Ever wonder how to build a simple home for very little money, without
going into debt? The key is to use low-cost cheap house, locally available natural
materials suchsmall diameter wood, earth, and straw to keep expenses to a
minimum. The real fun is incorporating all of these methods into an
optimum, comfortable, affordable home.
Our earthbag projects have confirmed what I’ve known for a long time – that building at $10/sq.ft. (materials only) or thereabouts is possible. Other aspects of earthbag building -- strength, sustainability,durability, etc. -- are all important. But perhaps the most important point is affordability, because building at $10/sq. ft. makes housing cheap house affordable to virtually everyone on the planet. The last page of this Instructable includes a list of $10/sq. ft. projects built by others.
Cheap houses to build
A big reason for the growing popularity of earthbag building is its low cost. You can build shelters for under $1,000. For $1,000-$5,000 you could have a nice, small cheap house that would outlast most conventional wood-framed houses, and be quieter, more comfortable and non-toxic.
Are you on an extremely tight budget? Then I suggest building small using building in stages ,local natural materials, and adding on as you can afford it. For instance, build one roundhouse and live in it until you’ve saved enough to build another. You could join the gabled covered walkways, or roundhouses with arched, vine covered pergolas, enclosed passageways or additions, or just leave them free standing. Building a little at a time like this requires planning ahead for future doorways and other considerations, but it enables you to build debt free.Extending rectilinear structures (adding one room at a time) would be even easier.
The following list summarizes some of the potential savings from using alternative construction methods and natural building materials. It’s up to you to get informed and switch to a sustainable lifestyle.If you’re wondering why they’re not more widely used, it’s because contractors, banks, realtors and others in the housing industry make more profit from the current system.
1. Foundation: Earthbag foundations – polypropylene bags filled with gravel, scoria or pumice on a rubble trench – make an excellent foundation. Insulated frost-protected foundations do not have to be as deep as standard foundations and therefore use fewer materials, require less excavation and backfill, less form work and less labor. They also reduce long-term energy costs because they are very energy efficient. Potential savings: $2,000 (more in cold climates where foundations are typically very deep), and lower energy costs.This type of foundation is well within the scope of most owner-builders.
2. Earthen floor: Earthen floors last indefinitely and eliminate the need for other floor coverings. Adding insulation under the floor can produce even greater energy savings. (Earthen floors in Taos Pueblo are over 600 years old.) They also provide thermal mass by absorbing heat from the sun and releasing it gradually at night, which reduces energy costs. They are very comfortable to walk on. Flooring products such as linoleum and synthetic carpet need to be replaced regularly and usually off-gas harmful fumes.Pigments can be troweled onto the surface to create any number of designs. Some of the most beautiful resemble leather. Major savings come from not hiring a contractor and not building the floor with wood floor joists, beams, subflooring, and eliminating the need for finish flooring materials such as carpet. Earthen floors are well within the reach of most do-it-yourselfers, although you might want to hire a couple of semi-skilled laborers to speed the process. Potential savings: $4,000 (much more in many cases), and lower long-term replacement costs.
3. Radiant floor heating: Radiant heating uses hot water that flows through plastic tubing in the floor (for example, inside an earthen floor). Radiant heating is the most comfortable and efficient form of heating. Forced air furnaces contribute to cold and allergy problems because they create dust and dry out the air. But radiant heat is clean, safe, and quiet.The floor is always warm and comfortable and the air temperature is always uniform because hot air rises. Insulation under the slab (scoria, perlite, etc.) insures that most of the heat radiates up into the home. Suppliers often design the system for free if you buy the parts from them. Potential savings: thousands of dollars over the life of the home in energy savings.The savings here come from installing it yourself, which is very feasible. You may need assistance installing the mechanical systems, but most homeowners could easily install the tubing.
4. Strawbale or earthbag walls: The main benefit of straw-bale construction, in addition to the environmental aspects, is the energy efficiency of thick, super-insulated walls. Earthbag is ideal for many regions, especially hot climates and areas subject to tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding.Strawbale is especially practical in cold, dry climates, and is very fast and easy to learn. Both are well suited for seismic areas. Potential savings: lower cost for DIY versus hiring contractors, and thousands of dollars over the life of the home in energy savings.
