The Refuge

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I'd start building yesterday if I had the land and money to buy the materials. I would have started 30 years ago if I could have, I've loved the Earthships since I read about them around 38 years ago. I read an article about them in an architectural magazine my aunt had. I was about 12. I'm happy to see the design being made simpler and cheaper. And mostly I'm thrilled to see that Mike is STILL the Garbage Warrior. Still doing incredible work. Thanks for making the world a little better!

[@GoodBeets4ME]

Ditto

[@itoobable]

I have been interested in Earthships since then too! We must have read the same article... my Dad had the magazine, and I remember pointing it out to him saying, 'this building has answers!" hope you're well and can afford to make your dreams happen soon

[@makeamericagreenagain8511]

@comfortablynumb9342 do you think that about 30 might help? I can't wait for someone to show up with the perfect fire scorched LA area site - and offer to license Mr Reynolds service and push approval through for a village down there that would show how to build in that biome and climate. ☆☆ Would you be Comfortable bringing some friends to volunteer and support such a massive build?

[@rumichacajoy]

Thrilled to see you still at it, Michael; developing ever simpler systems. The REFUGE is beautiful!

[@dabzprincess92]

ISN'T IT FANTASTIC HE'S STILL GOING AND SO AHEAD OF HIS TIME, TIMES ARE JUST NOW CATCHING ON DUE TO UNAFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ENERGY WASTE. I WISH I COULD DO ONE I'VE WANTED THIS DREAM FOR 40 YEARS NOW AND STILL PRAYING GOD ALLOWS THIS FOR ME BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

[@pawshands9706]

Keep at it mate. You can make it happen 😊​@@dabzprincess92

[@renaissancemaneric8019]

I see the design hasn't changed in the last decade. This tells me things got perfected early on. Respect to Michael Reynolds and what he went through to get here.

[@angelagreen778]

Yes, I remember seeing this 15+ years ago. Brilliant!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

The changes I see should make it much cheaper to build an Earthship than the more complicated ones that have slanted windows and stuff. And I see less cans and bottles. I'd want the cans and bottles myself, but maybe other people don't like that look. But overall it looks like he's been refining and simplifying but the basic concepts are the same. GOALS! I want one!

[@byou1987]

a living legend on the screen right now

[@IIIMPULSIVEEE]

I was thinking the same thing watching this

[@denisewashlow4205]

I totally agree with this statement too. Amazing mind and dedication.

[@AgentJo-i1u]

If you mess up as many times as Mickeal did, you have to get it right eventually. He s no genius. He s a persistent, stuborn architect.

[@IIIMPULSIVEEE]

I remember discovering Earthships and Michael when I was in high school over 12-14 years ago. I absolutely love this biotecture and spent one evening at the Phoenix earthship about 5 years ago and all those years of learning and wanting to experience it first hand did not disappoint. I am 30 now and live in Chicago, but not a day goes by where I am not daydreaming about building myself an earthship out here in Illinois one day, and eventually want build something like this in Colombia one day too. Thank you Michael for continuously bringing this knowledge to the world.

[@DeliciousCold]

Beautiful home, genius design. I was born in Albuquerque NM but i didn't grow up there unfortunately. I would love to come back to my home land and see these amazing houses. You're doing such great work Michael you deserve a noble prize. May you live to be a hundred and ten so you can continue this much needed work. Thank you.

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

A Nobel Prize would be cool, too.

[@susanquinlan7426]

God bless you Michael Reynolds. Another American hero!

[@YourEcoFriend]

Like others, I'm happy to see Michael Reynolds is still active and I love the simplicity of this system. We did a tour of sustainable homes over 10 years ago and stayed in the Phoenix in Taos for a night. It was awesome!

[@barrybegley5379]

IMAGINE if All residential buildings were made with this "common sense" type of construction wisdom. What a world it would be. Great to see you looking so well Michael. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

[@AgentJo-i1u]

Comment sense can be very wrong. Solstice, intuition is wrong. You need math to make it right. The best architect is still a very dumb engineer....

