Bermed Greenhouse with Non-Rammed Earth Tires

I am wondering about an alternate way of using tires for an earth bermed greenhouse.  I know that ramming the tires with earth is the traditional method but what about filling the tires with soilcrete or something else that is not as labor intensive?  Is this even a possibility?  Would the structure be weaker, stronger or a disaster waiting to happen?

Dear Sir,

Soil Crete while it may seem less labor intensive - due to a pouring method of entering materials to a form ,  has upon the do it yourself scale, the very real probability of being a great labor to manufacture, place and while is an over excessive expensive method for most needs. I would suggest traditional Rammed Earth with its 70% sand and 30% clay  ( or 25% Clay & 5% Portland  ( or 20% Clay 10% Lime )  ) for most home construction, including greenhouse construction, is a practical solution.  When it is Stuccoed over with a proper foundation, lifted to a minimum of 6 inches over the water table level, it will last for several centuries.

I hope some of that helps you !

Joe Woodall, Eco-Architect , Managing Partner
Georgia Adobe Rammed Earth & Renewable Energy
231 Harris Lord Cemetery Road
Commerce, Georgia 30530 USA
706-363-6453
http://www.georgiaadobe.com
sales@georgiaadobe.com

As an interesting side note I was at the tire store buying a new set of winter tires (we're still in the glacial era here in Vermont) last week and I noticed that Nokia was advertising a literally green tire. I mean, the tire was actually green. I asked about it and the sales guy said that was just a gimmick, that the real tires weren't green they were just trying to make a point that that type of tire used no toxic chemicals, oils, etc in it. All the other tires do (including others by Nokia). When building a house of tires one might want to be very cautious of this issue. I use a lot of tires around the farm but they're outdoors holding things down, not in my indoor breathing space.

I am not positive, but I think with rammed-earth tires as such in an earthship like home, the tires are coated on the inside with a thick stucco-like material that would feasibly block any chemicals/stink?

I also note that my friends garage is filled to the brim with tires and such but they don't seem to smell? Then again I haven't buried my nose next to one either 


-Johnny