earthships, -35F and no heat, off grid, building codes, etc.

In another thread a fella listed off a whole bunch of interesting free-on-the-net movies.    This one was probably one of the biggest.  He labeled it "garbage warrior".

It contains a long list of really important tidbits:

http://www.tudou.com/v/hdhmr5aj7b4

One thing is that he shows it getting to 35 degrees below zero and yet there is no need for any heat in this house.  Thermal inertia takes care of everything.

This film also demonstrates the challenges from government.

It also shows the fun in coming up with a crazy idea and running with it the next day.

While I doubt I'm ever gonna build an earthship, I think this video is loaded with excellent information and excellent lessons.

Thermal inertia is such incredibly powerful stuff!

I've heard second-hand that the tires cause problems with off-gassing over time.

But the concepts of thermal storage in huge masses, capturing your own water from whatever rain you get, using the geometry of the sun and your windows to heat in the winter and cool in the summer, reusing water multiple time are all solid.

IMHO, they should be incorporated into any living situation if at all possible.

tamo42 wrote:
I've heard second-hand that the tires cause problems with off-gassing over time.

I have no opinion but here's some info that may or may not quench those concerns:

http://www.earthshipbiotecture.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=74