Compressed Earth Block often referred to simply as CEB, is a type of manufactured construction material formed in a mechanical press that forms an appropriate mix of dirt, an aggregate into a compressed block, and non-expansive clay. Creating CEBs differs from rammed earth in that the latter uses a larger formwork into which earth is poured and tamped down, creating larger forms such as a whole wall or more at one time. CEB blocks are installed onto the wall by hand and a slurry made of a soupy version of the same dirt/clay mix, sans aggregate, is brushed or spread very thinly between the blocks for bonding. There is no use of mortar in the traditional sense. (This is not necessarily true for vertical presses, see link at bottom of page)
5. Small diameter wood: As a result of poor management, US forests are choked with small trees.These small trees can be used in the round (which is inherently stronger than milled lumber) for pole trusses, posts, beams, etc. They can also be turned into door and window bucks, studs, plates, rafters, cabinets and furniture using a portable sawmill or an inexpensive chainsaw guide. Thinning this excess wood improves the health of forests, reduces risk of forest fires and provides a nearly unlimited source of wood for those who harvest it. Potential savings: thousands of dollars, depending on how much you use instead of milled lumber.
6. Earthen plaster: Using earthen plaster on walls has proven effective for many thousands of years.People of all ages and skill levels can participate with almost no training. With wide roof overhangs of 36" or so, earthen plaster will hold up very well in most climates, requiring only minor maintenance. Earthen plaster is a favorite among DIY natural builders. Potential savings: thousands of dollars, depending on what materials are eliminated.
7. Passive solar design: Solar energy is free from the sun, so it makes sense to maximize its potential.Locate the longest axis of the house towards south (in the northern hemisphere). Proper siting of the house is necessary. Install additional high-efficiency windows on the south side and use fewer windows on the east, west, and north walls. Balance this with other factors such as daylighting, ventilation, curb appeal, etc. You want to block the hot summer sun but allow the lower winter sun to shine into the home. Protect south facing windows with a properly sized roof overhang.The main benefits of passive solar energy are lower long-term energy costs and a brighter, more pleasant living space. Potential savings: thousands of dollars over the long term in energy savings.
8. Lower mortgage rate: It’s best to build small, build in stages and pay with cash. But if you decide to get a mortgage, some lending institutions will charge a lower rate on homes with energy saving features that are rated by a recognized source such as Energy Rated Homes of Colorado (ERHC). ERHC is a state sponsored organization whose ratings are accepted by every bank and lender. Potential savings: $2,000, plus thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
9. Metal roofing: Metal roofing is one of the most cost-effective, durable and practical roofing materials. It will last several times longer than asphalt shingles and is resistant to hail. It is probably the fastest and easiest roofing material to install. Because metal roofing is fire resistant, you may be able to get a discount on your home insurance.It is also a good choice environmentally. There is less chance of leaks and water damage in comparison to asphalt shingles. Metal roofing contains recycled steel and can be recycled again in the future. Additional savings can come from using white or light-colored roofs to reflect heat in hot climates. The estimated savings here assume you will install your own metal roofing, but would have hired a contractor to install the heavier asphalt shingles. A properly designed and well insulated home often will not need a cooler or air conditioning system. Potential savings: $3,000 initially, plus long term energy savings and lower maintenance costs.
Much of the world's population live and work in buildings constructed from compressed earth bricks, or blocks (CEB). The earth used is generally subsoil, leaving the topsoil intact for agricultural purposes.The use of natural, local materials keeps the cheap house cost down. Compressed earth bricks are entirely natural and are excellent thermal insulators, reducing heating and cooling costs. Making your own compressed earth bricks can be completed with materials that are readily available. Generally, soil that resists erosion is a good choice for the building material for cheap house.
Making bricks from mud and straw is a fun project for children or
adults, and can be a great way to add a personal decorative touch to
your new patio, wall or garden decor. During the drying process, you can
add colorful glass beads, draw pictures or designs in the moist brick
or place children's hand prints in the mold as lifelong memory.
Our earthbag projects have confirmed what I’ve known for a long time – that building at $10/sq.ft. (materials only) or thereabouts is possible. Other aspects of earthbag building -- strength, sustainability,durability, etc. -- are all important. But perhaps the most important point is affordability, because building at $10/sq. ft. makes housing cheap house affordable to virtually everyone on the planet. The last page of this Instructable includes a list of $10/sq. ft. projects built by others.
Cheap houses to build
A big reason for the growing popularity of earthbag building is its low cost. You can build shelters for under $1,000. For $1,000-$5,000 you could have a nice, small cheap house that would outlast most conventional wood-framed houses, and be quieter, more comfortable and non-toxic.
