flat lands and PSP cost

Hello Mike  -

Are you aware of anyone who has successfully built a low-cost home using your techniques in the flat lands?  Easier or harder than in the mountains? 

Second question:  Do you think these methods could be used for low-cost homes for low-income people that would be an improvement on mobile homes?  Mobile homes are the modern version of the tar-paper shack.  For example, we know a family on disability that owns their own trailer.  Even though it's very small, their utility bill approaches $300/mo. in winter, and this is in north-central MS!  Retrofit is a possibility but beyond their means, which is almost $0.  There are many people in this situation; with PSP and minimal technical assistance, perhaps they could help themselves.  Zoning is not generally an issue in these parts except within city limits.  What are your thoughts?

John Wages
Tupelo, MS

Yes, I know of flatland PSP structures but don't keep track of them. Hills are preferred because of drainage and lower cost of land. The low income folk would be MUCH better off in earth integrated housing for initial cost, energy and less (almost none) toxins. Remember the scandal of the trailer housing after Katrina. In Mississippi you will have termite problems. Applying coats of linseed oil to protect the outside of the shoring then building with vertical crawl spaces to look for them might work. On my carpenter ants I use cayenne pepper, blow it right into their holes with a straw.