The Secret to Earthships' Success... and no bills!

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

LEARN MORE: Read the Earthship Bible Book @ mybook.to/5y75nY9

[@MrSpleenboy]

I love the concept of earthships. Honestly, if I had the money, It's something I'd definitely consider doing. There are a couple of issues that many of the videos extolling their virtues don't touch on, which can make them expensive. 1. They need land - you need sufficient space to build the earth berm behind the tyre wall, and space for the black water runoff/filtration (often done by planting reed beds or similar that thrive on poo). Land, depending on where you live, can also be difficult to come by, and expensive to purchase. 2. Orientation - for best results and efficiency, in the Northern hemisphere, they really need to be facing South (or as close as possible), in order for the solar panels and windows/thermal mass to be at their most efficient. So you also need to be picky on the land you select, to ensure that you can have the earthship windows facing South. Flip all of that for the Southern hemisphere 3. Materials - Depending on where you live, the materials you'll need for the interior plaster may well differ. We know that the polished mud style plaster the earthships in New Mexico use works perfectly in the hot and dry environment of the desert, but using the same methods for colder, wetter climes might not work so well. So you'll need to adapt the general concept to your own environmental requirements. 4. Off grid stuff - So, the water reclamation is easy in a reasonably wet place. You just need big butts (and I cannot lie, I've been waiting to do that pun since I started writing this!). However, solar panels, batteries, inverters and the other associated microcontrollers are *not* cheap, especially if they're new. Also worth bearing in mind that if you do get them second hand, there is an absolute guarantee that they will be less efficient, as the materials in the panels degrades over time, and battery charge capabilities drop over time also. With that said, second hand car batteries are actually not a bad shout (so long as you can get them cheap), as they still should retain ~80% of their original capacity after 5 - 10 years, so they're still viable for passive storage. 5. Local rules - In the UK, it is illegal to work on the main junction box of a home unless you're a licenced electrician. I imagine there are rules like that for most countries. So while you can DIY some or even most things, there will be certain aspects of the technical build that you will have to hire a tradesperson for. I'd go with the main junction box, solar panel wiring, water filtration and grey/black water systems as an absolute minimum for outside help, personally! Some of the above may not be applicable in some places, so YMMV. Other people have already mentioned the other potential construction costs, so I won't labour the point (I'll get my coat). If you have the help of either a helpful community or willing army of volunteers, then this can drop considerably. Personally, unless I was doing something for them in return, I'd feel a bit like I was taking advantage, though

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

One of the most common misconceptions about Tyres is that they off gas or somehow can contaminate the soil. This is simply untrue and he is why. Tires do not significantly offgas when used in Earthships - Tires are made of vulcanized rubber, a stable material that does not readily break down or release gases at ambient temperatures. - The offgassing that does occur happens primarily when tires are new. Earthships use old, discarded tires that have already finished most of their offgassing. - Offgassing of tires requires high heat, UV exposure, and an oxygenated environment. When packed with rammed earth and covered by plaster, tires in Earthship walls are not exposed to any of these offgassing triggers. Tires are sealed and do not touch habitable spaces - Earthship tires are completely encased in a thick layer of rammed earth and sealed with plaster. Even if minor offgassing occurred, the gases could not enter the living space. - The tire walls are further separated from the interior by a vapor barrier and additional thermal mass on the interior walls. There is no air exchange between the tire walls and indoor air. Tires do not contaminate the soil - Earthships employ a thermal wrap which completely separates the tire walls from surrounding soil. The tires do not contact soil and cannot leach compounds into it. - Furthermore, the rammed earth that fills the tire voids is brought in from offsite - it is not native soil that could grow plants. - In designs without a thermal wrap, the compressed earth inside and covering the tires creates an nearly anaerobic environment that inhibits breakdown of the rubber and potential contamination. Real-world evidence shows no hazards from tire offgassing - Earthships have now been occupied for decades. No ill health effects linked to tire offgassing have been documented among Earthship residents. - Air quality tests done inside Earthships have not found elevated levels of any compounds associated with tire offgassing. - Animals frequently live in and around tire walls with no apparent negative health impacts, further demonstrating the lack of hazardous offgassing. In summary, when used properly in Earthship construction, discarded tires pose no risk of problematic offgassing or soil contamination. The tires are sealed, protected from environmental factors that cause offgassing, and isolated from direct contact with habitable spaces and plantable soil. Decades of empirical evidence living in and testing Earthships confirms their safety regarding tire offgassing.