[@debbiepeirce7509]

@@AgentJo-i1uwhat

[@ArtsFantasy]

A dryer in a sustainable house: that shows 2 things. How power efficient is the house AND how Americans can't live without a dryer. I guess a British version of an Earthship would have a kettle and a beer tap. Greetings from Adelaide Michael. Glad to see you still kicking and doing the good work. You haven't aged a bit!

[@williamd1891]

Dryers destroy clothes at an accelerated rate requiring you to buy more clothes more often. Hang drying is superior in every way and clothes last much longer.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Hanging wet clothes in a desert would mean dust encrusted dry clothes n towels I hang 1/3 of laundry for various reasons but rly love dryer for linens n towels n and jeans ESP in winter, not to mention rain UGH Y’all have rly mild winters n no rain I guess

[@allonesame6467]

Where I live, paying for a dryer is like paying for gravity!

[@DarraghQuinn-d8o]

A dryer in a desert. IKR?

[@allonesame6467]

@@DarraghQuinn-d8o Paying for a dryer is like paying for gravity. LOL

[@barbarateresarhiannonsreal1756]

You Guys!!! You can rent an Earthship. Earthship Nightly Rentals at their headquarters, in Taos, New Mexico, USA. We rented The Picuris for a night & I actually cried when we left! It was so beautiful & comfortable. I loved it. 🎉🎉🎉 Michael is a legend in his own time (as someone posted here already). It's True.

[@Jen.O]

we rented his little early earthship near downtown Taos on Air BnB, super fun and a great experience!

[@Donetravlin]

I want to build one for someone, but I'm very isolated and don't know many people, let alone people wanting these... Im a roofing contractor, so I will also be plumbing that fresh air tube into the ceiling and out to cool better. This is separate from the roof ventilation that's exterior stuff. I want to add a climate battery full of sand and water lines for on demand hot water....Basically, the sun tubes we put in roofs for dark downstairs or hallway but with sand insulation packed around it to collect trap that solar energy daily..... can get fancy and add leaking sand battery under beds and transfers heat to it for winter heat with affluent customers, lol.

[@robin2338]

Another fantastic Earthship! Good seeing you Mike, Much Love!

[@brianmanden]

Ok .. earthships makes so much sense !!

[@AgentJo-i1u]

In a desert, yes, they do.

[@kallasusort2986]

Earthship's are my favorite type of dwelling! And I did go visit the Earthship in Taos set up at the visitor center. Loved it! Loved Taos. It is through your heroic work Michael that these wonderful homes exist in the world. Thank you

[@sylviewalker7560]

This man knows that the earth's dirt is a 'cool' 55F° year round. So do millions of humans all over the planet.

[@mellowyellowmom7631]

Brilliant!!!! We could all live better if we lived this way!!!

[@deeprose8598]

Luv luv luv you Michael!

[@innershifttv]

I love how the design of the Earthship has been refined over the years! Some people have watched cult films such a Rocky Horror Picture Show a gazillion times. I have watched Garbage Warrior! It never gets old. With deep appreciation for what the Earthship Biotecture community create!

[@Methadone4Life]

What a real hero is all about! Sad our leaders are not made of the same stuff or our problems would be much more miniscule.

[@ogfoundation]

Impressive finishes!

[@nancykisich3263]

I hope I live long enough to see these Earthships the norm 😊

[@robynevans1287]

What a WONDER-FULL GIFT💝 you're offering to humanity, Nature💖💖💖 & the Earth itself!🎉 👉 *THANK YOU* 🤗💖 for your COMMITMENT to bringing about such a BEAUTY-FULLY INTEGRATED, HARMONIOUS & not only SUSTAINABLE but Life FLOURISHING home! ...& with no need for the grid🎯

[@akhiluanand]

Wow! This Earthship is incredible! Michael Reynolds' innovative design and sustainable approach are truly inspiring. The self-sufficiency and eco-friendliness of this home are something we should all strive for. Thanks for the insightful walkthrough! 🌍🏡✨

[@AgentJo-i1u]

Selfsuffiselfsufficiency is an exagération. This Earthship is résilient at best.

[@Ongi59]

Model T of Earthships,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,well said....another Reynold's Dome !

