Tips for inexperienced builder in Europe?

I enjoy the concept of earth berm or wofati houses, but I'm green when it comes to house building. I'm also based in North-East Europe (Lithuania).

- building a wofati as an inexperienced builder seems challenging on its own, but at the same time also adhering to building codes makes this undertaking very intimidating; am I overestimating the challenge posed by building code adherence?

- would it make sense to consult with a building engineer before finalizing the plans? I'm concerned that a regular engineer or builder won't even know how to approach this kind of building;

- following from the last question, has anyone tried fully contracting out an earth berm construction to a third-party that doesn't specialize in such buildings? Would that be inherently expensive compared to a regular house?

- what should I be aware of when considering such a project in Europe? Most resources I run into are US-centric, and I'm wondering what are the Europe-specific nuances I should be aware of; maybe someone has Europe-based resources or communities to recommend?

PS: excuse the flurry of questions, I'm above all looking for a push in the right direction to continue my research, so if you feel like a comment that doesn't directly answer my question is best, that works!

Welcome to Permies!

I do not have the answers you seek, but I think these questions are something that a lot of people would be interested in. I think the biggest hurdle you have identified comes down to codes and what is and isn't allowed.

If I may inquire, where abouts in Europe are you located? I know that some locations are more ideal than others for a Wofati structure.

Timothy Norton wrote:Welcome to Permies!

I do not have the answers you seek, but I think these questions are something that a lot of people would be interested in. I think the biggest hurdle you have identified comes down to codes and what is and isn't allowed.

If I may inquire, where abouts in Europe are you located? I know that some locations are more ideal than others for a Wofati structure.

Thank you!

I'm located in Lithuania.

Code adherence is definitely an unknown for me, as well as how to approach alternative construction in general.

I'm a builder in France, but have no experience building a Wofati.
Is it like a one floor house into a berm facing south with a glass construction in front that heats up the house?
And does it have a roof carrying an extremely heavy load of earth?

I think most important is the foundation of it. If you're on clay, it could be difficult to support such an extremely heavy roof.
But if it's rock based, the problem will be getting permission, and that starts with great architectural sound drawings.
What does it matter if info is US based? US is gigantic, there is so much diversity there, maybe even more than in the whole of Europe.
Everybody has to recalculate the height and width of the beams and the carrying strength they have. If in doubt over-proportionate.
You'll first have to really study some drawings, come up with your own design and then ideally attract some mad greenminded architects that like a challenge which can recalculate your ideas. Because if you need a permit for something as unusual as a Wofati, they're going to be total arseholes.
They bureaucrats are all about discouraging any alternative house building. The powers that be need you in concrete blocks costing you half your life to pay back, while selling your soul to the system. They'd fucking hate it if people would find a way to start living in houses of under 20 thousand euro's. We'd be free. I'd love to be wrong and know people that would move to Lithuania if it's easy.

Basicly your frame carrying the roof has got to be super super strong. Like a box that could self support and would stand on it's own. I mean just the strong beams. The walls have to be connected to it and ideally not fall over. Hehe. I think a big thing is what consists the hill out of? Is it rock of mud with rock. Rock you can just render with sand / chalk cement with a natural pigment. But water coming through the rock could be a problem. Then you need a drainage system and a wall in front of that wall and ventilation in the space between the wall and the rockwall. If it's all horrible loose stuff you'll have to work on keeping that in place, maybe even poor a reinforced slighly sloping cement retaining wall. (Yeah i know cement causes CO2, but you not living a slave life working for the system will safe tons of it). Then still you could have condensation problems.

Anyway, i'll stop talking now and leave it up to all the experienced wofati builders to say something clever.
Hope this helps.

That helps alot, thanks, Hugo!

Look around Forums for a like minded designer builder, they are around.

Maybe build a small one first.
It can be your learning project and later become a shed or chicken coop.
The building code where I am allows a one story structure max 165 sq ft-a shed- no permit required.

I can do a LOT with 165 sq ft, so my first hobbit hole will be within that footprint just for the luxury of being left alone while I am on my learning curve.

Have fun!