[@1puppetbike]

The Earthship song is a musical instruction for construction. Very fun. City lots, unfortunately, aren't conducive for a proper earthship.

[@HealthcareHelp1]

Rhanks for excellent compilation

[@prophecyrat2965]

Im building my own here in El paso, Canutillo. All by hand of course, all tires I get from the dumps, landfills, and from the road or freinds. This is the future. It dose not need to be fancy… Oh Im also doing Earthmlunds intergarating wood sticks as well, like Native American Earth mounds. Sounds familiar huh?

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Wow, major hi-five! It’s so rare. I hear this very happy for you. You’re doing it the right way so many people just call Mike and then complain that it cost a fortune and that’s really not the right way to go for most people. It can be done like this And it’s so much more fun. Have a blast. Sounds like you are Vibing.🫡

[@prophecyrat2965]

@@AlexEarthshipLeeor vibing for sure bro. Imagine what we could build, with humans rewilding earth and less industrial machines. Feeding organic communites instead of corporations. Upcycling and regnerating. Ill be uploading my journey soon. Stay tuned! ✌🏾🌱🎶

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Yes! Ive been imagining it for quite some time. ✨😜

[@Pyromanemac]

The real secret is to get well meaning college kids to pay you for the "opportunity" to "intern" for you and pound dirt into tires for a week straight.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

haha.yes thats true.. that is one way.. some people really dont like that, and call it slave labour.. personally. ive worked with 100's if not 1000s of international people teaching them how to build.. they never paid a cent and learned so much.. wow they were good times!

[@Yael97149]

How to find people that can do this for me. After becoming physically challenged I couldn’t do this. I n ed h open!!

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

My best advice would be that you would get some help from someone like myself or anyone with true experience in adapting earth ships to different climates to come up with a suitable design.. And then, as far as the labour goes, it’s really one of these things that depends because there’s so many options really depending on your budget and whether or not you want to have a hand in managing the work .. If you’ve got the head for it, then you can employ any labour because there’s no skill needed. I have built earth ships with children age 6, and even a very old 76 year old American woman who was very weak with Lyme disease and she was even more than happy to find her own way to fill tires, which she did literally sitting on the tire and just using a small, normal hammer and a mallet If you’re not sure about all this, then the best thing is to hire someone to manage the project after you have a design, but it’s really based on your budget.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

@@Yael97149 thank you so much for the gift. That’s really beautiful and actually my very first as I only recently got monetized. 🙏✨🌈

[@Yael97149]

Thanks!

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Thank u!

[@robin2338]

Earthship homes need to be advertised, worldwide .

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Im trying Robin find m trying 🌈🌀😊

[@PaloBlanco-ranch]

In the tropics it is cheaper as there's no winter, and no need for that level of insulation. This concept is great for lots of other places, this video must be the first in the list of anyone researching the concept.

[@YoniBaruch-y3m]

Much as I love the earthship concept... For one, even if you gave me 30 million dollars, I could not find a more labor intensive way to build a wall than ramming earth into tires--no my back cannot survive it. For two, if everyone lived in earthships, the sprawl would already cover the continent--cities achieve their ecological efficiency and keep people from wasting land by stacking homes vertically. Some earthship principles can be applied, but no apartment is much like an earthship.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Appreciate it may seem like that especially if you watch some people do this, but I have built a tiny home in two weeks with a handful of volunteers using various different techniques. It really was very easy… we didn’t have to dig and mix concrete for a foundation. We didn’t have to find the right kind of soil. We didn’t have to mix soil with water like you do with cob, which is really hard work and takes forever… And in just two weeks we had a house .. and don’t forget as I like to say every tire pounded today is Wood. You don’t have to chop tomorrow because Earthship run Belfrey which means you don’t have to work to pay to live forever Here’s a video I made showing one way to pound attire. You barely need to stand up. You don’t really need even a big sledgehammer and it takes about 15 minutes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5u1eoiCeNGBeLssi=sf9SdzQ0hz0wkBqV

[@westonlee9778]

How are the vent pipes kept dry from condensation?

