What is an Earthship?
Q: What is an Earthship?
A: An Earthship is a type of house that is built with natural and recycled materials with energy conservation in mind. It is designed by the architect Michael Reynolds and his company Earthship Biotecture, and mainly made of earth-filled tires. It takes advantage of thermal mass, natural heat insulation and ventilation to maintain its temperature.
Q: How does an Earthship produce water and electricity?
A: An Earthship produces water and electricity for its own use through solar panels which store energy in batteries, as well as collecting rainwater from the roofing which can be filtered for drinking or used for various household activities such as cooking and washing. Used water from sinks and showers can also be reused to water indoor plants before being used for toilet flushing.
Q: Is an Earthship considered off-the-grid housing?
A: Yes, since it does not require any public utilities such as gas, electricity, water or sewage it can be considered as an off-the-grid housing meaning that it can live away from public utilities.
Q: Does an Earthship require external support to sustain itself?
A: No, instead it is built to use resources available from its natural surroundings such as sunlight which is shone inside the house to be used for heating.
Q: Where are Earthships being build worldwide?
A:Earthships are being build worldwide in North-and South America, the Carribeans, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Q: Are construction drawings available so people can build their own off-the grid home?
A: Yes, construction drawings and training should enable people to build their own off-the grid Earthship home so they become independent from public and commercial utilities.
