Introduction

Building earthbag structures offers a cost-effective and durable solution for shelter and storage in Alaska’s harsh climate. These structures use locally available materials like gravel and soil, making them ideal for remote areas where traditional building materials might be scarce. This guide covers the essential steps for constructing both an earthbag home and an earthbag root cellar, highlighting key differences and commonalities in the process.

Foundation and Drainage

Earthbag Home

  1. Foundation: Begin by digging a 4-foot-deep footer for drainage and stability. Fill this footer with gravel and tamp it down to create a solid base. This layer will prevent water from seeping into the structure and causing instability.
  2. Drainage: Ensure proper drainage by incorporating a 4-inch perforated pipe around the base of the structure. Fill the space around the pipe with gravel to create a drainage layer.

Earthbag Root Cellar

  1. Site Preparation: Dig an 8ft x 11ft hole with a 4% grade for proper drainage. Lay a 4-inch perforated pipe around the hole’s base and fill with 1 foot of gravel. Tamp the gravel to create a stable foundation.
  2. Foundation: Use the compacted gravel as the base for your root cellar. This ensures that the structure is level and secure.

Material Gathering and Preparation

Earthbag Home

  1. Materials: Collect earthbags, barbed wire, wooden inserts for electrical planning, and gravel. Use locally sourced materials to reduce costs and enhance sustainability.
  2. Filling Earthbags: Fill bags with gravel for the first three courses to ensure proper drainage. For subsequent courses, use soil.

Earthbag Root Cellar

  1. Materials: Gather earthbags, barbed wire, wood for door/window forms, drainage materials (gravel, perforated pipe), straight wooden/metal/plastic rods for a compass, baling twine, tampers (full and quarter pounders), levels, measuring tapes, and large coffee cans. Optionally, include concrete for initial courses.
  2. Filling Earthbags: Fill bags with subsoil, avoiding topsoil, vegetation, or sharp stones. Use coffee cans to pour soil into bags and tamp them down. Each course requires tamping with a full-pounder and securing with barbed wire. The first two courses may include 10-20% concrete for stability; subsequent courses use natural soil.

Structural Layout and Construction

Earthbag Home

  1. Wall Construction: Layer sandbags filled with gravel (first three courses) for drainage. Place two strands of barbed wire between each layer to prevent slippage. Insert wooden supports in walls during construction to later install outlets and fixtures.
  2. Electrical Planning: Plan for electrical needs by inserting wooden supports in walls during construction. This allows for easy installation of outlets and fixtures later.
  3. Structural Additions: Install temporary slanted roofs to shed snow in winter. Add a second story and proper roof later.

Earthbag Root Cellar

  1. Layout and Compass: Determine the center of the structure using a homemade compass. Ensure a round shape and maintain radius reduction as courses rise.
  2. Building Process: Construct straight earthbag sections interlocked with the main structure at the door form, reducing length per course to match the hillside slope.

Finishing Touches

Earthbag Home

  1. Roof Design: Design a snow-shedding roof to prevent accumulation and potential collapse. Use locally sourced materials to reduce costs.
  2. Plastering: Apply a plaster mix to the exterior walls to protect against weathering and enhance insulation.

Earthbag Root Cellar

  1. Covering and Backfilling: Enclose the structure, cover with two layers of thick polyethylene, and backfill with soil to bury it. This ensures that the root cellar remains insulated and protected from the elements.
  2. Plastering: Apply traditional lime plaster to allow moisture regulation and prevent water damage in the moist underground environment.

Interior Design

Earthbag Home

  1. Electrical Fixtures: Install electrical fixtures in the designated wooden supports. Ensure proper wiring and safety measures are in place.
  2. Structural Additions: Add a second story and proper roof later. Ensure that the roof design is suitable for the local climate and can handle heavy snow loads.

Earthbag Root Cellar

  1. Shelves: Design shelves with airflow and space efficiency in mind. Consider integrating brackets into earthbags rather than freestanding shelves for better stability.
  2. Cold Storage: Ensure that the root cellar is designed to maintain a consistent temperature for optimal food storage.

Key Takeaways

  • Proper drainage and foundation are crucial for both earthbag homes and root cellars.
  • Use locally sourced materials to reduce costs and enhance sustainability.
  • Proper electrical planning and structural additions are essential for a functional and safe earthbag home.
  • Design shelves and storage spaces efficiently for optimal use of space in the root cellar.

Conclusion

Building earthbag structures offers a versatile and cost-effective solution for shelter and storage in Alaska. By following these detailed steps, you can create a durable and functional space that meets your needs and withstands the harsh climate.

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