How Do 'Earthship' Homes Actually Work? All About the Off-Grid Living Experience

An "Earthship" sounds like an alien spacecraft used for traveling to Earth. However, the actual term is used to describe a sustainable living house. If you have a dream of living off the grid, this unique type of home design might be the perfect fit for you. In fact, they are typically built into the ground and may even use old tires or recycled cans in their design. They actually look more like a structure from another planet. But what exactly are the characteristics of Earthship homes?

The most fascinating part about an Earthship is the fact that you can eliminate all outside utilities. So, not only is the home constructed from earth-friendly materials, but it also uses natural resources to meet all utility needs. For the environmentally conscious person, this may seem like the smartest way to go. This idea has been taking off, especially in Taos, New Mexico, where small communities of Earthship homes are sprouting up.

If you are interested in learning more, we'll cover everything that you need to know about Earthships, including what you can expect to spend on building one and where to do it.

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What Is an Earthship?

An Earthship is a sustainable solar home made of natural and recycled materials. Architect Michael Reynolds came up with the first design in 1970. He felt traditional architecture didn't address environmental issues. His new way of thinking creates a sustainable living environment. Reynolds coined the term "biotech" instead of "architect" to describe his way of designing.

Characteristics of Earthship Homes

According to Earthship Global, there are six characteristics specific to Earthships.

1. Thermal/solar heating and cooling
2. Solar and wind electricity (This type of energy source includes a mini power plant made up of photovoltaic panels, batteries, a charge controller, and an inverter.)
3. Contained sewage (It flows into a septic tank that overflows to nurture the landscape.)
4. Natural and recycled materials (most commonly tires, plastic bottles and tin cans)
5. Water collection (from rain, snow and condensation)
6. Food production (via indoor gardens and greenhouses)

You are basically building your own self-contained ecosystem.

What Is the Purpose of an Earthship Home?

An Earthship is designed for the environment. It is typically constructed from natural or recycled earth-friendly materials. The Earthship is meant to create a sustainable way of living and make the inhabitants self-sufficient. For instance, instead of obtaining water from a city source or a well, it is designed to collect water from rain, snow and condensation. The water is then channeled into a cistern to be used in the home.

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What Are the Disadvantages of an Earthship?

Although they're great for the environment, there are some cons to having an Earthship home.

• They may not work exactly as intended if the climate isn't right.
• May be difficult to resell.
• Expensive to build.
• Hard to adhere to building codes and zoning laws.
• It takes at least twice as long to build an Earthship versus a standard home.
• Hard to get financing.

How Much Does It Cost To Build an Earthship?

The cost to build an Earthship can be quite a bit more expensive than other types of homes—you can expect to pay around $275-$375 per square foot. There is nothing traditional about one of these homes, so there isn't a set of plans that builders can simply replicate. Even if you were able to get recycled materials to use for the structure at a lower cost than traditional supplies, the cost of labor would be higher. Most builders don't have experience in constructing an Earthship, so if you find one that does, you'll likely pay a premium.

However, because they are sustainable, you will never have a utility bill. These savings may make the initial cost to build one worth it.

If you are interested in building an Earthship, your first stop should be the Earthship Biotecture website. From there, you can purchase plans and obtain the resources you need to complete your project.

If you have Earthship Biotecture build the home for you, a 2,000-square-foot home without the lot could cost you over $550,000.

Can You Get a Mortgage on an Earthship Home?

It's very difficult to get financing on an Earthship. According to Home Promise, that's because banks aren't familiar with this type of home since there are so few (if any) around. This makes it hard to get comparables in the area. This means that lenders have no way of determining the value of the Earthship home. Most people end up paying cash to build or buy an Earthship.

Can You Build an Earthship in a Neighborhood?

Building an Earthship in a neighborhood could prove to be difficult. Depending on zoning laws and building codes in your area, it may be challenging to build something that would adhere to the requirements. You might have better luck building in a rural area where building requirements may be a little more relaxed.

Another consideration is the climate in which you live. Most of the current Earthships are located in the Southwest, such as New Mexico or Arizona.

How Many Earthships Are There in the U.S.?

Earthships are pretty rare and don't work well in all climates. The most concentrated area of Earthship homes is in Taos, New Mexico. Since there aren't many Earthship homes in the U.S., you may be wondering how you can get a hands-on look at one to determine if you would actually like the idea of owning one. Luckily, you can rent one to stay at and get the full experience. Whether you want to build your own or not, it could be a fun and enlightening experience.

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