Earth Ships

[NikkiD]

The Earthship concept is the brainchild of Michael Reynolds, who has written several books on the topic. Near Taos New Mexico, where he has his Earthship Biotecture business, are whole communities of earthships. The basic earthship design incorporates substantially bermed, passive solar architecture. The primary retaining walls are constructed with used tires, filled with earth and stacked up like bricks. The interior surface of the tires is then plastered with adobe or cement so the tires don't normally show. Mike has also pioneered the use of empty aluminum cans mortared into lightweight, curvable walls. Earthships often employ many ecological concepts, such as water catchment from the roof, reuse of greywater, composting toilets, indoor gardening, etc.

[VanD Van Deusen]

I heard about this back in the 60's I think. Some friends were really interested and planing a trip out west. I rented a block buster movie called "Garbage Man" which is an autobiograpy of the Architect, and his battle with society, local laws etc. As a Landscape Architect I know how hard it is to get people to accept Eco friendly ideas and dealing with clients and societies views of what good design is. Do watch the movie, it is excellent. There is a worldwide movement that you can join on a local level or start called Green Drinks which I have found very informative at our local level.