[@Edwin-pj7pt]

GREAT WORK OF ART MICHAEL.

[@bigskyearthship]

Eleven years later! Eship rocks! Thanks Mike. You look great. every other house built is a POS. True statement

[@gregstandish6439]

Hahahaha, I say the same thing. I don't care if the house is 5 mill or more, if it isn't an Earthship, it's a royal POS! Such an awesome concept no matter where you live!

[@GoodBeets4ME]

Genius. Thank you for all of your efforts and curiosity.

[@juliahelland6488]

Thanks again for sharing this! 💯 I have seen many videos on your Earthships and appreciate all.the information. 💯❣️

[@auroraaustralis5470]

😎💞thank you Michael Reynolds Earth Ship 🖖 Genius thanks yes onto building 🤕🤭👷 upgrades. 🥰

[@auroraaustralis5470]

Thank you the invitation appreciate working on 😎

[@michaelaallen844]

Can’t wait to have one someday ❤

[@PLANE_TRUTH]

VERY NICE MIKE GOOD JOB !

[@wb8517]

Beautiful. Perfect. I would love to live in one of these. Respect! Glad to see you're still at it.

[@rongray4118]

Thank you, Michael!! Always a Beautiful day to see you and everyone in Earthship Biotecture Family!

[@coachcal4876]

Have enjoyed your journey and growth. Thank you for allowing us to follow you along the way.

[@xterraoverland4380]

From across the street,thanks Mike.

[@Chrisicola]

About the only time being a refugee is a good thing staying in one of these beauties.

[@allonesame6467]

Awesome to see you Michael! Keep Going! Thank you for everything.

[@foundvisions8710]

So exciting to see how far these designs have come in their simplicity, affordability, and elegance!

[@paulbrown2971]

What a great result. I was particularly impressed by the common sense approach to the utilities, as well as your comment on the construction tools being powered early on due to the timing of the solar installation. A logical and beautiful plan in keeping with the ethics of the build. Complimenti!

[@williamfox1146]

Thank you for the updates. Fascinating.

[@Edwin-pj7pt]

AWESOME MICHAEL!!!!!

[@jenniferdroese8693]

Awesome ❤

[@caroczel]

TY Mike Reynolds for all you've done 🙏💫💖

[@traviss589]

Great work Michael! You are looking great! The audio is perfect...thanks for the improvement. Next step is a 360 video camera that will allow for smoother video.

[@TheEclecticPhotog]

This is my dream home, I wish I could move in today!

[@donnawebber4974]

Bless you...❤

[@carlosgomis9033]

Dear Michael, you´ve been a teacher to me for many years, the didactics of your explanations are awesome. Thank you for showing us and teaching a more friendly, afordable, logic, harmonic and naturewise way of life. Keep safe

[@BuckJones1909]

In following the recirculating water system I missed whether it involves a septic tank or does the garden act as one! This dwelling is really a great way to coexist with earth! Thank you!

[@TwilightMysts]

There is usually still a septic tank and external drain field for black water. The way the concept works is it utilizes rain water collection, which goes to the sinks and showers. The water then drains into the planters across the front, watering the plants. After being filtered by the planters, the water is then used by the toilets. From there it runs through a standard septic tank out to a drain field, watering a small patch of external plants. The kitchen sink depends on your location. Some areas consider the kitchen sink black water, so it goes straight to the septic tank, others let it go to the planters just like the bathroom sinks/showers.

[@LexYeen]

​@@TwilightMystsyeah, good rundown - typically the blackwater seep field for an earthship will have a no-edible-plants rule too, but that doesn't mean you can't plant a native pollinator garden on it.

[@tomsortore8301]

Did the work shop with Mike in 1991 in taos. He just might be the 2nd coming. Beautiful enlighten man

[@larkendelvie]

Fascinating

[@RaraAvis1138]

So beautiful!! Such a dream of mine. The only thing I'd change is the location - I'd have to have my dream home where I could not hear other humans (the road). I wish so much I had grown up under different, less traumatic circumstances so I could have made clear headed decisions to be around this type of culture instead of constantly being in fight or flight mode. Oh well, next life!🕉️ Jeez, to have those windows and a year round round garden in my home, what an amazing dream! I think I've watched every single video I can find of yours throughout the years - Atlantis 😍❤

[@upsidedahead]

I love these houses

[@carolinebray82]

this is amazing!! I love the earthship concept! I now feel more stuck renting than ever!

