This fine project is by Jesse Loving in Bullet Tree Falls, Belize. The content below is from his Picasa photo album. He has lots of great photos. Take a look. Or see the project page we created about it.
In planning to build an earthbag house in Belize, Central America, I decided to first build a smaller structure so that I could teach myself the process, learn from my mistakes so as to avoid making such mistakes when applying the technique to a large living space and, finally, so that I would have a place to store all the tools and equipment I would need onsite to actually build a mud house.
By mass, this building is 99.9% biodegradable. With its principle components being clay, sand, water, wood, and leaves – I believe it is a good example of natural building. There are some nails, screws, joist hangers, window screen, and a synthetic wood stain . . . . but by and large this building is eco-sensitive, inexpensive, built by inexperienced hands, with local labor and local materials. It will stand for a long time, provides non-mechanical temperature cooling, and is aesthetically pleasing. No forest cover was cleared for construction and the building blends well into its natural environment. No concrete was used, there are few, if any, petroleum-based products used, a very small amount of fossil fuel was used to transport materials, and very little electricity was used to charge a wireless drill and make a few cuts with a circular saw. It was a great experience, and the blueprint for a larger home design.
Image credit: Jesse Loving
We often recommend starting with a small project like this. Not only is it very practical (storage of tools, etc.), you’ll learn so much.
That’s the finest storage shed I’ve ever seen. I look forward to seeing the larger living space he plans to build.
I agree. Very nice indeed.
Hey Owen, thanks so much for the shout out – Jesse’s working incredibly hard and our little project is really coming along – it’s definitely a labor of love.
Best,
Jen Loving
Thanks for sharing your story Jesse. It is inspiring!
Despite all of the things that you deemed “went wrong” with this project, it turned out to be a very beautiful, usable piece of art, that would add character to any backyard. If this was your “practice run” your eventual home will be smashingly exquisite!!! Looking forward to the pictures. :)
Hey Jesse,
I have 7 acres of property in Bullet Tree Falls right on the Mopan River. Some friends and I are planning to go down there next winter and build some earthbag dwellings. After doing much web surfing on Belize+ Earthbag all I kept seeing was your name and pics of your outstanding work (which happens to be in the very same town that my property is!)
anyway,
I am wondering if you might talk to me about your earthbag experience in Bullet Tree. For instance, was it hard to acquire all of the tools and materials that you needed? What would have made your experience/ work run smoother? Did you have any trouble with visas or zoning?
My name is Nik by the way. My friends and I have all been working trails crews all over the country. We are young, strong and totally stoked to embark on our Belizean earthbag adventure. Any helpful info you can give us would be most appreciated :)
My # is (540) 462-7691 call me anytime
Nik, I am going to Belize April 18 to build a one bedroom structure if you want to come by to learn and help you are more than welcome My land is near Corazal Belize. Peace…
I have land in Corazal Belize and would like to know where you were able to get the bags in Belize ? Are they rice bags? What soil mixture used? Thank you interesting.
The same polypropylene bags are used for rice and many different things. Regular subsoil usually works fine if there’s enough clay to bind the sand and gravel tightly together. Make a sample earthbag to see if your soil dries into a hard building block.
Use our search engine to find whatever you need. We have almost 1,000 blog posts that cover every topic.
See my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/naturalhouses
Free Instructables: http://www.instructables.com/id/Step-by-Step-Earthbag-Building/
Main website: http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/
Thank you for you reply I bought your book and video very helpful, going to Belize on the 18th of April to build a 1 bedroom structure. Thanks again.
Hi, i would like to know some names and contact information to the people that builds these kinds of houses here in belize. my name is Dwight send me and email with these info please.
Hi Dwight I am going down to Belize on the 18th of this month to build if you are interested in learning first had you are welcome to come I don’t claim to be an expert but have been studying for the last six months have several books and videos, also been building test blocks in Florida and NY. Feel free to contact me 4074171679 PeterATCassadaga.biz