Are you on an extremely tight budget? Then I suggest building small using building in stages ,local natural materials, and adding on as you can afford it. For instance, build one roundhouse and live in it until you’ve saved enough to build another. You could join the gabled covered walkways, or roundhouses with arched, vine covered pergolas, enclosed passageways or additions, or just leave them free standing. Building a little at a time like this requires planning ahead for future doorways and other considerations, but it enables you to build debt free.Extending rectilinear structures (adding one room at a time) would be even easier.
The following list summarizes some of the potential savings from using alternative construction methods and natural building materials. It’s up to you to get informed and switch to a sustainable lifestyle.If you’re wondering why they’re not more widely used, it’s because contractors, banks, realtors and others in the housing industry make more profit from the current system.
1. Foundation: Earthbag foundations – polypropylene bags filled with gravel, scoria or pumice on a rubble trench – make an excellent foundation. Insulated frost-protected foundations do not have to be as deep as standard foundations and therefore use fewer materials, require less excavation and backfill, less form work and less labor. They also reduce long-term energy costs because they are very energy efficient. Potential savings: $2,000 (more in cold climates where foundations are typically very deep), and lower energy costs.This type of foundation is well within the scope of most owner-builders.
2. Earthen floor: Earthen floors last indefinitely and eliminate the need for other floor coverings. Adding insulation under the floor can produce even greater energy savings. (Earthen floors in Taos Pueblo are over 600 years old.) They also provide thermal mass by absorbing heat from the sun and releasing it gradually at night, which reduces energy costs. They are very comfortable to walk on. Flooring products such as linoleum and synthetic carpet need to be replaced regularly and usually off-gas harmful fumes.Pigments can be troweled onto the surface to create any number of designs. Some of the most beautiful resemble leather. Major savings come from not hiring a contractor and not building the floor with wood floor joists, beams, subflooring, and eliminating the need for finish flooring materials such as carpet. Earthen floors are well within the reach of most do-it-yourselfers, although you might want to hire a couple of semi-skilled laborers to speed the process. Potential savings: $4,000 (much more in many cases), and lower long-term replacement costs.
3. Radiant floor heating: Radiant heating uses hot water that flows through plastic tubing in the floor (for example, inside an earthen floor). Radiant heating is the most comfortable and efficient form of heating. Forced air furnaces contribute to cold and allergy problems because they create dust and dry out the air. But radiant heat is clean, safe, and quiet.The floor is always warm and comfortable and the air temperature is always uniform because hot air rises. Insulation under the slab (scoria, perlite, etc.) insures that most of the heat radiates up into the home. Suppliers often design the system for free if you buy the parts from them. Potential savings: thousands of dollars over the life of the home in energy savings.The savings here come from installing it yourself, which is very feasible. You may need assistance installing the mechanical systems, but most homeowners could easily install the tubing.
4. Strawbale or earthbag walls: The main benefit of straw-bale construction, in addition to the environmental aspects, is the energy efficiency of thick, super-insulated walls. Earthbag is ideal for many regions, especially hot climates and areas subject to tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding.Strawbale is especially practical in cold, dry climates, and is very fast and easy to learn. Both are well suited for seismic areas. Potential savings: lower cost for DIY versus hiring contractors, and thousands of dollars over the life of the home in energy savings.
Compressed Earth Block often referred to simply as CEB, is a type of manufactured construction material formed in a mechanical press that forms an appropriate mix of dirt, an aggregate into a compressed block, and non-expansive clay. Creating CEBs differs from rammed earth in that the latter uses a larger formwork into which earth is poured and tamped down, creating larger forms such as a whole wall or more at one time. CEB blocks are installed onto the wall by hand and a slurry made of a soupy version of the same dirt/clay mix, sans aggregate, is brushed or spread very thinly between the blocks for bonding. There is no use of mortar in the traditional sense. (This is not necessarily true for vertical presses, see link at bottom of page)
5. Small diameter wood: As a result of poor management, US forests are choked with small trees.These small trees can be used in the round (which is inherently stronger than milled lumber) for pole trusses, posts, beams, etc. They can also be turned into door and window bucks, studs, plates, rafters, cabinets and furniture using a portable sawmill or an inexpensive chainsaw guide. Thinning this excess wood improves the health of forests, reduces risk of forest fires and provides a nearly unlimited source of wood for those who harvest it. Potential savings: thousands of dollars, depending on how much you use instead of milled lumber.
6. Earthen plaster: Using earthen plaster on walls has proven effective for many thousands of years.People of all ages and skill levels can participate with almost no training. With wide roof overhangs of 36" or so, earthen plaster will hold up very well in most climates, requiring only minor maintenance. Earthen plaster is a favorite among DIY natural builders. Potential savings: thousands of dollars, depending on what materials are eliminated.
