Architect Michael Reynolds, better known as the Garbage Warrior, sought the creative support of his 12-man crew and a couple of volunteers to erect a self-sufficient, off-the-grid construction near Yellowstone River, in Miles City, Montana. The green house, dubbed as Earthship, is made of tires, beer bottles and pop cans. Energy independence is ensured via a thermal mass construction that offers temperature stabilization. Furthermore, renewable energy and integrated water systems contribute toward negligible utility bills.
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Recycled stuff reigns supreme in construction
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The owners of this house, Scott Elder and Karia Lund, were so very concerned about the element of energy self-sufficiency that they employed every eco-measure one can think of. Special steel belted bricks were made by ramming dirt into 650 tires. Cementing empty soda cans and beer bottles with adobe mud, straw and glue, the couple formed the interior walls.
Eco-technologies utilized to the fullest
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You could see solar panels on the top of the angled walls that recharge the roof-mounted batteries. The 1,100-square-foot home is powered with batteries contained in the brain room. The bathroom shower is amply elevated to bring gray-water recycling system into effect. A rainwater harvesting system collects up to 6,000 gallons of water in cisterns and reuses it thrice. The rainwater passes through four filters to become potable. After using it for cooking and washing, the water is made to drain through rocks, and further, it is used to water the plants. And that’s not all for sure; the grimy water is reused for flushing the toilets.
Energy-efficient contraptions promise minimum power expenses
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No LED clocks, microwave, curling irons, hair dryer or electric mixer are there in the house. For emergencies, there is a back-up wood stove always ready. A well-insulated refrigerator that runs on 24-volt direct current, a propane heater that fuels the gas stove, and a wind generator are responsible for an annual utility bill of $150 only.
Eco-construction, almost completed last year
Earthship: Takes off, finally!
Garbage Warrior: Brain behind the project
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