Anything but Ordinary

Monolithic Domes? Earthships? These housing models sound more ‘sci-fi’ than ‘home sweet home’, but they make surprisingly beautiful, comfortable, and most importantly, sustainable homes. So why aren’t they popular? Read on for more pros and cons of Monolithic Domes and Earthships!

Monolithic Dome

Key Features

• Creating a Monolithic Dome is like papier-mâché!
  
  • Dome shape is created using an Airform (like a blown-up balloon).
  • Next, the shape is insulated with polyurethane foam that is sprayed into the mold.
  • The Airform is strengthened with concrete and reinforced with steel. 
• The Monolithic Dome shape and materials are good for building virtually anywhere… even underwater!
• Monolithic Domes have also been used to create churches, schools, offices, and communities.

Pros and Cons

• Protection from natural disasters and even bullets. Got a ‘near-absolute protection’ rating. This means they’re also long-lasting! 
• Requires about 50% less energy than conventional homes due to the tightly-sealed structure and the materials.
• Fairly cheap and easy to build compared to other sustainable home models. Concrete is not expensive.

• Does not give a 'home' feel due to dome shape and concrete. You may upset your ‘conventional’ neighbors.
• Design and approval process may be lengthy.
• Requires totally new construction! 

Earthship

Example of an Earthship home. 

Key Features

• Despite outlandish name, they are designed to fit Standard Building Codes.
• Interior and exterior plants for food and environment.
• Built further into the ground at an angle where they can better be cooled and receive warmth from the sun.  Dense mass insulation (rocks, concrete, stone, etc.) regulates heat.
• Rain water cleaned with silt (sand) and heated with solar power.  
• Self-contained sewage system that cleans (using solar power) and reuses the water 4 times for toilet bowl water and watering plants.  
• Wind and solar powered electricity.

Pros and Cons

• Self-sustaining. You would not need to rely on energy companies or even the supermarket!
• Will save money in the long run because you won’t be paying water, heat, electric, or gas!
• Can be modified to use more recycled materials.

Earthship Village project in New Mexico. 

• High upfront cost is probably more than conventional home. (Costs around $225 per square foot, plus the cost for the designers/builders).
• Solar/wind power and the complex water/sewage systems can be more expensive and difficult to find experts.
• May need to get building code approval.
• Not ideal for high-density environments like cities. Would be challenging to build into the ground and won’t have the same access to the sun.

Tips for your own ‘conventional’ home!

1. Add insulation to improve heating/cooling comfort. Roof if most important! Make an appt. with an NKCDC housing counselor for weatherization tips. 

2. Install a ‘catchwater’ system using a slightly sloping roof and a basic silt cistern to clean the water. This will reduce your water and electric bills.

3. Use a rain barrel to catch water to use for watering plants.

4. Install solar hot water heaters that can be used in conjunction with gas ones. 

5. Grow a garden in your yard or a community lot!

For more information of Earthships visit http://earthship.com/. To learn more about Monolithic Domes visit www.monolithic.org. 

Have an addition or suggestion for our blog? Contact Emma Maier at emaier@nkcdc.org.