7. Passive solar design: Solar energy is free from the sun, so it makes sense to maximize its potential.Locate the longest axis of the house towards south (in the northern hemisphere). Proper siting of the house is necessary. Install additional high-efficiency windows on the south side and use fewer windows on the east, west, and north walls. Balance this with other factors such as daylighting, ventilation, curb appeal, etc. You want to block the hot summer sun but allow the lower winter sun to shine into the home. Protect south facing windows with a properly sized roof overhang.The main benefits of passive solar energy are lower long-term energy costs and a brighter, more pleasant living space. Potential savings: thousands of dollars over the long term in energy savings.
8. Lower mortgage rate: It’s best to build small, build in stages and pay with cash. But if you decide to get a mortgage, some lending institutions will charge a lower rate on homes with energy saving features that are rated by a recognized source such as Energy Rated Homes of Colorado (ERHC). ERHC is a state sponsored organization whose ratings are accepted by every bank and lender. Potential savings: $2,000, plus thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
9. Metal roofing: Metal roofing is one of the most cost-effective, durable and practical roofing materials. It will last several times longer than asphalt shingles and is resistant to hail. It is probably the fastest and easiest roofing material to install. Because metal roofing is fire resistant, you may be able to get a discount on your home insurance.It is also a good choice environmentally. There is less chance of leaks and water damage in comparison to asphalt shingles. Metal roofing contains recycled steel and can be recycled again in the future. Additional savings can come from using white or light-colored roofs to reflect heat in hot climates. The estimated savings here assume you will install your own metal roofing, but would have hired a contractor to install the heavier asphalt shingles. A properly designed and well insulated home often will not need a cooler or air conditioning system. Potential savings: $3,000 initially, plus long term energy savings and lower maintenance costs.
How to Make Compressed Earth Bricks
Much of the world's population live and work in buildings constructed from compressed earth bricks, or blocks (CEB). The earth used is generally subsoil, leaving the topsoil intact for agricultural purposes.The use of natural, local materials keeps the cheap house cost down. Compressed earth bricks are entirely natural and are excellent thermal insulators, reducing heating and cooling costs. Making your own compressed earth bricks can be completed with materials that are readily available. Generally, soil that resists erosion is a good choice for the building material for cheap house.
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- 3/8-inch wire mesh
- Compressed earth brick press
- Clay soil
- Shovel
- Plastic sheeting
- Lime
- Sand
- Water
- Trough
Sift the soil through a 3/8-inch wire mesh to remove debris and larger rocks.
Combine a mixture comprising of
65 percent clay, 5 percent lime 30 percent sand and in a large trough
with a shovel. Blend the ingredients thoroughly with water until it is
just workable, not too watery not crumbly and dry .
Fill a brick press with the compact the soil and mixture, following the brick press manufacturer's
directions. Remove the brick from the press and set it aside to cure.
Repeat the process until you have obtained the desired amount of earth
bricks.
Let the bricks to cure for two weeks to completely dry and strengthen
the blocks. Cover freshly made bricks with
plastic sheeting to keep moisture in, allowing the brick to slowly dry.
They are now ready to use.
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Moulds
- Dirt
- Wheelbarrow
- Decorative items
- Grass or straw
Instructions
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-
1
Begin by collecting the perfect dirt for brick-making. Sift the rocks and twigs from the dirt and place it in a wheelbarrow. You will need to dig down at least one foot, collecting deeper, lighter colored dirt and not the top soil.You can use a household strainer to sift the dirt, if desired.
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2
Add grass or straw to the dirt.The grass or straw should be cut short, no longer than 3 inches in length. As a general rule you should add one part grass or straw to six parts dirt.
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3
Stir in water slowly, mixing well. It is important to mix thoroughly, preventing the dirt from clumping up and forming brittle, dry patches in your finished brick.Add only enough water so that the dirt is thick, not runny, about the consistency of biscuit dough.
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4
Shovel the mud into your chosen mold. Molds can be made from many things such as old milk cartons, pie pans,ice cream containers,or you can make your own mold from scraps of wood.
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5
Place the molds, full of mud, in the sun to dry.Once the bricks are dry enough, remove them gently from the mold and place them in a dry, shaded area to complete drying. When partially dry you can add decorative touches, such as hand or foot prints, glass beads or shards or anything you can imagine. Placing them in the shade for the final drying will help prevent cracking.
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1
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