GlueGuy]

Pic number 293 (last one, whew!). This is taken a little further up the hill than #292. You get a good view of the roof here, plus what looks like some subsistence on the east end (remember, this house was built about 20 years ago).

 

[Harv]

Wow, GlueGuy! When you said you had some pictures, I wasn't expecting the entire album! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

That's the best photo coverage I've seen on this type of construction. It's an intriguing concept that I will now be following with interest. Can't wait for you to build your own. Muhammad will have to add another hard disk to the server when you do. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[GlueGuy]

<font color=blue>Muhammad will have to add another hard disk to the server when you do.</font color=blue>

Oh no! He might have to raise your dues. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Good thing disks keep getting cheaper. (just got a new barracuda (40GB) for only $94).

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=blue>...(just got a new barracuda (40GB) for only $94). ..</font color=blue>

Where did you get that Seagate so cheap...? Refurb?

That's the cheapest SCSI I've ever heard.../w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

 

[GlueGuy]

Not a SCSI. They just started putting the barracuda name on the EIDE version. They actually call it a "Barracuda IV", but it's an Ultra DMS/100 interface. I got it at Fry's. They are now online at: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.outpost.com>Outpost.com</A>

 

[hugo]

Hello:

I have been following this very interesting thread & have enjoyed the photos. Here is a web site with some links for other ideas about "earth homes" :

http://www.stormbear.com/bagend2/

HP

 

[GlueGuy]

Ugh. Not my cup o' tea. I'm not feeling like a mole-person, I'm just looking for (a) storm protection, (b) high efficiency, (c) something that blends into the environment, (d) something that looks good. Thanks for the link though...

 

[patrickg]

Well, Yaouk, Debate away, as soon as I can direct you to the person, persons, or agency responsible for the othe rside of the argument. I promise you it isn't me. I came apon this "information" from a contractor putting in the septic system for my mom's new house. He was talking about the use of the ground up tires being encouraged/allowed by the state DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) but outlawing privately held caches of used tires above 50 in number (I'm pretty sure about the number = 50 but it was a year ago). I commented on the seeming contradictory stand (not unusual for governing bodies).

I had been telling this gentleman how I had some ideas/plans for using used tires in columns and or in interlocking courses in conjunction with concrete for building a dam and some retaining walls. That is when he explained how the law prevented that use (> 50). This man is one of a very few folks in the state that hold a current lisc as waste disposal-landfill operator. He does not currently operate a facilitly but is lisc to do so and is current in training and understanding regulaltions.

I also mentioned rammed earth ala the "Earth Ship" approach in New Mexico and how that would be illegal in light of his information. The rammed earth inside tires as apposed to other forms etc, I think was pioneered by the Earth Ship folks. This is the butt ugly thingy to which you refer, yes? The esthetes among rammed earth practitioners cover over, plaster, stucco, or otherwise hide the tires as most straw bale builders obscure the direct view of the straw in their construction projects.

Sorry to "wimp out" on you debate wise but I have no desire to take up a view contrary to yours just because someone told me information that is contrary to your belief. Regarding your faith regarding the rectitude of all things government approved... TSK TSK TSK, the gulibility of youth... Irrespective of how rampant your eco-concern and confidence in "RIGHT BY ASSOCIATION with Government actions or decisions", I'd like to hear credible facts whether or not tires are a significant source of poutants, petro-chemicals, or ... I'm not claiming anything resembling papal infalibility. Maybe someone out there could enlighten us regarding the decomposition products of tires and their bio-effects in the ecosystem.

Patrick