Root cellar with a roof pond
Got a large round stock tank to use as a pond. Thought about digging it in,but then it occurred to me, it could be a huge waterproof thermal mass as a roof for a dug root cellar. Turns out such a mass...
View ArticleWofati...what if you goof up???
So the idea of the wofati house seems great, cheap, no heat needed, no worrying about southern access for passive solar, etc. My only concern and this may be just as a total newb with them, but it...
View ArticleP/S/P shoring idea
Hi everyone, new here, and though it's a bit presumptuous I had an idea the other day and thought this might be a good place to bounce it off people. I've spent the past few months researching...
View ArticleEarth Lodges and Other Fossorial Architecture
This is pinked till I can finish... I am going to attempt to compile many of the "cross links" and other references I have share thus far into one post. Now folks can come here, read, and ask questions...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Earth Lodge
I watched this series of videos from the Maine Primitive Skills School about Earth lodges and thought that they were similar to wofati in some ways, especially the great thermal inertia they have....
View ArticleColfibrex earth-bermed system
Does anyone have information/comments/reviews about the Colfibrex engineered earth-bermed system? It is comprised of fiberglass/plastic resin panels, each being connected to one another with waterproof...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Lessons Learned from Building WOFATIs
I am looking to build wofati/psp type structure this summer and have read through the majority of the threads in this forum. I would like to start up this thread to consolidate all of the lessons...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pictures of a sweet PSP build
I found this collection of pictures of Glenn Kangiser's PSP cabin he built. There are some really great shots here and the building is awesome to see. Here is Glenn's forum where there is lots of talk...
View ArticleClik here to view.
PSP Earth Sheltered Building
Another little bit from my blog. This time on PSP buildings. Enjoy! When it comes to building yourself a debt free home, cost is a major factor to be considered when planning the build. The best way to...
View ArticleWOFATI with cob instead of plastic?
In this post and the couple around it, the idea of replacing the plastic used to keep the water out of the wofati with natural plaster was introduced. I think this might be a good idea and would like...
View Article4' Earth Berm one wall? How do I keep the building from leaning?
I totally get that earth-berming two opposing walls would somewhat cancel out the pushing forces...but I have cut into a hill (dirt pile) on the North and the East, and only want a berm on those sides....
View ArticleRaynesford Montana needing some assistance in placement and design.
I am new around here but not new to construction and the techniques. We are off grid now in the little belt mountains of Montana near Raynesford. The spring will find us clearing land and cutting...
View ArticleHow to solve the sweating South Wall?
Hello everyone, I am new here and there is so much stuff to learn and absorb, great info. I built my underground home a little over two years ago and this is my second winter here. I live in middle...
View ArticleWOFATI for three-season lecture hall, on rocky slope?
If I had magic powers and could move boulders with a single thought then it would certainly be an ideal place for a wofati. It's on a ginormous slope, and there isn't a lot of free straw bale right...
View ArticlePrefab tiny home generates more power than it uses
http://www.cnet.com/news/prefab-tiny-home-generates-more-power-than-it-uses/ Prefab tiny home generates more power than it uses The Archiblox Carbon Positive House is a modular prefabricated home...
View ArticleOptimal grade for earth berming?
I am planning a PSP structure for the spring/summer with an attached underground green house. On my property in Montana I have lots of options on locations with southern exposure and I was wondering if...
View ArticlePAHS
Any info on adding PAHS to an existing house? This has 2 components: Hilling up against my current house - what problems, benefits would it have? Also, I'm planning an addition and wondering if it's...
View Article"House Dam" design... or Compressed earth berm house
Ok, so I have seen this house design described by Bill Mollison, Jack Spirko and Geoff Lawton now... I love the idea and want MORE information. I classify this building style as distinctly different...
View ArticlePAHS business - thoughts?
Idea - installing PAHS retrofits as a business. Is it a viable business? what do people think? the marketing is awesome - How would you like total heat security? Never have to worry about running out...
View ArticleLooking for DVD
Can you please point me to the best place to find the video Paul made where he combined the best of the two berm constructions, Missoula & Oehler? Thank you.
View Article