Eco-Pod Home. Energy efficient Eco-pod Home Rene just sent this to me and I really think it is cool, what do you think?
An ‘eco-pod’ home, which promises to be more energy efficient than standard houses, has been shown at this year’s Grand Designs show at London’s ExCel Centre. Eco Hab is committed to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, by building a range of the highest performing energy efficient Eco friendly Homes. Every step has been taken during the design and construction of our Eco Pods, to minimise the Homes demand and dependency of fossil fuels. This has been achieved by incorporating the following features into the Eco Pod: • High level of thermal insulation giving an overall U value of up to .18 for the 4m pod and .16 for the 6m pod • Sealed Envelope (no air leakage) • Hot air recovery ventilation • Wood/ solid fuel burning stove • Under floor heating • Full recycling facility (5 separate waste shoots) • Factory built (controlled work environment) Optional extras:
Photo Gallery. Pat's First Cob (1998) This was Patrick's first cob project on his own after taking a one week workshop with Cob Cottage Company (CCC) in 1997.
He built the foundation and then used beach logs for the frame. CCC then taught a 2 week course, after which Patrick finished the walls and roof. Tracy and Patrick did the plastering. The budget for the project was $1,000. Hilde's Cob (1999) The major construction of this cob was completed in the summer of 1999. Garden Cob (2002) Elke and Patrick built the Garden Cob during an 8 week apprenticeship course. Christina's Cob (2002-2004) There are 3 separate cob projects on this site. Kate's Cob (2003) Kate's cob is our largest cob house project to date. Deaconvale Farm Cob (2005) Tracy and Patrick were the instructors for this intensive 9 week, 9 person apprenticeship program. Lee's Courtyard (2000-2001) This courtyard was 2 separate workshops over 2 summers. Charles' Cob (2001) Charles wanted to use only materials from his site. Blacksmith Shop (2001) Tiny Green Cabins - Earth friendly small houses. Eco-Dome. CalEarth’s Eco-Dome can be built out of nothing more than dirt, barbed wire, and the same kind of polyethylene bags used to make sandbags to contain floods.
The house will probably last longer if you mix some cement with the dirt, but it’s not absolutely necessary. The bags come in the form of a continuous tube, and the house is constructed of layers of dirt-filled “snakes,” with barbed wire laid between them to keep them from moving. This 400 sq. ft. home is one of CalEarth’s plans that can be built from the dirt on your land. It’s 21st-century adobe: faster and easier than traditional adobe construction, because you don’t have to make and dry individual bricks.
This construction technique can be learned quickly by anyone, and is about the cheapest possible way to build lasting shelter. Plans and a DVD and bags are available at the CalEarth’s Eco-Dome web site. Eco-Dome video of the construction: Eco-Dome pictures of the structure.