Posts by Chad Castellanos

The Earthship Greenhouse: A Winter Paradise in the Heart of Minnesota When you think of Minnesota winters, you likely imagine snow-covered landscapes, biting winds, and temperatures that can easily dip below zero. For many, the cold months can feel endless, especially with the lack of sunlight and the constant chill in the air. But for…

Where to Get Tires for Your Earthship: Tips and Tricks for Sourcing Materials One of the most unique—and physically demanding—elements of building an Earthship is sourcing and pounding tires for the foundation. While it may seem like a simple task to find old tires, it turns out that finding the right ones in the right…

Building an Earthship is a rewarding experience, but one of the most physically demanding tasks you’ll encounter is pounding tires into the foundation. If you’re imagining something easy, like tapping a nail into wood, think again. This is intense, back-breaking work that will leave you sore and wondering why you didn’t sign up for yoga…

he Earthship Encounter Design: A Revolutionary Approach to Sustainable Living The Earthship concept, developed by architect Michael Reynolds in the 1970s, represents an innovative approach to sustainable housing, focusing on self-sufficiency and environmental harmony. One of the unique features of Earthships is the encounter design, a core principle that shapes how these structures interact with…

Designing an Earthship tailored to your personal preferences, needs, and local climate involves balancing aesthetic choices with the fundamental principles that ensure its functionality and sustainability. While Earthships are typically elongated structures oriented 5 to 10 degrees east of true south to capture the morning winter sun, there is flexibility in design to accommodate individual…

Earthship cooling tubes, also known as earth-air heat exchangers, are a passive cooling system that utilizes the Earth’s stable underground temperature to regulate indoor climates. This method leverages natural convection and thermal mass principles to cool buildings without the need for electricity or mechanical components. How Earthship Cooling Tubes Work The system consists of a…

In Earthship design, greywater systems are integral to sustainable water management, recycling water from sinks and showers to nourish indoor botanical cells and supply toilets. This process not only conserves water but also supports plant growth and natural purification. Plumbing and the Three-Way Valve The greywater system collects water from household activities such as bathing…

Rammed earth tire walls, a hallmark of Earthship construction, offer a superior alternative to conventional building methods due to their exceptional strength, durability, and environmental benefits. These walls are constructed by filling discarded automobile tires with compacted earth, creating robust “rammed earth bricks” encased in steel-belted rubber. Structural Integrity and Weight Distribution Each tire, once…

Constructing can walls in Earthships is an innovative and sustainable building technique that repurposes discarded aluminum cans, contributing to eco-friendly construction practices. This method not only reduces waste but also offers remarkable adaptability, allowing builders to create structures of various shapes with minimal technical expertise. Adaptability and Ease of Construction One of the significant advantages…

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 Construction of the Bottle Wall Final Touches By diligently following these steps…