A Naturally Insulated, Earth-Sheltered Pump House from Wheaton Labs
The Myco-Insulated Pump House is an innovative low-tech structure developed during the Permaculture Technology Jamboree at Wheaton Labs. Led by Beau Davidson, this project demonstrates how mycelium insulation, roundwood joinery, and passive earthworks can be combined to create a durable, frost-resistant pump house with minimal industrial inputs.
This fully insulated structure is designed to keep well pumps from freezing in cold climates like Montana, using mycelium as a living, breathable insulation that naturally binds to the structure. The roof is hinged and counterweighted, allowing for easy access to the pump, while the earth-sheltered design stabilizes internal temperatures year-round.
Unlike conventional well houses, this design incorporates:
✅ Mycelium-based insulation that grows into place, forming a continuous thermal barrier
✅ Roundwood construction with mortise and tenon joinery—no metal fasteners needed
✅ A layered earth umbrella for natural moisture control and temperature stabilization
✅ A counterweighted roof system, allowing for smooth operation with minimal effort
✅ Wood shake roofing, installed with overlapping patterns to ensure durability
For those interested in building their own Myco-Insulated Pump House, we’ve created a detailed 44-page PDF guide featuring:
✅ 3D renders and illustrations for step-by-step clarity
✅ Technical details on mycelium insulation application and colonization
✅ Step-by-step instructions covering the roof frame, counterweight system, and joinery techniques
✅ Insights from hands-on testing at Wheaton Labs, where multiple iterations refined the system for real-world conditions
This is more than just a pump house—it’s a low-tech, high-performance structure that merges permaculture principles with hands-on craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking to protect your well from freezing, experiment with fungal insulation, or explore natural building techniques, these plans will give you the tools to build it yourself.
🔹 Get your copy today and start building a naturally insulated, long-lasting pump house! 🔹
The combination of mycelium insulation, earthworks, and natural joinery creates a pump house that stays warm, dry, and resilient in all seasons.
The plans are done! We've gone through it so many times that we're a bit numb to it now. If you catch any wonky bits or have feedback, we’d really appreciate it if you let us know. And here’s a sweet deal—if we implement your feedback, you’ll earn yourself some tasty pie as a thank-you!
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