Earthship homes are perhaps the most sustainable approach to the design, construction and operation of homes developed so far.
They are constructed using recycled and natural materials where possible and work in harmony with the Earth's natural systems to provide heating, cooling, energy generation, water collection, waste water treatment and even food production.
(Image source: http://earthship.com)
They are designed to be autonomous structures, functioning 'off-grid' without the need for mains connections to utilities, although this isn't always achievable.
This construction method is a fascinating one and something we want to try ourselves. If you are interested for your self build, be aware that it is new in the UK and will require additional effort, particularly in terms of planning and building regulations approval. Further research will also be needed to ensure that the systems will function effectively in our climate.
There have been two Earthship projects completed in the UK. A visitor centre in Fife, Scotland by the Sustainable Communities Initiatives (SCI) and a community centre in Brighton, England completed by the Low Carbon Trust.
Although these projects weren't residential dwellings, the Fife Earthship received full planning permission and a building warrant (The Scottish equivalent to Building Regulations Approval) for residential standards.
In April 2007 planning permission for a residential development of 16 Earthship homes in Brighton was granted. The project has stalled due to problems with the land purchase but the permission is a promising precedent for Earthship homes in England.
Earthship homes apply the following 6 principles:
The Earthship concept has been in development since the 1970's and the man behind the mission is the pioneering American "Biotect" Michael Reynolds. He has tirelessly pursued his vision to produce the ultimate sustainable home, which works in harmony with the Earth's natural processes and is constructed using recycled and natural materials.
In the process, he has built Earthship communities in Taos, New Mexico, inspired Earthship projects around the world, deployed to disaster zones to help build shelters for those affected and has founded 'Earthship Biotecture' which designs and builds Earthships worldwide. There are now several thousand across the globe.
Michael Reynolds was also the subject of Oliver Hodge's award winning documentary 'Garbage Warrior' (Click to buy DVD) .
"Imagine a home that heats itself, that provides its own water, and grows its own food. Imagine that it needs no expensive technology, it recycles its own waste, and it has its own power source. And now imagine that it can be built anywhere, by anyone, out of the things that society throws away."
If you are interested in self building an Earthship, we would love to follow your progress so please get in touch.
For more information, there is no better place to start than the source:
Michael Reynolds' 'Earthship Biotecture'.
The company was involved in all the UK projects mentioned above and will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.
There are several books on Earthship construction.
The Earthship concept was featured on Grand Designs in The Groundhouse episode of Series 7 (Click to buy DVD). The episode saw Daren Howarth applying the principles of Earthship construction for his self build home in Brittany as well as recruiting volunteers (including Kevin McCloud!) for some labour intensive earth ramming. It will give you a good idea of the task ahead.
To compare Earthship homes with other methods of house construction for your self build, have a look through our house construction method section.