Marcio Vasconcelos
In times like ours, with environmental issues related to our consumption, some people are looking for a more sustainable way to live. In the 70, architect Michael Reynolds conceived of a new architectural style that would reduce consumption, use repurposed and “upcycled” material, and allow residents to live “off the grid”.
This architectural style is called “Earthship homes”, comparing a home to a spaceship on which one has everything needed to survive. Earthship homes are an innovative and sustainable way of living that combine environmental awareness with practical living solutions.
What makes a home an Earthship?
An Earthship is a self-sufficient, environmentally responsible way of living, not merely a dwelling. Earthship homes are built from natural and repurposed materials, with the goal of being self-sufficient and meeting the six basic requirements of humans: food, clean water, electricity, shelter, sewage treatment, and waste management.
An earthship is built using reused and natural materials, including tires filled with earth, to produce sturdy, insulated buildings.
These homes frequently have a U-shaped layout to optimize solar energy absorption and natural light, with strong walls and extra insulation to control indoor temperature.
These homes also include natural ventilation systems in warmer climates to keep inside temperatures around a comfortable 70 degrees independent of the heat outdoors. In addition, their design incorporates water collection and treatment systems, greenhouses, and hydroponic planters—features useful for growing food at home.
In addition to being sustainable, originator Michael Reynolds designed them in such a way that anyone could build an Earthship home, even if they have no building experience.
Here is a summary of Earthship Home features:
- Solar and/or thermal cooling and heating.
- Photovoltaic panels, batteries, a charge controller, and an inverter comprise a small power plant that generates electricity from solar and wind power.
- Sewage that is contained runs into a septic tank, which overflows to fertilize the surrounding area.
- Include both recycled and natural materials (tin cans, plastic bottles, and tires are the most typical examples).
- Rain, snow, and condensation are harvested to provide water.
- Production of food in greenhouses and indoor gardens.
Are Earthship Homes actually sustainable?
Yes, Earthship homes are more sustainable than traditional homes. That said, one must do their research when buying or building one, as there are many variables to consider before making a properly functioning Earthship home.
Also, it is advised that buyers beware of sellers that make certain promises of ideal living and perfect sustainability. Also, keep in mind that while properly built Earthship homes are more sustainable than traditional houses, they also require regular maintenance and hiring professionals to fix your Earthship home issue is often more costly than hiring a professional to fix problems in a traditional home.
One example of this is the maintenance of the walls, which are made of tires with compacted dirt and an outer layer. These tires release gases which can crack the walls and seep into the home. Buyers must be advised that these gases need to be released and that maintenance on the walls can be as frequent as every year.
How much does an Earthship home cost?
Earthship homes will end up costing you anywhere from 125 to 250 dollars per square foot. Though it is true that the materials used are recycled, it is not necessarily easy to obtain the amount of recycled materials required. For example, an average sized Earthship home can use up to 900 tires or more for wall construction.
To acquire this amount of tires will cost you perhaps as much as you would spend on traditional materials. That said, the purpose of an Earthship home is not to save money on construction, but to gain self-sufficiency and, by doing so, reduce your utilities costs and maybe even your grocery expenses if you grow produce at your Earthship.
What are the pros and cons of an Earthship home?
Pros
Sustainability
Earthships provide a low-impact, environmentally beneficial way of life.
Low Utility Costs
Because they are self-sufficient, they have much lower utility costs.
Comfort and Stability
Earthships come equipped with contemporary conveniences and a steady temperature.
In-Home Food Production
To some extent, they make it easier to cultivate your own food.
Cons
Maintenance
Most Earthships require a good amount of maintenance.
Initial Cost
Depending on the design and finishes selected, the initial cost may be greater than that of standard residences.
Change in lifestyle
Living in an Earthship can require a considerable change in lifestyle, especially for people who are not accustomed to living closer to nature.
Can you get a mortgage on an Earthship home?
While it is more difficult to obtain a mortgage on an Earthship home, it is possible. The reason that it is more difficult to get a mortgage on an Earthship home is because banks, commonly the mortgage lenders, are not familiar with this style of architecture and so are less willing to loan money for these types of homes. That said, there are a few options that you can look into.
Alternate Finance Options
When building or purchasing an Earthship, it is possible to turn to alternate finance strategies such as crowdsourcing, private investor loans, and personal loans. Additionally, some people decide to build their Earthships piecemeal, paying for each stage as money becomes available.
Proof of Sustainability and Value
In order to get funding, you might have to present thorough records attesting to the Earthship's long-term worth, resilience, and sustainability. This can contain evaluations from experts with knowledge of alternative housing, estimates of energy savings, and illustrations of successful Earthship projects.
Local Laws and Insurance
Eligibility for a mortgage may also be impacted by local building codes and the availability of insurance for the property. Lenders will require that your Earthship be insured and in compliance with local standards.
Equity and Down Payment
In the event you are able to obtain a mortgage for an Earthship, more equity or down payments may be needed. When the lender makes a decision, the amount you are able to pay up front may play a big role.