[@TwilightMysts]

There are growing indicators of a market correct on housing. Hopefully in a couple of years prices will be much more affordable again.

[@carolinebray82]

@@TwilightMysts even trying to find a lot of the right land where people might want to come visit me is always an interesting concept

[@maureenbowerman5300]

Brilliant+ Making a green, sustainable and temperate climate. The water system is amazing! Thank you for posting

[@Brian-os9qj]

I was at the site about a month ago, fascinating and wonderful. Thx MR

[@eddyb2001]

I’ve been following Michael and seeing him at and gone to his seminars twice over the last 30 years. It's a far superior way of living. I've been in an Earthship AirBnb at HQ, and it provides peace and tranquility. You don't hear furnaces or fans or anything to keep it comfortable in the winter. Just open up the greenhouse to let out the humidity for a few minutes and close it back up, and you're still toasty warm. It's incredible work. I was there in January, and I think this one was being built when I visited. It's amazing work. There's a seminar in October and I suggest go while you still can see the master in his element. And on top of that, Taos, New Mexico is a great place to visit. Also much to my surprise, our ships are becoming known when I talk to people from all over from Maryland, Pittsburgh to San Francisco to London England to Poland.

[@jeffwolfe191]

The drapery also helps with echoes!

[@doncerra7867]

I'd like to come be apart of this. I've been following your work for years Mr Reynolds

[@doncerra7867]

They should build the emergency ones they put in Hati for the homeless people

[@RlyHighElf]

Love the sky valley roof heating system! As someone who wants to build in the mountains, this is a cool idea.

[@alove7851]

Everyone needs to learn these methods. Whole trade program, my goodness. Smart cities are going to be so electric based where this is sustainable

[@cherryVision]

I hope I can build one of these. This is amazing, and stylish

[@melaniestarkey7868]

Wow ❗‼️

[@Yael97149]

True sustainable living 🎉🎉❤ Bless you

[@greenybird7132]

I love this. It just all makes sense.

[@t04v7]

Have you guys ever thought about building a microclimate structure that is * primarily * for food production? That seems like the next step if there were a next step… especially thinking about redesigning communities and local food systems. A man comes to mind in Nebraska who built a burmed greenhouse and used cooling tubes to control temperature. He has mature citrus trees and other tropical fruit that produce year-round.

[@TwilightMysts]

I've kicked around building a cross between an Earthship and a Chinese greenhouse. Unfortunately land and construction is too expensive, so I would either need a bunch of crowdfunding to pay for it, or take out a loan and make it into a profitable business.

[@cindianajones1]

He is a walking, talking miracle and genius. God only made one Michael Reynolds. I pray that Jesus will bless him always and keep him healthy, happy and prosperous!!! AMEN!! He is THE BEST of THE BEST!!

[@maximodigital4765]

Excellent Tech

[@EarthCreature.]

Amazingly spacious. Would have loved to see more of the main room & kitchen too ❤️

[@gregm5636]

great stuff

[@philipfairweather3493]

Totally the best Bigfoot Forrest, I have ever seen. Amazing ideas. Only thing I see, is the county bean analie- Srs. won't permit it,except in know-where land .Thanks for the Brain-rain!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

GOALS.

[@briangorley3823]

Amazingly simple and yet, logical way to heat/cool/capture water and distribute within a home. Love the botanical greenhouse along the south side. Instead of using tires, I assume this design can be modified if using regular rammed earth on the north side, and can include solar tubes to capture and light up the bedrooms during the day without the use of electricity. Bravo, either way!

[@TwilightMysts]

I hope to build one using rammed earth some day. I am confident it is perfectly usable. As for the lighting, they are usually designed so that light from the front windows goes through the greenhouse into the rooms. It will vary with the time of year, but it should cover most non-reading light needs.

