I stumbled upon this great idea while contemplating alternate living methodology. Like many of you who tend to think outside the systemic box we are trained to like but really hate, I am trying to figure out a way to purchase land and build a somewhat off the grid home with little money left in debt owed. I have checked everything from Sand Bag Building, which is a very strong structurally and very cheap to build, to straw bale building which again is cheap, insulated but may do badly in the easternmost USA where I Live. Mammoth sized lobsters and Moose the size of T-Rex' aside, Maine has a very large amount of land for sale and it is a very calm place currently with low crime and a laid back lifestyle. So for me there is no leaving. Ok onward to the fun stuff.
Sand Bag aka Earthbag construction
This method requires poly mesh sand bags filled with dirt from your land and compacted down by hand followed by a brick style pattern layout. For those who don't know, earth bag building uses polypropylene bags or feed bags filled with soil or insulation that are stacked like masonry and tamped flat. Barbed wire between courses keeps bags from slipping and adds tensile strength.
End result below:
For more information and blueprints on building with earth bags click this link:
http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/
Next up was my curiosity with Strawbale hoes which are surprisingly all over the Midwest USA. One in particular caught my eye as it looks amazing like a Lord of the Rings Hobbit House and it only cost $7,000.
See below
Finally I had become addicted, after months of research and figuring out what could withstand the climate of Maine's harsh four seasons i stumbled upon this beauty called http://www.greenmagichomes.com/main.php where all of my answers are met! In winter months the structures appear like that of Star Wars Hoth, they can withstand heavy amounts of snow, resist mildew and old in the spring and stay cool in the summer. And the prices are really affordable for a house that is shipped in boxes and snapped together like legos!
Examples of the homes disassembled and assembled:
I strongly suggest anyone looking to build a home check into these alternative areas. They can be doe on the cheap and will last very long as long as you consider the climate. Who wouldn't want to live a Hobbit's life after all?
I will be updating further as I delve into building my home with these green magic Hobbit House domes. I plan to acquire 4 of them all attached once completed and buried in the hillside in West Gardiner Maine.