Earthships in Europe
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
On 28 February 2012, BRE published Earthships in Europe (EP 102) (second edition) written by Mischa Hewitt and Kevin Telfer.
This 184-page book provides a detailed description and evaluation of ‘earthships’, an American architectural concept pioneered in the New Mexico desert. Earthships suggest that people can be both more financially free and more socially responsible.
The main purpose of the book is to assess whether the translation of earthships to a European setting has been successful. It includes case studies of people who have built earthships in France, Spain and Britain and a round-up of other projects. It also includes analysis of detailed monitoring of an earthship. This analysis is used to make a series of design recommendations to help make earthships more effective in different climatic conditions.
The book concludes by predicting the likely future of earthships in Europe - whether they will become a model for large-scale low-carbon housing or remain the preserve of a few self-builders.
Its contents includes:
- Preface.
- Introduction.
- What is an Earthship?
- Construction methods.
- Building with waste.
- Renewable energy and power systems.
- Water.
- European builds.
- Passive solar design and monitored thermal performance.
- Conclusion: the future of earthships in Europe.
- Appendix 1. Earthship Brighton sensor summary.
- References.
- Index.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 100 Sustainable Scottish Buildings.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Carbon ratings for buildings.
- Cob building.
- Code for sustainable homes.
- Do green buildings pay?
- Earth building.
- Home quality mark.
- Sustainability.
- Sustainable building.
- Zero Bills Home.
- Zero carbon homes.
- Zero carbon non-domestic buildings.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.