earthen plasters

Earthbags are a type of building block that consists of sand or soil in a bag laid with barbed wire, to construct dome style architecture. They are easy to put together and make a sturdy form. There are actually techniques to the earth in a bag assembly, and hybrid variations to make it into housing that is more practical. Pictured on the left, are Earthbags used in the construction of an Earthship home. Several books have been written on the subject, and The Cal-Earth Institute in particular is training people in this expanding field. EARTHBAGS

Inside your earth bag you can put adobe soil, sand, or crushed volcanic rock. The crushed volcanic rock has great insulating features that are resistant to rot.

The bags used originally were burlap bags. During war time the bags could be quickly assembled for shelter and cover. As the Earthbag architecture got more sophisticated, polypopylene bags have been used. The polypropylene bags, once filled, and constructed, are then plastered over to protect them from sunlight. Coverings usually are plaster or adobe finish. A more breathable type of covering includes the papercrete. The papercrete has the same purpose as the plaster or adobe finishes for protection, but can get moldy in warmer climates.

“BUILD WITH US” Natural Building Workshop Come learn to build your own truly natural, sustainable, affordable, beautiful home at this 4-day workshop.

Acclaimed Thai organic farmer/earthen builder Jon Jandai and Coloradoan Peggy Reents will teach various natural building techniques using local, readily available materials. They have been leaders in the natural building movement in Thailand for years and are now starting a sustainable living learning center and home in Jefferson, Colorado. Learn through building yourself and creating a simple structure including all aspects of the building process from basic sustainable design principles, selecting clay, making adobe bricks, building walls from various earthen techniques, earthen plasters for earthen and strawbale walls, to natural homemade paints and finishes....