Alternative Building Methods
Earthship
Earthships are livable containers that are self-sustainable. It’s built on a hillside, facing the sun. With the earth’s constant temperature year-round, it pulls heat from the earth in winter, and cold air in summer. The roof hosts solar panels and collects rain, and the front of the house is a greenhouse using passive solar.
Cob Homes
Cob homes are made from a mixture of straw and clay, then brushed with certain types of natural oil to make it more “water proof”. Once the straw and clay is dried, it’s is resistant to fire, termites and mould. The cob naturally retains heat in its thick walls. Once properly heated, it will stay relatively warm even during Canadian winters for up to a day.
Straw Bale House
Straw bale homes are made from straw bales that are tightly packed together while still being flexible. The material is cheap to gather and easy to build. Overall, the completed house is three times more fire-resistant than conventional homes and is earthquake-resistant.
