The Secret to Earthships' Success: Why Tires are the Ultimate Building Material

Hey Everyone! I think an update is due, after my last few posts and the QOTW returning for just one week.. i have some explaining to do! Well, life has its way of distracting us doesn't it.. and this was a five month distraction that has AT LAST come to an end.. Ill explain more soon..

In the meantime!.. I'm putting my Earthship hat on very firmly this year, as i finally get back to my roots and my never ending Earthship story! If u dont know, im living in Thailand now, and have moved on from India and Portugal.. There are plans, things are happening.. slowly but surely!

The thing is, to be honest, i think most people dont yet understand why Earthships are so compelling..

So i have just today finished making this video that i think does a pretty decent job of explaining it! Its been two days of grafting, and i made the cute song too! ...Hopefully the message gets through with this one, and such a trusted voice (you may recognize the Attenborough connection! Luckily David Attenborough is my Uncle, so he agreed to narrate this for me.. lolz.. ok ok I used AI.. its getting rather good isn't it!

So i hope you learned something from this video. If you are considering building a home, u might want to give this a watch!

MORE TO COME SOON TOO! THIS VIDEO IS JUST ABOUT THE TYRES! :) THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO SAY....

Hope u are all well..
<3

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Earthship Biotecture. The key to true security and sustainable living.

In a world where the cost of living is skyrocketing and the threats of climate change,
economic instability and resource scarcity loom large, the need for truly sustainable and secure housing has never been more pressing. Enter Earthship Biotecture. A revolutionary approach to building that not only addresses the environmental challenges we face, but also provides a path to genuine long-term security and self-sufficiency.

An Earthship is a type of sustainable, off-grid home built using natural and recycled materials
designed to provide comfortable living with minimal reliance on external utilities. By harnessing the power of the sun, wind and rain, Earthships create their own energy, collect and treat their own water, and even produce food, all while maintaining a stable, comfortable indoor environment year round.

At the heart of Earthship Biotecture is the concept of thermal mass achieved through the use of Earthram tyre walls. These walls, made from old car tyres filled with compacted earth, provide exceptional insulation and temperature regulation, keeping the interior warm in winter and cool in summer without the need for conventional heating or cooling systems.

The longevity and durability of tyre walls, which can last for centuries or even millennia when properly constructed and maintained, further contribute to the long-term security and resilience of Earthships. The true power of Earthship Biotecture lies in its ability to provide genuine security in an increasingly uncertain world.

By minimising dependence on external systems and fostering self-sufficiency,
Earthships empower their inhabitants to take control of their own lives and resources,
no longer beholden to rising utility costs, fluctuating energy prices or the whims of centralised infrastructure, Earthship dwellers enjoy a level of freedom and stability that is all too rare in modern society. Moreover, the affordability and accessibility of Earthship construction make it a viable solution for addressing the global housing crisis.

Using locally sourced, recycled and natural materials, Earthships can be built at a fraction of the cost of traditional homes, putting sustainable, secure living within reach of people from all walks of life.
In a time when the cost of living is literally killing people, Earthship Biotecture offers a beacon of hope.

By embracing this innovative approach to building and living, we can create a future where true security, sustainability and comfort are not just possible, but the norm. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, Earthship Biotecture stands as a testament to human ingenuity, resilience and the power of thinking outside the box, a model for the kind of paradigm shift we so desperately need.
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. When it comes to the longevity of tyre walls, the combination of factors at play suggests that these structures have the potential to last for centuries, if not millennia. The vulcanised rubber used in tyres is inherently durable and resistant to decomposition, while the steel belts within provide additional strength and stability.

When tyres are filled with compacted earth and sealed with a render or plaster, they are effectively protected from the damaging effects of sunlight, oxygen and moisture, which are the primary factors that cause tyre degradation.

The dense packing of the tyres and the render or plaster seal create an environment that is inhospitable to insects, rodents and other organisms that might otherwise contribute to the breakdown of the materials. Furthermore, the earth packed into the tyres is highly compressed, creating a dense, solid mass that is unlikely to degrade over time when protected from the elements.

This is supported by historical evidence, as there are numerous examples of ancient structures built using similar principles, i.e. compacted earth and natural materials, that have survived for thousands of years, such as the Great Wall of China and the adobe buildings of the American South West.