[@OnlyFactsPlease]

those solar light tubes are pretty, and interesting to look at, but they're horrible for the longevity of a roof, having a penetration like that. I'd just go with a dimmable light for each room. There are very pleasant LED lights now, and they use very, very little electric power.

[@gregstandish6439]

I can't wait to visit the earthship community in Taos NM and hopefully meet Mike Reynolds and buy him all the margaritas he wants. Such an amazing concept from an underappreciated Genius! I always get so frustrated that I never thought of all this but appreciate the hard work and efforts that this guy made into reality. I'm sure he has dealt with so much pushback and naysayers saying that this will never work. I applaud this guy every time I see a new video by him. Absolutely Amazing. Mike Reynolds, you are beyond Awesome status!

[@moneymike203]

Looks amazing honestly inspiring

[@michaelhyman7111]

Been watching way back in the day; always wanted an Earth ship. When he received the land test his models

[@darrellluck7230]

Have you scrapped the garden in front of the house that received the toilet flush water? Is the Refuge on a septic tank system instead? Would the cooling tube system be adequate for humid Tennessee summers? Awesome what you have achieved, Michael.

[@brandoncash6428]

Man this is my dream house

[@tracelee7332]

I love it 💓

[@angelamarialucianodecampos3098]

Fantástico!!! Adorei tudo o que vi. Um sistema de ventilação incrivelmente prático. O que mais gostei, mesmo, foi o sistema rotativo da água do chuveiro, filtrado pelas plantas e retornado ao vaso sanitário. Aqui em casa, que fica na cidade, também utilizo energia solar off grid; captação e filtragem de água da chuva para 70% das atividades da casa; reaproveito a água da máquina de lavar e do chuveiro para as descargas, só que tudo feito com filtros convencionais. Mas eu ainda chego lá. Congratulações de Tatuí/SP/BR 🇧🇷

[@Yenyou-777]

Hadih🤲 Sne kalyegh 🤲 Wow, can't believe how much simpler than the older Earthship ship homes. I just seen the earlier video of this particular home from the beginning.

[@mojavebohemian814]

Thanks

[@kevb.1791]

I am so glad to see you Mike Always thought you should add sardines and eggs to that vegan anticancer diet

[@Loyalspeaker]

I just found this channel wow

[@leepizarro]

This is my dream home

[@csanderhill7337]

Exciting stuff! I love the concept. And I like a sight level on the cistern. However The WOM isn’t very attractive, and there’s no mention of the black water destination - is the toilet flushing into a septic tank or cistern; or if that is county permit-rule dependent; and a better tour of the kitchen space would be nice. Also, some testimonies of owners. I built a studio version, the Nest, over 20 years ago and one main issue I had was that having only south facing windows got boring. And the battery technology was weak, they couldn’t hold charge well over the 4 years I owned it; but battery technology had improved significantly I understand. Thank you Michael, always inspiring!

[@jamesstepp1925]

Going to be building a new home soon, and Earthships were my first choice. The problem is I live in Alaska, and we simply don't get enough solar in the winter to use this type of design. I will be building using the same outward design, but I will need far more insulation and a heating system to survive our winters. I have been looking at strawbale construction, but my wife and I are still in discovery stage.

[@TwilightMysts]

Rammed earth walls are beautiful, and can have quite a bit of insulation inside. Down sides are that they are VERY thick walls, cutting into your usable square footage, they are almost as labor intensive as rammed tire walls, and are probably more expensive (I believe rammed earth mixes in around 10% cement as a binding agent, though a lot of earthships use cement as a filler on the tire walls, so I could be wrong about which costs more.)

