Welcome

Welcome to my site, which is currently under construction. The Introduction page is more or less complete and explains the purpose of this site.

Meanwhile, there are 17 free plans for you to choose from. Only preliminary drawings are available at this time. Final drawings will be completed based on reader feedback. Please leave a comment if you’re interested in a particular plan. (Click on Comments link at the bottom of each post.)

Cluster Lodging

Cluster Lodging

Specifications: 94 sq. ft. interior per unit, Footprint: 11′ x 13′

Description: These small shelters provide lodging for all types of sustainable communities, including ecovillages, training centers, youth camps, spiritual retreats, eco-resorts, and for refugee and natural disaster relief efforts. The curved shape adds interest and stability, while relatively straight end walls enable units to be joined for maximum efficiency. The design below shows two units joined together. Many other combinations are possible.

Cluster Lodging (Double Units)

Cluster Lodging (Double Units) South Elevation

Resort Rental

Resort Rental

Specifications: 232 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 15′ x 25′ excluding carport

Description: There is definitely a need for durable, energy efficient vacation cabins/resort rental units and this plan is designed to fill the need. It can be built as shown for hot climates or flipped 180 degrees and used for cold climates. The area under the extended roof can be used as a carport or covered patio area.

Resort Rental West Elevation

Vaulted Guesthouse

Vaulted Guesthouse

Specifications: 273 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 16′ x 30′

Description: Designed to stay cool in hot climates, this Nubian vaulted guesthouse features a pole frame and thatched roof structure that shades the earthbag vault. Additional cooling is provided by breezes that blow across a lily pool. The upper part of the vault is traditional leaning adobe construction. A flagstone patio adds outdoor living space on the east side.

Economizer

Economizer

This plan is now finished and available for free. Anyone who wants the plans can email me at strawhouses [at] yahoo.com.

Specifications: 432 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 19′ x 30′

Description: This plan is designed to be compact and efficient. Most houses this size do not have as many features — washer/dryer, wood stove, and modern kitchen and bath. An archway separates the bedroom from the main living area, yet maintains a sense of privacy with a room divider. Earthbag walls are shown, but it was originally designed to be built with shipping pallets. Straw bales and other materials can be used.

This plan is finished. Click to enlarge drawings and print.

Economizer East Elevation

Studio Apartment

Earthbag Studio Apartment

Specifications: 264 sq. ft. interior, fold-out bed, 1 bath, Footprint: 14′ x 26′

Description: This extremely efficient earthbag apartment utilizes all natural building materials and reduces energy costs. Building multi-unit structures reduces the number of walls required. They can be joined side-to-side and back-to-back. I used 24″ bags for this design for multi-story construction. Other materials could be used, of course.

Narrow Lot House

Narrow Lot House

Specifications: 435 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 18′ exterior width, Footprint: 18′ x 32′

Description: Designed to fit narrow lots, this house has a compact yet efficient layout.

Oval Shop/Backyard Office

Oval Shop/Backyard Office

Specifications: 98 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 11′ x 15′ as shown, but other sizes are possible

Description: Among other things, this oval structure can be used as a shop or office. As shown (1/2 floorplan), it is intended for sales of fruit drinks, sandwiches, etc. There is a door at each end and two 4′ pass-through counters to serve customers. The roof is rounded on the ends like the Polynesian Earthbag House.

Rainbow Cottage

Rainbow Cottage (partial section view)

Specifications: 273 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 16′ x 30′

Description: This design uses the same floorplan as Earthbag Vaulted Guesthouse. The main difference is the upper part of the vault is constructed with alternating arched layers of bamboo and bags of insulation (rice hulls, etc.). There are round stained glass windows, and colored bottles embedded in the end walls. Interior walls of earth plaster contain mica to reflect the light, thus the name Rainbow Cottage.

Hermitage

Hermitage

Specifications: 160 sq. ft. interior plus 144 sq. ft. outdoor living area, Footprint: 20′ x 22′

Description: This spiritual retreat offers a quiet, contemplative environment behind massive earth walls.