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

They are sloped down away from the home.. so any water will run out

[@mkvegetables5053]

Green erath concept very great job

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Nandri! ❤ thank u 🙏 is a good home to grow vegetable’s 😂 xx

[@tracy419]

I really like the idea of earth ships, but without extensive testing I'll never be convinced the tires don't off gas into the home. Very cool idea and I've followed them from the sidelines for years.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

ok well.. then i wont try to convince u!

[@samuelboucher1454]

What do you mean that the tires 'off gas into the home'?

[@tracy419]

@@AlexEarthshipLeeor phew!! I appreciate it, because sometimes I can be easily swayed😄 Hit enter too soon. Seriously though, I really like the idea, and an earth sheltered home is one of my dream homes. If I ever hit that lottery 😄

[@tracy419]

@@samuelboucher1454 I mean as the tires slowly degrade underground, I don't want to find out the chemicals leaching into the air of my home have been slowly killing me. We already have far too many things doing that, that I don't need to take that chance as well😄 A couple hundred old tires as your walls aren't a small thing, even if they are covered in earth. And it may not actually be a problem, but it will take a lot to convince me otherwise.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

@@samuelboucher1454 yes, exactly.. bearing in mind ive lived in one for 12 years. and im quite sensitive.. truth is, when i go to any normal place, or dare to paint or varnish wood, its much worse! earthships vent so well that EVEN if there was anything significant left to off gass, that somehow made it through the sealed plastered walls, with stabalised temps and no sun, then that would just go out the window.

[@fitivalevalejeddyjrmaile1556]

Well how is it legal with them charging for property costs

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

@@fitivalevalejeddyjrmaile1556 what do u mean? Who is them? What property costs?

[@tuvoca825]

Can this be used to help shore up islands that are eroding or will it damage sensitive corals and other sea life?

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Yes! Its actually one of the best ways to do it long term! Better use rocks more than soil.. i see it often on some islands.. i dont see how it would effect sensitive sea life

[@MrSpleenboy]

@@AlexEarthshipLeeor Sunken ships also make for great reefs. There have been a fair number of old ships deliberately scuttled to act as reef building material. Obviously they're drained of fuel and harmful materials are removed first

[@UncleGrinder]

No

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

@@UncleGrinder why no? ive seen it work very well in many places, long term and cheap also!.. they can also be used to stop stone walls from subsiding

[@tvpi-z1v]

Ai Attenborough doesn't seem to explain how you get this to pass any local building standards.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

well, earthships have already done that in most countries and USA states.. Earthship FLorida is one.. example

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Here is a list of states and countries that have gained approval! In the UK i led the first ever build, Earthship Brighton.. it Gained many awards also: United States New Mexico: The birthplace of Earthships, where they are most commonly built and accepted. 35 States: Earthship projects have been initiated in numerous states, demonstrating a growing acceptance of this sustainable housing model23. California, Colorado, and Texas: These states are also notable for their Earthship communities and projects5. Countries with Approved Earthships United States: Particularly in New Mexico, Texas, California, and several other states. Canada Australia: Approved in states including New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, and South Australia. United Kingdom: Notable projects in Scotland and Brighton. Belgium Netherlands South Africa: The first Earthship was built near Hermanus. India: Projects on Andaman Islands. Puerto Rico Philippines Malawi Sierra Leone Eswatini (Swaziland) Cambodia Argentina Bolivia Belize China Czech Republic This list reflects a growing global interest in sustainable living through Earthship architecture, which utilizes recycled materials and renewable energy sources to create self-sufficient homes.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

THere is a LOT more info in the book Earthship Bible That also has transcripts and more on this.. But each location is different and Earthships are versatile and adaptaable to most situations.. mybook.to/5y75nY9

[@ericj6425]

Very nice, wish I lived in one but I'm not wealthy enough. Earthships are very expensive to build due to the labor costs. Even if the bottles, tires, and lumber are free, the amount of labor required is a deal killer by itself. Also when you consider that 70% of builders would rather be unemployed and homeless for life than to build something novel and unique, well good luck unless you have the ability to build it yourself.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

thanks! well.. i guess it depends how u do it, and where you are .. i built a few in india, one was a tiny home done on just 4,000 USD in two weeks.. and we built that with just volunteers who were keen to learn. . but the standard global model isnt cheap.. but there are other ways!