[@OnlyFactsPlease]

Michael Reynolds has designed earthships that include a second greenhouse, which adds functional space and an extra thermal buffer from outside temperatures. The other (less initially expensive) way to go would be to rely more on chemical fuels, and just have an insulated rammed earth south face with minimal windows. you won't get a livable greenhouse, and you'll have to deal with the grey water in a different way, but it's doable. I wonder if anybody at Earthship Biotecture has tried to do an automated curtain that goes clear across the greenhouse glass at night

[@jamesstepp1925]

@@OnlyFactsPlease I wish it were that simple. In Alaska there simply isn't much sun in the winter, and Earthship designs use thermal energy to achieve their temperature equilibrium. If you spend 3-4 months with no thermal energy that thermal mass is going to get brutally cold at -20F. In summer we get A TON of sun, winter not so much. Wood heat is my best choice at that point, with superior insulation. Ergo, looking into straw bale construction to stay as natural building as possible. That being said, I can build to the same design as the Earthship with a lot of the same features. The greenhouse would have to shut down in the winter, but I can do that no problem. I use a Separett toilet and biocompatible soaps so no real issues with grey or blackwater.

[@MechanicsAndCarpentry369]

I love the whole ide... How can we determine which states and counties within these states allow this type of construction?

[@melaniestarkey7868]

If you lived before, I think it was Atlantis what a creative idea to help people

[@holymoly271]

Wonderful, just Wonderful The only thing i would change is have the roof blue. Since we now know lasers dont burn blue items.😮

[@JCC_1975]

I still want to live in an earthship one day💜💜

[@amarynth100]

where can one find full information ,to learn this building process ? i want one badly .love the shapes

[@builtwithsustainability6221]

Still innovating as per usual - Awesome ! Great to see you still good enough for Taos Mike. I still think you should consider low voltage circulation fans in the bedrooms to force cross ventilation with the cooling tubes flow. Also the rear should also have a water spout nearby to clean the cistern or roof. Any interest in algae-bioreactor tank on south glazing?? Thanks Mike God bless.

[@frictionhitch]

Go to MAUI! They need you. I recently stayed with you. Your homes would still be standing. Do a home in Maui!

[@williamwillaims]

I would love to hear from some people who have lived in these for a number of years. I knownthe design has changed over the years and improved , but it would be good to get an honest warts and all feedback. My concern is that they wouldn't hold the heat in enough during winter

[@TwilightMysts]

If you are concerned about winter, you could add extra insulation, put heavy curtains to close when the sun isn't out, and add an alternate heating source (gas, electric, wood stove...) to make up the difference. I plan to put a rocket mass heater in mine. I heard a story about a monolithic dome that ran out of gas for heating during a blizzard. It took two or three days before they even noticed. Another story, an Earthship (I believe in Canada) had to put in a conventional heating system for regulations purposes, but almost never needs it. I suspect if you put some extra effort into handling cold temperatures, you would be just fine.

[@OnlyFactsPlease]

There are designs that include a second greenhouse for builds in very frigid climes. Being surrounded on three sides by insulated thermal mass, thick foam in the ceiling, the constant 55F earth below, and glass south face (or2) add up to extreme thermal performance. I really can't see lack of heat being an issue in this kind of structure. I see that some people are concerned about high humidity in these earthships. I wonder about that, too

[@JCImageInc.]

Dream home!

[@salimufari]

Does that battery system require ventilation for vapors or any part of byproduct from the electrical system?

[@earthship]

These air Lithium Iron Phosphate - they do not off-gass like lead acid

[@DreamwalkerTenesha]

I want to build my own earthship but I have no idea where to even start lol. I struggle with putting together a shelf...I actually never figure it out and would get my friend to do it for me.

[@leedza]

My only complaint on the earthship design is the lack of natural light into bedrooms. Also lack of privacy in the living spaces. In addition. Once you have more than 2 bedrooms the layout seems awkward, but maybe thats just my architectural mind failing me. The last point is, i like to open up windows for fresh air, Otherwise the overall concept is brilliant.

[@steveborn3455]

Using a toilet with built in bidet will help conserve trees used for making toilet paper and will go a long way to keeping your pipes, septic fields, and septic tanks from getting clogged and filled up with unnecessary waste.

[@KrawmKruach]

i really want to build something very similar to the earthship but it needs to be modified for humid enviroments.

[@eds_perspective]

I was just thinking about humidity. It seems this concept only works for desert environments.

[@cindylong624]

works great in the desert... but in humid environments not good