Lifespan: "Tires have a life of 30,000 years" and the building themselves are expected to have a 1,000 year life expectancy if well built, as well as in the correct climate for this building type. 

When built incorrectly or in the wrong location, they may need yearly repairs and re-plastering.

Pro: Thermal regulation is better than that of concrete or other modern building designs, meaning little to no heating or cooling is required. They are also more sound proof thanks to the thick walls. They collect and reuse water, produce their own energy, and can be extremely pretty with their adobe and glass bottle walls.

Con: Getting permits to build these and people trained in building them can be a challenge. The Ministry of Architecture lists many cons of these buildings.  A recurring warning is that these buildings don't always function as advertised.

Solutions: Connect with existing organizations and experienced builders to help with this type of project. They may also have experience in convincing local governments to give permission to build one of these amazing buildings. The Ministry of Architecture offers this collection of Tips & Tricks to Make Earthships Work.

Materials: Used tires, dirt, concrete, reclaimed wood, used bottles, and a roof for rain capture. Water and energy management systems also need to be included. These include windows opened by rope systems, and tubes for the passive cooling element of the building.

Resources

Articles

• Tips & Tricks to Make Earthships Work

Studies

• Feasibility of Translating Earthships in Africa and Future Design Considerations "Three earthship projects have been developed in Africa, each serving a unique purpose and overcoming different obstacles. Through earthship design principles, technical reports, and lessons learned from each project, this paper aims to outline design considerations for those who are interested in implementing an earthship in Africa."

Temperature Charts

• Temperatures in Zeměnk, Czechia, Europe

Education Opportunities

Europe

UK

• Self-Building an Earthship Course "Self-building an Earthship is a three-day course at Earthship Brighton run in partnership with Brighton Permaculture Trust.  The course builds on the good work of Mike Reynolds and focuses on adapting Earthships to the UK and other European climates." Long-distance learners can also sign up for the online course.

North America

Guatemala

• The Green Building Academy (GBA) "is Long Way Home’s unique 4-week intensive course designed for individuals who wish to dive deep into green-building and design topics, as taught by expert instructors.
  
  GBA participants will be learning, building, and living alongside staff from all over the world as well as our experienced local team. Students will live in a green-designed home and will help keep a zero-waste household, an experience that can create life-changing habits.
  
  The program takes place in April and November each year at our site in San Juan Comalapa, a rural town in Guatemala’s highlands. Participants who join the Academy will contribute to our efforts to make healthy and resilient structures accessible to low-resourced and climate-stressed communities." En Español

• Long Way Home’s Volunteer Program "is for eager volunteers who want to learn more about green-building and sustainable living in Guatemala."

Nicaragua

• InanItah: Natural Building "While visiting or volunteering at InanItah, there is an opportunity to gain experience in a range of natural building techniques, including: cob, wattle and cob, home made paints, earthen plasters, earthen flooring and carpentry. There are ongoing possibilities to see working demonstrations of stone point foundations, traditional outdoor stone floor building, timber framing, compost heated hot water and gravity-based drinkingwater systems. We sometimes offer natural building workshops."

USA

Pennsylvania

• The Tamaqua Sustainability Project is a community of DIY builders, designers, artists and permaculturists with a mission to spread ecological consciousness by providing education and inspiration for living in self-sufficient, resilient, and creative ways. "

New Mexico

• Earthship Academy

• Earthship: Internships

Oceana

Australia

Tasmania

• Earthship Eco Homes: Workshops

North America

Belize

• EarthshipBelize "Our goal is to promote sustainable architecture and ecotourism in Belize."

USA

Pennsylvania

• The Tamaqua Sustainability Project "is a community of DIY builders, designers, artists and permaculturists with a mission to spread ecological consciousness by providing education and inspiration for living in self-sufficient, resilient, and creative ways."

New Mexico

• Earthship Bioteture

Oceana

Australia

• Earthship Network Australia "We are a collective of people who believe in what we can do together. We have seen glimpses of what the future could look like if we can work together effectively and want to see this culture develop and grow into one which is more resilient and robust. One that is deserving of this planet. Are you ready to join us?"