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.

--BRE Group

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