[@Oldguard_8]

It appears cheap, but the sheer number of hours to pound dirt into tires, the labor cost, are quite high.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

it does seem that way,,.. and it can be also.. but this is the kind of work that literally anyone with zero experience or skill can do.. so u can actually get the cheapest labour and make it a fun experience .. note also that with a nice team and a resonable size, you are DONE in just a few weeks.. in the end the tyre work is the easiest, cheapest and quickest part my friend.. its when u hit the roof that things start to get intersting.. and expensive!

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

oh yes, also dont forget.. this. is your heating system for life, no bills, no power, no chopping wood, no gas, no maintenace..

[@Oldguard_8]

@@AlexEarthshipLeeor I'm well aware of the numerous benefits to this style of home and applaud them all. The cost to achieve it can't be ignored, however. As I plan for a build in the next couple of years, I want to incorporate aspects of this. Particularly important are super-effeiciencies realized from rammed earth.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

​@@Oldguard_8 the cost to achieve it, is up to you! YES, if you want to call MIke in and do a mike style global model then it will cost a lot BUT I never did that and thats what mike has been waiting for most of his career.. to see people run with this and adapt it to their own needs ive done a tiny house in two weeks with just vounteers on a 4,000 USD budget for example..

[@Oldguard_8]

@@AlexEarthshipLeeor I've been a huge fan of the concepts for years. I dread stretching every possible dollar just to live in a cookie-cutter 'hood and still hear my neighbors having a convo in their yard, and seeing my utility bills climb ahead of inflation. To that end, stretching every possible dollar for energy efficiency and doing as much of the manual labor for a build is where I've migrated, SIRE wall or earth-block seems to be where I'm landing.

[@OwenIverson]

Is this an AI voice of David Attenborough??

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Hey owen! Yes u got it ✨

[@nevilmoncher925]

The Earthship at Karuna is a great success. After seeing it many people have wanted to build one.

[@chitra572]

It’s best method in helping Mother Earth from pollution by building using recycled and reuse

[@timmbot6082]

Some of the principles are great like leveraging solar gain, air-earth exchange geothermal, grey water recycling, etc. But if cans and old tires in a landfill are a problem for the environment and human health, how is it suddenly a great idea to simply put the landfill material in your house? Encasing the tires in dirt and/or concrete doesn’t stop decay. Have there been any objective, independent air quality studies done on earthships? Earthships also suffer from excessive humidity and mold. Has that issue been remedied yet? Thanks!

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Hey there Tim! thanks for your question. It’s a very good one and I’d like to respond as best I can … First, let's talk about the scale of the problem. In 2016, a massive tire fire broke out in Seseña, Spain, involving an estimated 5 to 6 million illegally dumped tires. The blaze was so intense that it could be seen from space and required the evacuation of nearly 10,000 people. Firefighters struggled to contain the inferno, which raged for days and released toxic fumes into the atmosphere. Another shocking example is the Sulaibiya tire graveyard in Kuwait, considered one of the largest tire dumping sites in the world with over 7 million tires covering more than 1 square kilometer. These incidents highlight the extreme difficulty in extinguishing large-scale tire fires and the significant environmental and health hazards they pose. According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, approximately 1 billion tires reach the end of their useful lives every year worldwide, with many ending up in landfills or illegal dumping sites. It's a mind-boggling number that underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions. Now, let's talk about how Earthships offer a compelling alternative. Numerous credible studies have concluded that the off-gassing from tires used in Earthships is barely detectable, even when the tires are not covered by render or other layers. The way tires are utilized in Earthships actually contributes to their preservation and prevents them from deteriorating. By completely encasing them in thermal mass, the tires are shielded from exposure to air, light, and UV rays, rendering them stable and safe within the walls. Moreover, the use of tires in Earthships represents a decentralized approach to tire disposal. Unlike the enormous piles of tires concentrated in landfills, Earthships distribute the tires and contain them, significantly reducing their impact on the soil and the risk of large-scale fires. The thermal mass surrounding the tires acts as a protective barrier, "entombing" them and enhancing the fire-resistant properties of the structure. While some individuals have encountered issues with humidity and mold in their Earthships, these challenges can be overcome through proper design and ventilation. It all comes down to effectively controlling moisture levels. the scientific evidence supports the safety and stability of tires used in Earthships. By repurposing these materials in an intelligent and decentralized manner, we are not only creating sustainable and resilient homes but also contributing to the solution of the global tire waste crisis. However, it is crucial that we continue to explore and implement a multi-faceted approach to address this pressing issue, including effective recycling and repurposing strategies, stricter regulations on tire disposal, and raising awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with tire stockpiles. Also, it’s worth mentioning I lived in an Earthship for 12 years in a very damp monsoon climate and I’ve never been as comfortable and healthy and strong … and I had also stayed in several other homes in the same location, including eartbag home a Stonehouse a cob house and nothing compares to what Earthship can deliver even without heating!

