Bill Ayers

I have pounded more than a few tires in my own builds and others even with Earthship Biotecture. This information was never accurate. There is no set height as there is no set standard size of tire, and as layers are added you use smaller and smaller tires anyway.... not even to mention the variances in sidewall size or how much it has been rammed with dirt.

Sorry for the lack of a set number... it just does not exist.   In my experience of the tires I have pounded the height is closer to 11-12in on average.

For my drawings I just take a guess then when building I manage the courses (tiers) as I go and it ends up however it ends up.

Bill

Joe,

I am currently building a tire bale home in Kansas. My experience is unique as the county within which we are building does not have building codes... only septic requirements and standard offsets for where the home can be on the property. This is very unique and took me years (and a good amount of luck) to find such a lenient location. For you, I would guess, that it likely will all depend upon the local codes and the individuals within the zoning committee and if they are open minded wanting to help people or are code wonks looking to say no as often as possible.

My experience showed me that talking directly to the zoning committee about what I was hoping to do was the best way to assess the situation and how to move forward as soon as possible.  Also, most zoning codes have a process to apply for variances. If they say that a tire bale build is not allowed you can ask if they have a variance application process.

On a side note, having some earthship building experience (I have my degree in Biotecture from Earthship Biotecture in Taos NM) and well into a full size tire bale build I would personally hesitate on encouraging anyone without extensive building experience to do a tire bale build... not that it cannot be done. On the surface it appears simple, but it is anything but simple... or easy. Depending on your reasons for doing a tire bale build there are some other options that are simpler/easier and more within standard building codes.

Here is the website for my build. http://www.dragonflyprairie.com/full-build/

The photos are a month or two behind, but you will get the idea.  

Best - Bill

I have a degree in Biotecture from Earthship Biotecture and have built a similar small structure as you describe. You can see it here: http://www.dragonflyprairie.com/greenhouse/

Your plan sounds solid with the cooling tubes... However, I am not sure you need 2 tubes 60' long. I would think one 10" tube 60' long would be more than plenty.  60' is long especially if the outside air is dry and not too awfully hot to begin with.

Just make sure the cooling tube is sloped down away from the building to avoid condensation or exterior water from flowing back into the building.

The easiest addition to help cooling is a ceiling fan or a fan on the cooling tube or pointing out a window  to help pull more cool air in.

Just my thoughts.

Bill

Tys,

Yes, to guarantee the dirt does not fall out the bottoms eventually it is best to plaster over the tires. Though it really depends on the soil used. I used high clay soil on a greenhouse with 7 courses and cardboard in the bottoms of the tires. (The first course or two should have plastic on the bottom below the cardboard as a water/vapor barrier). I never expect the dirt to fall out as it is nearly brick hard at this point. If you are working with sandy soils you can always put a layer or two of plastic at the bottom and double up on the cardboard.  Worst case, after a year or two you might have to pack out some of the tire walls if any dirt is falling out. If it is a root cellar I am guessing that would not cause a big issue.

If you have any more questions please let me know. I have a degree in Biotecture and building a full earthship inspired tire bale home this summer.

Bill

www.DragonFlyPrairie.com

T Blankinship wrote:I live about two hours south of Lawrence KS. And would like to learn more about Earthships.

Great. Next time you are up this way message me and we can meet for coffee!

Bill

There are designs specifically for humid, hurricane prone areas.

I helped on the build in Puerto Rico.

get an idea from this video-  https://youtu.be/cHCW1nRUVu4

Hello,

In October 2016 I attended the Earthship Biotecture 4 week classroom and hands on academy in Toas, NM.

Since then, I have been on 3 builds. I am currently doing a small earthship greenhouse on my own property that will hopefully qualify as my independent study to fully graduate from the academy.

Anyone in the Lawrence KS area want to get together and learn/talk about Earthships?

Bill

Look into Leavenworth County in Kansas.  Seems to meet most of your criteria especially, price per acre, homeschooling, vaccinations, and type of land (wooded, pasture/prairie).

Also, the county does not have building codes outside of any townships.

We just bought 7 acres right on the county line next to Douglas county and 10 mins outside of Lawrence KS.

There are a lot of homeschoolers and homesteaders around here. We have a 4 and 6 year old that go to the Waldorf school here.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Bill

These are beautiful boots. Are you interested in making boots like this for other people?

I also live in Kansas.

Bill