Description of Challenge
Assuring self-reliance and lowering carbon emissions". . . the Earthship is the epitome of sustainable design and construction. No part of sustainable living has been ignored in this ingenious building."
Solution
Earthship use solar power and carbon-zero technology and are made of natural and recycled materials. It integrates all elements with food production to assure a minimal reliance on public utilities and fossil fuels. It can be modified for almost any climate and comes in many sizes. It can also come in custom sizes. It has been built enough times that it has become a well oiled machine both in terms of performance and production. Biotecture, based in Taos, New Mexico commercialize it. It costs around $230 per sf. The construction drawings range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on size. Most models can be built by their crew in one month anywhere in the world. In this scenario you must add travel and accommodations for the crew. Of course our drawings are aimed at owner builders doing this themselves as well. This can cut costs by close to 40%.
