Earthships: sustainable housing alternative

Abstract

This paper critiques an obscure form of sustainable architecture that addresses many of the environmental, social and economic challenges facing humanity. It focuses on the work of architect, Michael Reynolds, who has been experimenting with radical house designs and construction techniques over the past three and half decades. He addresses pollution, climate change and resource depletion by the provision of self-sufficient, off-the-grid, ecological housing constructed substantially from 'waste' such as used car tyres and beverage containers. Passive heating and cooling, food production, water catchments, renewable energy, solar hot water, grey-water recycling and sewage treatment are all integrated into his designs, which he calls "Earthships – independent vessels – to sail on the seas of tomorrow".