Frequent natural disasters worsen global environmental issues like waste management and climate change. To overcome these challenges, architects and environmentalists have designed Earthship, a type of architecture built using recycled materials. Earthship also embodies the principles of permaculture, showing how human beings can live harmoniously with our Earth and its finite resources (Burnett, 4). This essay will explore the philosophy behind the construction of Earthships, examine the sustainability practices integral to their design, and discuss potential ways to expand their positive impact.
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Philosophy of the Construction of Earthships
The fundamental design of Earthships is a testament to ecological and environmental responsibility, emphasizing the use of forty percent of recycled materials to lessen environmental impact caused by the wastes (Aspinwall). These materials include reused tires and glass bottles. While the exterior of Earthships may resemble conventional homes, their foundations and walls are constructed from hundreds of used tires filled with earth, forming the essential framework of the structure. About nine hundred car tires, which would otherwise occupy landfill space, are repurposed to create robust and insulating walls. The construction process involves placing a carpet at the bottom of each tire to prevent soil from escaping, followed by the manual labor of packing earth into the tires. Workers use sledgehammers to compact the earth from the outside, causing the tires to expand and transform into rubber-reinforced rammed earth bricks that are remarkably solid and durable (Aspinwall). These tires might have once been consigned to landfills, requiring decades to decompose, but are now repurposed as essential building components for these homes. The interior of the Earthship not only embodies the theme of sustainability through its innovative use of materials but also maintains aesthetic appeal. The walls, for instance, feature artistic installations made from clear glass bottles. These bottles allow sunlight to pass through, casting colorful rainbow patterns across the room.
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Practice Self-Sufficient Philosophy of Permaculture
Earthships embody the self-sufficient philosophy of permaculture, also known as zone one and two. These zones are related to growing food and reflect how humans use Earth's resources wisely through the cultivation of forest gardens. This approach means moving away from industrialized agriculture towards a gardening philosophy that focuses on creating diverse, edible landscapes rather than monoculture prairies. According to Basehart, a typical Earthship can produce twenty-five to fifty percent of the food necessary to meet a resident's needs. Residents might plant food such as potatoes and green onions in gardens, allotments, or even balconies and window boxes (Burnett, 17). This self-sufficiency can benefit health by allowing for controlled use of pesticides. It also helps residents to save costs in purchasing the food in the market. Lastly, the food production system in the Earthships is beneficial for society as a whole by promoting environmental stewardship and reducing reliance on industrial agriculture.
Core System 1 - Temperature Control System
The Earthship exemplifies sustainability through its integration of six essential systems, each aligning with permaculture practices designed to optimize environmental resources and minimize human impact. These systems encompass solar electricity, water harvesting, sewage treatment, food production, and the utilization of natural and recycled materials. Among all the systems, a standout feature is the temperature control system, known as the "earth tube." Described by the Earthships expert Amy in the interview of Living Big in a Tiny House, the earth tube leverages the constant temperature of the earth's subterranean layers to moderate the indoor climate efficiently. Constructed from PVC pipes, this system circulates air through underground channels, allowing it to absorb the earth’s cool or warm temperatures. Internally, a Yin-Yang dial provides residents the ability to fine-tune the airflow, ensuring precise temperature management within the home. Furthermore, Aspinwall, the reporter of Washington Post pointed out that the room includes a system on the floor, constructed from slabs that possess significant thermal mass. This material property enables them to absorb heat during the day and release it slowly, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature throughout. These systems reduce the use of electricity in the house since there is no need for an air conditioner. These two innovative features not only sustain a comfortable living environment throughout the year but also reflect the Earthship’s commitment to ecological stewardship and energy efficiency.
(PANGEA DESIGN | BUILD)
Core System 2 - Resource Management System
Earthships exemplify sustainability not only in structure but also through innovative resource management systems. These systems align with Burnett's concept of Zone Zero, which focuses on making residences more sustainable by using renewable materials (16). Zone Zero emphasizes efficient use of resources and materials to enhance the sustainability of living spaces. An example is the use of a water system. It is shown in the video of introduction that water is collected in two large rainwater tanks in the garden. Initially, water is used for essential daily activities like drinking, showering, and hand washing. After its initial use, this water becomes “gray water”, which is then employed to nourish outdoor and indoor plants. The hydrating interior plants include fig and banana trees, as well as hanging gardens filled with herbs and flowers. The gray water can also be safely introduced into the groundwater system or redirected for use in toilets. After that, the water becomes “black water”, ultimately directed into a septic tank. This efficient reuse and recycling of water not only conserves this precious resource but also illustrates a sustainable approach to managing household water in Earthship environments. The recycled water systems and the temperature control systems show how Earthships embody sustainability by utilizing materials from the earth itself and repurposed energy. The use of natural resources, such as the Earth's temperature, shows how Earthships’ designers leverage the inherent wisdom of natural resources, tapping into the Earth’s capacity to provide and sustain. It also shows how permaculture's emphasis on sustainability and self-sufficiency is integrated into the design of Earthships, making the most of the resources available to reduce environmental impact and promote a more balanced way of living.
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(This Earthship is the Ultimate Self-Sufficient Urban Home)