How Do Earthships Work?
An Earthship home is a type of passive solar house that is made of both natural and upcycled materials (such as earth-packed tires). Earthships can be completely off-grid or partially off-grid. Earthships can be built
5 Reasons Why HempWool is the Best Insulation Choice for your Next Project
When we think of insulation often times, the color pink and the feeling of itchiness is what comes to mind. While insulation is designed to reduce energy costs, in that sense, any insulation could
Off Grid and Self-Sustaining Homes with Jonah Reynolds
Have you heard of Earth Ships? This episode is with Jonah Reynolds, Earthship Biotect - which is the number one eco-construction and self-sufficient living design. Off-grid, self-sustainable houses. Absolutely an alternative investment. We
Passive house challenge – The Ice Box Challenge
The Passive House Standard for low-energy buildings is being put through its paces in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market. The Ice Box Challenge involves putting two identical 720-kilogram blocks of ice under two separate structures
Thermal Mass Walls
These walls systems are all solid walls made out of dense materials, of which the modern Brick, Block and poured concrete walls are the most common variety. Since these common variants are all have
Types of Insulation
Insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. Bulky materials resist conductive and — to
Vapor Barriers
In most climates, vapor barriers, or, more accurately, vapor diffusion retarders, should be part of a moisture control strategy for a home. A vapor barrier or vapor diffusion retarder is a material that reduces
Cooling Tubes
Electricity free cooling based on ancient, global principles. These in-ground PVC cooling tubes are also known as air tubes, earth air tubes, a ground-coupled heat exchanger, an earth-air heat exchanger, thermal labyrinth, heat recovery
Tire Retaining Walls
The same method for building structural walls in buildings can be applied when building retaining walls made with rammed earth encased in steel-belted rubber. Depending on the load the retaining wall is retaining, the batter