This is a 2 bedroom, 2 story, 1230 sf house that is very compact and efficient. It is designed to be dug into a south-facing hill, or to be bermed substantially on the north side. The walls are composed of earthbags filled with local soil and with insulating material, such as crushed volcanic rock or perlite, and plastered with stabilized earthen plaster, papercrete, or stucco. A large south-facing living area with vaulted ceiling merges into the dining area and attached solar greenhouse. The bedrooms, bathroom and pantry are on the north side. An airlock entry provides space for coats and shoes. The curved walls and ceiling gently embrace the occupants with a cozy and rustic elegance. The material and design choices are easy on both the earth and the pocketbook. This particular passive solar design should be extremely efficient, requiring very little energy for backup heating and cooling. Natural ventilation would occur with the inlet air vents at the base of the greenhouse glazing and the operable dome skylight at the highest point of the house. This house could be virtually energy self-sufficient, with the addition of wind or solar generated electricity

Cross Section

The basic structure is earthbags, with the vertical walls composed of two columns of earthbags, tied together with wire. The inner bags would be filled with local soil from the site, providing considerable thermal mass. The outer column of bags, including those for the roof, would be filled with an insulating material, such as crushed volcanic rock or perlite. A natural tree with several uplifted branches holds a steel hoop aloft, which in turn supports both the dome skylight and the many poles that radiate out from the center as rafters. The bags would be plastered both inside and out with stabilize earthen plaster, papercrete or stucco, leaving the natural rafter poles exposed on the inside. Some of the interior walls would be natural stones for their beauty and thermal mass. The floor could be adobe, flagstone, bricks or pavers for durability and more thermal mass. A built-in planter box is provided for the greenhouse space. This structure would require minimal foundation work, since a rubble trench foundation down to the frost level is all that is required (no cement).

First Floor

The mudroom entry has a bench, coat rack, and ample natural light during the day. The living area is flooded with natural light, revealing the rich details of stone walls, the central tree support, the pole rafters, the natural floor materials, and the verdant greenhouse plantings. A stove or fireplace provides any needed backup heat. The compact kitchen connects directly to the greenhouse for conveniently harvesting garden greens. Additional kitchen storage is provided by shelving under the steps and in the naturally cooled pantry. Light and views are provided at the sink and stove in the kitchen. Studio, bedroom, bathroom and pantry space is provided beneath the loft on the north side of the house. The wall separating the living room from the north rooms is rock, for appearance and more thermal mass. The central tree creates natural character, as well as structural support for the roof and skylight. Some natural light would enter the back rooms, both from high windows above the berm on the outside, and from translucent glass set into the rock partition wall. The roughly 30 inch thick walls create great sound insulation and a sense of solidity, while eliminating the high summer sunlight from penetrating the house. A window seat could be built into the wall below the arched window near the entry.

Second Floor

The loft area has its own exterior entry, at nearly ground level. The space is undifferentiated, so that it might be used as a second bedroom, additional living space, study, library, etc. This loft could be separated from the open first floor living area with a simple railing, or with a more substantial wall, depending on the needs. The roof at the left tapers down, so that standing room does not go all the way to the west side.

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Digital PDF version of Baggins Burrow No shipping charge since this is a down-loadable plan. The PDF file will be emailed to you soon after ordering.	$100

*These plans include all four elevations, scaled floorplans, cross section details, other significant construction details, and a written, sequenced list of all steps necessary to complete the project, with further details for how to accomplish the tasks.