Earthship — FarmPal

Self-sufficient homes designed by architect Michael Reynolds using recycled materials (tires, cans, bottles) filled with earth. Designed for complete off-grid living with integrated water harvesting, greywater planters, solar power, and food production built into the structure.

History

Developed by Michael Reynolds in Taos, New Mexico since the 1970s. Earthship Biotecture now teaches workshops worldwide. The Global Model is code-approved in New Mexico.

Cost/sq ft
$50-$150
Build Time
16-52 weeks
Crew Size
4-12 people
DIY Friendly
Yes ✓
Code Compliance
challenging
Thermal Mass
very-high
R-Value
R-40+ (tire walls with earth berming)
Lifespan
500+ years (tires entombed in earth don't degrade)

Best Climates

arid
semi-arid
temperate
cold-dry

Resistance Ratings (1-5)

tornado★★★★★
hurricane★★★★★
earthquake★★★★☆
fire★★★★★
flood★★★★☆
mold★★★☆☆
termites★★★★★
bullets★★★★★

Materials

Used tires (800-1200 per home)
Aluminum cans
Glass bottles
Earth/clay
Concrete
Recycled lumber
Solar panels
Cistern tanks
Greenhouse glazing

Build Steps

  1. 1Excavate into south-facing hillside for earth berming
  2. 2Pound tires with earth using sledgehammer (600-800 lbs each when packed)
  3. 3Stack tire walls in U-shape pattern opening to south
  4. 4Build can/bottle walls for interior partitions
  5. 5Construct south-facing greenhouse with angled glazing
  6. 6Install cistern system for rainwater collection
  7. 7Build interior greywater planters (botanical cells)
  8. 8Construct blackwater treatment cell (exterior)
  9. 9Install solar PV and battery system
  10. 10Finish interior with earthen/lime plaster
  11. 11Plant food-producing plants in greenhouse planters

✓ Pros

  • •Completely off-grid capable
  • •Uses recycled materials
  • •Built-in food production
  • •Extreme thermal stability
  • •Water self-sufficient
  • •Proven 50+ year track record

✗ Cons

  • •Very labor intensive
  • •Complex systems
  • •Code challenges
  • •Higher cost than simple earth building
  • •Greenhouse humidity management

⚠️ Warnings

  • •Extremely labor-intensive tire pounding is physically demanding
  • •Code challenges outside New Mexico may need variances
  • •Humidity management in greenhouse critical to prevent mold
  • •Complex systems require understanding of plumbing, electric, water