Earthbag Homes

Earthbag Home Design

As a recognized structural engineering service provider, and a leader in green home design, PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. recognizes the need for incorporating more environmentally sound building practices. PSE is licensed in many different states, and remains dedicated to working with local agencies to merge code enforcement with sustainable building practices. While we do not provide construction services, we deliver strategic earthbag building design for those wanting to take advantage of this unique building material.

Benefits Designing a Home With EarthBags

Building with earth and materials dates back centuries, but an earthbag house engineered by PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. is anything but antique. Dirt is the most fundamental element of earthbag home construction, and it is the most abundant element on earth. Earthbag structures have been employed for many years and boasts a variety of uses. These include flood control and temporary shelter during times of war. The principles that made this a sound choice in the past make earthbag home design for residential or commercial use an innovative and sustainable option.

Earthbag structures are still used by many people throughout the country simply because they work. Nothing compares with the beauty of an earthen home such as earthbag building. For protection from the sun’s rays, earthbag buildings are typically covered with a plaster.

Environmental Benefits of Earthbag Home Design

Earthbag homes begin with the bags themselves, which can be recycled grain bags, misprints, burlap, polypropylene, or other economic choices—they are both sustainable and cost-effective. The fill can be on-site soil or other local materials. Depending on the needs and uses of the completed project, certain materials are selected for either insulation or providing thermal mass. Generally, the fill is of a mineral composition and not subject to decay. Because these structures can take an endless variety of shapes, the need for traditional building materials, such as wood or steel, is negated. This saves both energy and precious natural resources.

Additional Earthbag House Resources

Most of the pictures on this website are copied with special permission from: earthbagbuilding.com
Earthbag Buildings by Kaki Hunter and Donald Kiffmeyer.
The Rammed Earth House by David Easton.
BUILDING CODES GENERAL PART 4 2006 NEW MEXICO EARTHEN BUILDING MATERIALS CODE.
Building of Earth and Straw, Structural Design for Rammed Earth and Straw Bale Architecture, by Bruce King, P.E.
Adobe and Framed Earth Buildings by Paul Graham McHenry, Jr.
Article by Fred Webster, Ph.D. Seismic Engineer.
Email: adobebrix@aol.com
Phone: (650) 321-6939
P.O. Box 4043 Menlo Park, CA 94025
Earth Construction, a Comprehensive Guide by Hugo Houben and Hubert Guillaud.
Rammed Earth Structures, A Code of Practice by Julian Keable.
Building with Earth, Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture by Gernot Minke.
Adobe and Rammed Earth Buildings, Design and Construction by Paul Grahm McHenry, Jr.

Please Note: The International Building Code and the International residential Code, or any other building Code, do not give us the power to give generic prescriptive structural design that could be applicable to any building. So, Please see the disclaimer below.

Disclaimer: The above statements/ information are just a general preliminary opinion and may not be applicable to your or to any user's particular project. Users of the above opinions/information assume all liability arising from such use. You should retain the service of PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. or a local licensed Professional Engineer. I do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for it's use and/or application.

Start Your Earthbag Home Design With Us

PSE Consulting Engineers offers earthbag home design services to help you bring your sustainable building vision to life. Our licensed engineers provide structural design and engineering plans that meet local building codes. We focus exclusively on the design and engineering phase, creating detailed plans that you can take to contractors for construction. Contact us today to discuss your project and start designing your sustainable earthbag home.

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