Waqar Naqvi

Hi All ! Please do google Alishan Eco homes , Nagpur

Here is the current update with application of gypsum plaster.

nick bramlett wrote:My property is low in the middle where a creek runs and is high on all the property lines. Took two samples. The gray one taken from the lowest elevation w/o actually being in the creek or creek bank but where ground is always wet. The other taken from middle to high ground (any higher and the ground becomes a lot of rock. Thinking if I use the soil from high ground and add a little from the low ground, then that would make a good mix for earth bags and other earthen type building. Does that look about right? First pics are prior to adding water, seconds are a few minutes after adding water and shaking, and thirds are 48 hrs later. Also what explains the difference in color between the two?

Hi Nick ,

If you can get fly ash it can be good add on to strengthen the compound making it more stronger. Your worry about soil quality will be minimal.

jim hughes wrote:Thanks for the tips! I will be working with sand bags to finish off my in ground green house. Your structures are great!

Hello Jim,

All the best, do keep posted about your project .

Randje Mitchell wrote:Where are you building?

Hello Randije

We are building this in Nagpur city which is located in central India.

Here is the updated photos and tour video (https://youtu.be/MFVPPcbJiws)  we shot 2 days back.

Hi All,

I would like to share my personal experience on earth bag constructions. I did lot of experiments to come to this better strong structure today.

I would like to suggest some point,

1. Material strength - I tested fly ash in the mixture which gave a super strength of the bag, We mixed that with soil, cement, sand and got good compound in the bag. We gained the hardness in 4-5 days. We also used fly ash and white clay for plaster and it gave superb result.

2 - Bags - I was unable to get the CalEarth earth bags, so I researched to get some ways for it. Incidentally i found out PLASTIC COATED bags from local industry. We bought the bag rolls as they were needed with times. The plastic coated bags are more stronger with water repellent capacity, thus making the durability of the structure more better.

3 - Bag pressing - Bag pressing is the most important thing to be done, the more compressed bags are, the stability is better.

4 - Plaster - I tested gypsum plus water proofing liquid, I found it clean and better then sprays.

5 - Eco Cooler (See in posted images or google)  - I read out about eco cooler, and we made it by self. We found out its amazing to add it to windows.

6 - Furniture and landscaping - Yes, We made most things from earth bags only, thus making this project as pure earth bag construction.

Future concepts -

We are looking to make Wind catcher to lower down temperature as well as wind turbine for ventilation.

We are also working on Solar energy system from a DIY concept.

We have read about eco fridge that runs on zero electricity, and we are looking forward to make this all things practically feasible soon. Here are some glimpse of it.

Please do let me know feed backs and ideas as well as If I can suggest something.

Thank you all for help. I have almost completed a dome with other on the way. I wish to know how to get that plastered from outer and inner surface as I think the cement plaster wont stick directly on bags. Please assist.

Thank you Sebastian,

I will go through it.

Sebastian Köln wrote:Hello Waqar,

do you know the Auroville Earth Institute? They have documented a few things online.

I am in process for making 4 ecodomes in india. I am done with markings and layout plans even i have arranged earth bags, barb wire and other things. I am using idea of Bonita homes, but I have a query about placing the bags. The radius I kept is about 7 feet and I wish that to be 15-18 feet tall for main dome and 10 feet for smaller domes. I am searching how to make that dome shape. How much to adjust the row inside in each lane to get that dome shape (like first 5 feet in straight then sliding bags 1-2 inches inside ? ). Any help from experts ? Please find attachments.

Rebecca Norman wrote:Where in India is it located? May and June in most of the plains of India are awfully hot to ask volunteers to work outdoors... But there are lots of nice places in hills, so maybe you're in some cool hills somewhere?

Hi Rebecca, Do you have any idea how much time it takes to finish a dome with 4-5 people working ?