[@timmbot6082]

@@AlexEarthshipLeeor Thanks for the quick response. I’m not sure an illegal tire dump in Spain catching fire is relevant to my questions. Nor is the massive Kuwait disposal site. We already agree that dumping tires isn’t great (yet an inevitable byproduct of driving) and obviously burning them is a terrible idea - intentional or not. Perhaps a case could be made for spreading out tire pollution rather than concentrating it. Citations of independent studies would be more persuasive than emotional appeals or anecdotes that putting them inside a home is a healthy alternative. An earthship style home could easily be built without the tires - using earth bags (or super-/hyperadobe), stabilized earth, or compressed earth blocks to achieve the same thermal mass effect. Again with the humidity/mold issue, anecdotes are interesting but they are rarely representative and don’t address the issue. Have people figured out solutions for air flow or humidity/mold mitigation?

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

@@timmbot6082 well I think you better watch the video again?. I don’t know what else to say. That’s the thing I would just be repeating myself but one quote I really like to share is from Michael Reynolds whereby he said “if you gave me $50 million to invent the best brick the best building block that I could I would probably invent a tire” and the reason he said that is for 100 reasons … so it’s a bit hard to answer your question that’s the thing and actually that’s why I made this video which is probably one of the ones that covers most of the reasoning so if that doesn’t answer your question, then I’m afraid I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that or perhaps you could give me a very specific question cause I feel like it’s answered between the video and my last comment, thanks and but just to clarify, there is no issue with toxicity and Tyres when they are situated in an Earthship home. It has been tested in many ways. Tyres actually do not even touch the soil or ground in anyway when they’re built properly, they are contained within the thermal wrap so even that is a major improvement not to mention that they don’t require any concrete foundation and of course yes they are safely preserved when they are built as a home rather than as they are in Kuwait, for example which is essentially a natural disaster waiting to happen…

[@vedacarmony5754]

I'm literally watching this because they know how to place an apostrophe.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Wow! Good to know how important my grammar is!

[@bwya4558]

Just looked up the cost on your website. 600k???? Affordable? Gtfoh what a scam. After seeing this video then seeing your real pricing, I will be sure to call you out on any videos or websites I find.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

lol. no idea what you are talking about? im a private citixzen, non commercial..ive been building for free for 20 years in India.. tiny earthships i have built in two weeks for 5,000 USD! .. maybe u saw something else?

[@mod-design]

tires..

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Yes if ur american! Tyres is how we british spell it

[@Dancing_Foxes]

The cost of building is cheap IF you pack your tires yourself or get free labor to do it for you. IF you can't do that then that will be the highest cost of your build. Depending on the size of your place you would be looking at $30,000-$100,000 in labor costs. Did you steal David Attenborough voice??

