Just some quick shots, because I love this little house so much, I’ll never be quiet if I get going. That said, this was built by cobworks.com and cob cottage. Once you see the interior this home just gets better and better. You can check out a multitude of wonderful photos of the home above at cobworks.com, not to mention that you’ll see many other beautiful structures. If you’re really impressed (and have some free time) you might want to check out cobworks.com’s summer workshops.

See this was a quick shot, and I’ve said too much. But do check out the sites above – useful info if you’re interested in cob homes, clay, or straw bale.

[photos via cobworks.com]

Post from: Blisstree

Offbeat Quick Shot: Mayne Island Beauty

Earthship Biotecture is a company in Taos, NM. They specialize in, what else, earthships. We’re going to look at them, because one they contacted me; plus, while I don’t have personal experience with them, I heard great things about them when I lived in New Mexico. Their complete company description is, “A global company offering proven, totally sustainable designs, construction drawings & details, products, educational materials, lectures / presentations, consultation & guidance toward getting people in sustainable housing.”

In case you need a quick primer on earthships, here’s Earthship Biotecture’s definition:

“Earthship: passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials 2. thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization. 3. renewable energy & integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills.

Biotecture: the profession of designing buildings and environments with consideration for their sustainability. 2. A combination of biology and architecture.”

I’ll show you some of this company’s work and then later do one more post with some other earthships. Not only does Earthship Biotecture build structures they offer educational workshops. This is one way to get your own earthship built more quickly; obviously it gives you a heads up on how to complete a project better. I know people who have gone it alone and people who have built with workshops, (both straw bale and glass heavy earthships) and the folks who have gone through a workshop always seem to do better.

These seminars / educational workshops the team stages a demonstration room for local builder replication, that also provides the fundamentals of the concepts behind earthship structures.

This is from the Phoenix Earthship.

The next three photos are from Earthship Biotecture’s recent Nicaragua Earthship Demo, and are good examples of an earthship in process – lots of nice old tires and glass – about to become a new structure!

Besides consulting and demonstrations you can check out Earthship Biotecture for:

Earthship rentals – get the feeling for life in one, before you build. Or you know, just get away. Taos is a great place to get away to, if you’ve never been.

Learn about earthships function – i.e where you can get water and electricity.

Find earthship books and videos.

Plus you can take a look at all their great photos of demonstrations – really slick building processes. Most with dozens of photos.

Post from: Blisstree

Earthship Biotecture

Eco-architecture and architects comes in many levels and flavors. From easy green to extreme but every bit counts. Here are some beautiful (and cool) green structures. To learn more simply click on the links.

DeBoer Architects — the Gatehouse

One World Design — the Drew Residence (I love this home)

San Luis Sustainability Group — The first permitted straw bale building in California

Arkin Tilt Architects – Palter Residence  (Everything they do is amazing; check them out.)

I think what people forget is that often (almost 100% of the time in my opinion) eco-living and beauty are so interconnected that it’s impossible to separate the two. If you’re looking for style and harmony with the earth it’s not that tough and it should be the standard.

Don’t forget to check out what other b5media bloggers have to say about the environment today.

Post from: Blisstree

Eco-Architecture: Four Great Examples