Earthship Biotecture has to be one of the least understood sustainable building and living models around. This is not least because they offer SO many benefits that it is hard to even know them all, let alone explain them all! Let it be said that an Earthship can stay at a comfortable climate at even -20 Celsius or 40 Celsius with no power requirements for heating or cooling systems. The systems of an earthship encounter the forces of nature, mainly the sun, rain, and wind, and funnels them into your home to provide everything you need to live comfortably with annual utility bills of around $200 or less.

I have been inspired to write this in sections, with you all, and once it is completed I will be compiling it into a single digital and paperback book available to all to learn and be inspired.

81. Earthships can house and protect animals...with no heating system even in extreme climates

It is very easy to make a small shelter for smaller animals, and also bigger shelters for the larger animals. The thermal mass of the tyre wall will ensure that they stay much warmer than they would in a metal shed

82.Can use any kind of renewable energy source including solar, wind, and even water heating from compost!

Whilst solar is one of the best options for decentralised renewable energy, there are so many options these days, and many of them are very cheap. You can even use compost to heat up water in pipes that run through it. A proper compost heap can get very hot!

83. You don't need an architect to build one.

The skill-set of an architect is not well suited to the Biotecture. The approach is totally different, and based more on aesthetics than performance. An Architect has no idea about what makes Earthships work, and the considerations that relate to design and function. What you need is a Biotecture expert to assist you with any design plans, or you can do it yourself with global model plans if your climate is not too extreme. This puts you in control and not reliant on an expensive and restrictive mindset.

84. Earthships can be built on raised ground in coastal and flood prone areas.

can sit very well on a raised ground level without the need for a concrete foundation, and they are totally sealed with a waterproof membrane. It is normally a very expensive to make a huge foundation to do this, but costs little more than the labour to do the work with tyres. If you retain the raised level with tyres it will hold indefinitely even in severe flooding.

85. Grow fruit and vegetables with almost no soil.

You don't need tonnes of good soil to start off a botanical cell, all you need is rocks and a tiny bit of topsoil. The nutrients come from the grey water which run through the planters much like a hydroponic system. You can of course add some compost from your own waste to further improve it.

86. Can be built without wood timber or concrete if desired.

Aside from the car tires, you can substitute almost any material to build the window framing, roof, partition walls etc.. Some options include the use of limestone, cob, glass bottles, metal cans, plastic bottles, and metal framing. Wood is one of the least desirable material to use in terms of maintenance and potential problems with rot, termites etc..

87. Biotecture is based on the tenants of Permaculture.

Permaculture is a system of thought that is usually applied to gardening and food production. It's thinking is much like that of Biotecture in many ways, and works with synergy, reuse of by products, re-cycling, and an overall harmonious relationship with the environment around it. If is fair to say that you can look at an Earthship as a Permaculture home!

88. Earthships will pass any future efficiency requirements for a long time to come

Planning permits are becoming more focused on performance, and older building may have to be improved in some countries. Any new build will also have to meet new requirements. Since Earthships are pretty much off the scale in terms of any performance or green credentials, you wont have to do any work in the future to keep up with the code.

89. Can be built using simple tools and without costly machines such as diggers, and mixers.

You could build an Earthship with no more than sledge hammers, buckets, and a few cordless power tools. Whilst diggers and mixers do speed things up, they are not necessary. Biotecture is low tech an relatively simple to build. You do not need to excavate large holes, and you can measure the amount of cement you use in sacks rather than trucks.

90. Earthships are easily built by people with other kinds of building experience.

Most of the actual building work involves the same skills and understanding that a traditional build may employ. Mud plastering is not that different to cement plastering except for some small details and making a tyre wall that rises up straight is very easy for a bricklayer. A carpenter or metal worker will know just what to do if they have the design plans to refer to. Roofing is also a relatively simple process, with a straight flat and sloped design being the most common in Earthships.

Did you know, I built four Earthships in India as well as being instrumental the creation of the first Earthship in the UK, Earthship Brighton. If you are also on this path and would like to read my story, I have recently published a book. It is not only a great story, but a valuable resource for you to learn from. I had no experience or training when I embarked on my mission, but managed to successfully build a gorgeous home called Earthship Karuna.

You can buy this book with Steem on the homesteaders co-op. Whilst you are there please do have a look at some of the other products as there are all kinds of great things there!

https://homesteaderscoop.com/product/earthship-chronicles-ebook/

If you don't have any Steem you can also buy the ebook and paperback on amazon.
http://mybook.to/Earthship-Chronicles
or
https://www.amazon.com/Earthship-Chronicles-sufficient-luxurious-experience-ebook/dp/B07MYCBXYB

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