Earthship Bottle Walls

Constructing a bottle wall in an Earthship is an innovative way to repurpose glass bottles, creating a structure that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This process requires meticulous preparation and assembly to ensure the wall’s stability and visual appeal.

Preparation of Bottles

  1. Selection: Choose bottles of uniform size and shape to maintain consistency in the wall’s appearance and structural integrity.
  2. Cutting: Carefully cut each bottle in half using a glass cutter or a specialized bottle-cutting tool. Precision is essential to achieve clean, even edges.
  3. Cleaning: Thoroughly wash both halves to remove any labels, adhesives, or residues. Ensuring the bottles are spotless prevents mold growth and maintains clarity.
  4. Drying: Allow the bottle halves to dry completely. Any moisture left inside can lead to condensation, which may cause cloudiness or mold over time.
  5. Joining Halves: Align the cut ends of two bottle halves together, creating a “bottle brick” with the bottoms facing outward. Secure them using strong adhesive tape, ensuring an airtight seal to prevent condensation from forming between the joined bottles.

Construction of the Bottle Wall

  1. Foundation: Lay a stable foundation using materials like cement or cob. A solid base is crucial for the wall’s longevity and stability.
  2. Layering Process:
    • Apply a layer of mortar on the foundation.
    • Position the prepared bottle bricks horizontally into the mortar, ensuring the taped seam is fully embedded to maintain the airtight seal.
    • Maintain consistent spacing between bottles to achieve uniformity.
    • After placing two to three layers of bottles, pause to allow the mortar to set and gain strength. Building more than three layers at a time can compromise the wall’s stability until the mortar has adequately cured.
    • Before the mortar sets completely, clean any excess from the exposed bottle surfaces to prevent staining and ensure maximum light transmission.
  3. Leveling: After completing each row, use a level to ensure the bottles are aligned properly. This step is crucial for maintaining the wall’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
  4. Continuation: Once the mortar has sufficiently hardened, continue adding layers, repeating the process of laying bottles, cleaning, and leveling.
  5. Plastering: After the wall reaches the desired height and the mortar has fully cured, apply a layer of plaster over the mortar joints, leaving the bottle ends exposed. This step refines the wall’s appearance and adds an extra layer of insulation.

Final Touches

  • Inspection: After the plaster has dried, inspect the wall for any gaps or imperfections. Address any issues promptly to maintain the wall’s integrity.
  • Sealing: Consider applying a clear sealant to the exposed bottle ends to enhance their shine and protect against environmental factors.

By diligently following these steps and allowing the mortar to set appropriately between layers, you can construct a bottle wall that is both structurally sound and visually striking, contributing to the Earthship’s sustainability and unique charm.

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