Love this video, I have the option of having many large double glazed units from an old building, enough to go across the front of my cold brick house in the u.k. I'm dreaming about building a greenhouse like this to bring in the warmth, and that caulking tip was really helpful. Might have to draw up my plans now. 😊
@imau2ber Yes, a lot has changed. Earthship Biotecture began putting out a series of books (available only in eBook form) on Amazon for the Global model but only put out the first one covering tirework and cistern installation. I actually used this for my cisterns. So yes, you need to contract Earthship Biotecture or another Earthship builder to buy plans and consult during your build.
Agreed, and add to that any type of fuel for a vehicle (and it's maintenance) or the purchase of the clothing one wears, the list can literally go on and on. But, compare the same square footage to ANY conventionally built home and an Earthship is miles ahead in sustainability of oneself, however each person defines sustainability. I come from Class-B RV living (
Indeed, that's what I love about it, and people like Dan who are looking at different ways to tweak things, make them cheaper, make them more accessible, etc. Hell I contacted Taos county to see about building a tool shed of 100 sqft in the spirit of an Earthship, they said I require an architectural drawing and permit to even build that. In my opinion we need a major shift in policy to allow people like this to experiment until we get it right, then it would be fast.
Knowing some bit about chickens I'd say it's possible to have them free grazing in the warmer months with a small kitchen scrap supplement. During the winter it'd be tough not to have to buy feed from a store. The fish could be sustained if the pond and it's aquatic plantlife/buglife was large enough, but the Phoenix has far too many fish in too small a pond for that so I'm sure they purchase feed. Still, as you said it's a big step in the right direction.
Hey, great videos! Thank you for giving so much detailed information! I cant tell you how much its inspired me. its probably some of the best info you can find online! I'm building a passive solar cabin north of fort Collins Colorado and i'm currently looking for windows similar to yours and i'm not gonna lie, its been difficult to even find any information online about where to get them or how much they are. I've been looking for 2 days online without much luck. Anyway you can point me in the right direction? how'd you get yours and how do I know if its a decent deal? Also when are you doing a build in Co? I'll come help :)
I love your videos keep it up! You are a good teacher. Question: Why not run 1/2 inch pvc flex piping down the window frames, and plumb it into a solar water collector along the entire south facing roof. Darren used that design in Brittany, France. It will be necessary for me to include if I hope to deal with Canadian climates... Is it the climate or the cost involved that deterred you from using that system? Tim
Unfortunately, it doesn't really exist yet in completion. Earthship Biotecture put out the first volume on amazon on how to build a global model, but then never put out the rest! Search amazon for "Earthship Global Model Operation One". Your options are winging it or volunteering for one of Earthship Biotecture's builds, or my build :)
question about the glass size in the original designs, which you altered. did the plans come to you with odd shape glass or did you originally request that and then changed your mind?
did you end up going back to new york? I am planing a trip across country around the 20th of january and would love to drop by the site, I just recently heard about earthships and love your project. Very informative and interesting. I'd love to know if you are going to end up being in taos in late january.
Real nice place your building. I'm building off grid in Pa. Following your build. Just a heads up, be real careful with your Watco oily rags, there the worst for spontaneous combustion. stay well
I agree about small design, except how many small (or even tiny) houses can you grow 100% of the food you need to live on? The Studio model (the one he is building) is 800 sqft, which pales in comparison to America's love affair with mcmansions. So I guess it comes up to a toss of exactly how off-grid do you want to be? If you have no land to grow food, you will have no choice but stay in "the system" by purchasing food someone else grew.
How would I calculate my front face slope for El Paso, Texas? I know it's in relation to my lattitude and the sun's highest point during the winter, but I'm not sure how to find that information or the formula to use.
I actually can't remember off the top of my head. It's covered in one of the 3 old earthship books by michael reynolds. It would be very close to 70 degrees though because your latitude is almost the same as Taos. I would guess 67 or 68 degrees.
