Unique Sustainable Design: Earthships

Across the world, a new movement of sustainable building has begun silently developing right under our noses. Sitting between the earth and the horizon in near-complete camouflage is a new wave of eco-tourism and conservation. Earthships are defined as self-sufficient, off-grid ready, passive solar structures/homes built entirely of natural or upcycled materials.  In 1970, architect Michael Reynolds wanted to build a home that would utilize sustainable architecture, rely on natural resources, and be easy to build. From there, he identified six human needs to be met from a successful home: shelter, water, food, sewage management, garbage management, and energy. 

Typical Earthships are often built at angles to maximize natural light within, stronger solar gain during colder months, and light/heat admitting walls in regions where needed.  They’re often made of “earth-rammed tires” but can utilize any natural indigenous dense material that has heat-storing capabilities.  Water for Earthships is collected through rain, snow, or condensation and filtered then pressurized to be utilized throughout, including irrigation systems for edible gardens.  Power is harvested through sun and wind then stored for lights and appliances and ventilation/thermal performance is controlled through passive techniques.

The Todos Santos Earthship in Baja California tags its structure as a living organism that interacts with nature to provide needs for those within. Interiors follow a simple shotgun house layout lined with blue and white tile, skylights, and glass facades. Complete with bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathrooms, surrounding walking paths, bike paths, and proximity to the beach, this Earthship, in particular, is available for guests to rent and immerse themselves in.