Properly constructed tyre walls have also demonstrated remarkable resilience against earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, further contributing to their potential longevity. As a UK scientist who examined Earthship Brighton suggested, when tyres are effectively entombed, sealed, compacted and rendered, they have the potential to last for thousands of years or more.

While the exact lifespan of tyre walls is difficult to determine due to limited long-term data, the evidence thus far supports the idea that these structures can indeed stand the test of time, offering a sustainable and durable building solution for generations to come.

Reasons why tyres make the best brick you could ever make.

• Tires 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.

• Tires make the perfect building brick, being earthquake resistant and lasting for thousands of years when used in Earthship walls.

• Tire walls provide the foundation, load-bearing walls, heating and cooling system and protection from the elements all in one.

• Tires are fireproof when packed with earth, making Earthships highly resistant to fire damage.

• Tire walls are incredibly strong, able to withstand impacts that would easily destroy traditional brick or concrete walls.

• Tire walls do not require a concrete foundation due to their monolithic nature and ability to float on the bearing capacity of the soil.

• Tires are a low-tech building material that requires minimal training and equipment to use in construction.

• Tire walls have a high thermal mass, allowing them to store temperature and regulate the interior climate of an Earthship.

• When plastered over, tire walls create a thick, dense mass that facilitates the passage and storage of temperature, acting like a battery for temperature.

• The thermal mass of tire 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.

• Tire walls are resilient and can withstand severe weather events like hurricanes and earthquakes due to their flexible, shock-absorbing nature.

• Tires 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 tires.

• As he states, if somebody gave me 30 million and said, develop the best form, develop the best building material you can find, I'd probably invent a tire.

• Tires 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 tire pounding, either standing up, sitting down or using different tools like large hammers, small hammers, feet or even fingers.

• Any type of soil, including sand, can be used to fill tires, making it easy to source materials locally and reducing the need for transportation.

• Pounding tires is a straightforward task that can be easily learned and executed, even by people with no prior construction experience.

• Minimal site preparation. Tire walls can be built on uneven terrain with minimal levelling required, as each tire can be adjusted individually to create a level surface.

• Flexibility in design. Tire walls can be modified or rearranged during the construction process, allowing for adaptability and customization of the design and design process.

• Movability. If necessary, tire walls can be disassembled and reassembled in a different location, providing a level of flexibility not found in traditional construction methods.

• Empowerment of communities. The simplicity and accessibility of tire construction can empower communities to build their own homes and structures, providing a level of flexibility and flexibility.

• Empower communities to build their own homes and structures, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on external resources.

• Promotion of teamwork. Tire 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 tires 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, tire construction can significantly reduce the overall cost of building, making it an economically viable option for many.

• Adaptability to various climates. Tire 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 tires help regulate interior temperatures and provide insulation.

• Longevity and low maintenance. When properly constructed and maintained, tire walls can last for decades or even centuries, requiring minimal upkeep and repairs over time.

Earthship Biotecture. Earthship Biotecture represents a paradigm shift in the way we approach building and living. By harnessing the power of thermal mass, renewable energy and sustainable materials like the versatile car tire, Earthships offer a path to true security, self-sufficiency and resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.

The adaptability and durability of tire walls, combined with the ability to use a wide range of locally sourced fill materials, make Earthships a universal solution for sustainable construction, applicable in any context and adaptable to any challenge.

As we face the mounting pressures of climate change, economic instability and resource scarcity, the need for sustainable, affordable and resilient housing has never been more urgent.

Earthship Biotecture provides a compelling answer to these challenges, offering a way to build homes and communities that are not only environmentally responsible, but also empowering and life-affirming.

So, if you are ready to take control of your living environment, to break free from the constraints of conventional housing and to create a home that is truly built to last, then it's time to embrace the power of Earthship Biotecture. Whether you are an aspiring homeowner, a community leader or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet, there has never been a better time to explore the incredible potential of this revolutionary approach to building and living.

Join the Earthship movement today and help us build a world where sustainable, secure and resilient homes are the norm, not the exception.

Together we can create a future where the cost of living no longer holds us back, where our homes are a source of strength and resilience, and where the power to shape our lives and our environment rests firmly in our own hands. Earthships rise in harmony with the land, guided by nature, technology at hand, cool and efficient, water and light, renewable energy, a future so bright.