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Thats right! Or u can move to a country where it’s cheaper to build an employee labor like I did. I moved to India and the labor. There is really really cheap even when you pay them fair wage.! And to answer your question, I cloned David’s voice yes I suppose you could call that stealing, but I’m not really sure how you can steal a sound

[@alansnyder8448]

I like the idea of Earthships, but the people promoting these things exaggerate too much. Earthships will NOT solve the housing crisis because most people live in cities where you cannot have easy access to a south exposure with plenty of land. And that is just the beginning. That said, I like the idea of using the thermal mass around a home to moderate the outside temperatures. I would not use tires as the base of the walls, however.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

thats true, as long as most people want to be in the cities, Earthships will never solve the criiss.. BUT, .. anyone who does want to exit, can do so and live a nice peaceful life if they like!.. maybe one day also cities will lose their charm.. if they havent already in many places..

[@alansnyder8448]

@@AlexEarthshipLeeor Yes, and actually, I'm hoping to buy about 6 acres of land in the next few years. I want to build something that is a cross between an Earthship and a barndominium (or shop house). I think the Earthship has a few design flaws. One is that the south-facing windows are tilted, which I believe puts a strain on them and reduces their lifespan. In my version, I'll just make them vertical. Also, instead of using packed tires, I would opt for a stonewall. I'm interested in experimenting with "Sand batteries" and could potentially incorporate something like that in the project.

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Thanks for your comment and feedback I’m going to be very fussy on the wording because I’m trying to educate here so let me just respond It’s not really correct to say it’s a design flaw because the sloped windows were created and used in Taos New Mexico, and in that location it’s worth the effort because of the very extreme winters that they have …and I’ve been there in a very mild winter night and it was absolutely freezing cold outside But I might add too warm inside with no heating in the front door wide open.. Every Earthship that’s made will always be adapted according to the location the materials that we have and the desires of the person making it . one of the joys of earth ships is it adaptability and flexibility when I built my first Earthship in India, I more or less threw away the books, even though I understood them I didn’t use most of the approaches and just did it the way that I needed to do to make things work So you’re quite right though in what you say in terms of it being much more difficult also with leaking and indeed the strength and many people these days and have done for a long time use pure vertical windows and I also agree I quite like it..

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

Also, it’s really important for you to understand that by changing to stone from tires means that you lose nearly all of the benefits of an Earthship. There are so many that I wrote 99 reasons why earth ships are awesome and most of them depend on having Tyres.. I’ll try and find you a link but I’ve made a KZbin video that goes through all the reasons why we use Tyres I think it’s worth you watching because you might be surprised and it might help you make a more informed decision

[@AlexEarthshipLeeor]

You will understand when you see how much text there is below why I have to make these videos and write a book because this section I’m gonna just copy for you as a kind of gift for everyone really just so you can see here are 27 Reasons why we want to use Tyres.. I could sum it up with one famous quote from Mike who once said “if you gave me $50 million to find the best building brick I would invent a tire “ The Tyre
A Building Block for the Ages
 When it comes to sustainable construction, the humble car tyre reigns supreme as the ultimate building block. Its versatility, durability, and thermal mass properties make it an unparalleled choice for creating structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also built to stand the test of time. And perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of using tyres in construction is the sheer flexibility they offer in terms of the materials that can be used to fill them. Unlike traditional building methods that rely on specific types of soil or carefully engineered concrete mixes, tyres can be filled with an astonishing array of materials. From sand and gravel to rocks, bricks, and even recycled tiles, almost any non-degradable substance can be used to create a solid, stable tyre wall. This adaptability is a game-changer in the world of sustainable construction, as it allows Earthships to be built in virtually any location, using locally sourced materials that might otherwise be considered waste. The process of pounding earth (or any other suitable material) into a tyre is a simple yet effective way to create a building block that is both strong and thermally efficient. As the material is compacted into the tyre, it forms a dense, solid mass that can withstand the forces of nature and provide excellent insulation. The tyre itself acts as a natural form of reinforcement, containing the compacted material and eliminating the need for additional support structures. This flexibility in material choice is particularly valuable in regions where traditional building materials may be scarce or prohibitively expensive. By using tyres and locally available fill materials, communities can construct durable, sustainable homes and buildings that are tailored to their specific needs and resources. This not only reduces the environmental impact of construction but also empowers people to take control of their built environment and create structures that are truly reflective of their local context. Moreover, the use of non-degradable fill materials in tyre walls contributes to the incredible longevity and resilience of Earthships. While traditional building materials like wood and concrete may deteriorate over time due to moisture, pests, or other environmental factors, the contents of a well-sealed tyre wall remain stable and intact for centuries. This means that Earthships not only provide a comfortable, energy-efficient living space in the present but also a durable, low-maintenance home that can be passed down through generations. In a world where sustainability, adaptability, and resilience are increasingly important, the tyre stands out as a building block that embodies all of these qualities. Its ability to accommodate a wide range of fill materials makes it a truly universal solution for sustainable construction, applicable in any context and adaptable to any challenge. As we look to the future and seek ways to build homes and communities that can withstand the tests of time and climate, the humble tyre will undoubtedly play a central role, offering a foundation for the ages. 
Why Tires are the Ultimate Building Block Tyres are indigenous to the entire planet, making them readily available in most locations worldwide. Using tyres in construction helps address the global waste problem by repurposing a problematic waste material that would otherwise end up in landfills or illegal dumps. Tyres make the perfect building brick, being earthquake resistant and lasting for thousands of years when used in Earthship walls. tyre walls provide the foundation, load-bearing walls, heating and cooling system, and protection from the elements all in one. Tyres are fireproof when packed with earth, making Earthships highly resistant to fire damage. Tyre walls do not require a concrete foundation due to their monolithic nature and ability to "float" on the bearing capacity of the soil. Tyres are a low-tech building material that requires minimal training and equipment to use in construction. Tyre walls have a high thermal mass, allowing them to store temperature and regulate the interior climate of an Earthship. When plastered over, tyre walls create a thick, dense mass that facilitates the passage and storage of temperature, acting like a "battery" for temperature. The thermal mass of tyre walls, combined with the insulation of the earth berm, allows Earthships to maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round with little to no additional heating or cooling. Tyre walls are resilient and can withstand severe weather events like hurricanes and earthquakes due to their flexible, shock-absorbing nature. Tyres are termite and bug proof due to the dense packing of the soil and the presence of steel belts, creating an inhospitable environment for pests. Even after decades of searching, Mike Reynolds has not found a more effective, affordable, and universally applicable building material than tyres. As he states, "If somebody gave me 30 million dollars and said: 'Develop the best form... develop the best building material you can find' I'd probably invent a tyre.” Versatility in construction: Tyres can be pounded using various methods, making the process adaptable to different skill levels and physical abilities. From young children to elderly individuals, anyone can participate in tyre pounding, either standing up, sitting down, or using different tools like large hammers, small hammers, feet, or even fingers. Accessibility of materials: Any type of soil, including sand, can be used to fill tyres, making it easy to source materials locally and reducing the need for transportation. Simplicity of the process: Pounding tyres is a straightforward task that can be easily learned and executed, even by people with no prior construction experience. Minimal site preparation: tyre walls can be built on uneven terrain with minimal leveling required, as each tyre can be adjusted individually to create a level surface. Flexibility in design: tyre walls can be modified or rearranged during the construction process, allowing for adaptability and customization of the design as needed. Movability: If necessary, tyre walls and foundations can be moved during construction, providing a level of flexibility and adaptability, allowing for last minute changes. Empowerment of communities: The simplicity and accessibility of tyre construction can empower communities to build their own homes and structures, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on external resources. Promotion of teamwork: tyre pounding can be a communal activity that encourages collaboration, fosters a sense of community, and strengthens social bonds among participants. Therapeutic benefits: The physical act of pounding tyres can serve as a form of stress relief and provide a sense of accomplishment, contributing to the overall well-being of those involved in the construction process. Cost-effectiveness: By using locally sourced materials and minimizing the need for specialized equipment or skills, tyre construction can significantly reduce the overall cost of building, making it an economically viable option for many. Adaptability to various climates: tyre walls can be built in a wide range of climates, from hot and arid to cold and wet, as the thermal mass properties of the tyres help regulate interior temperatures and provide insulation. Longevity and low maintenance: When properly constructed and maintained, tyre walls can last for decades or even centuries, requiring minimal upkeep and repairs over time. Tyre walls are incredibly strong, able to withstand impacts that would easily destroy traditional brick or concrete walls. Please read the Earthship Bible Book and then make your decision 🙏✨🍀