NO HOUSE? NO PROBLEM.
How We’re Starting from a Tent and Ending with a Home

For most, building a home is what douses the flame of homestead dreams. Having to go into great debt to collect a couple eggs every day is a defeated purpose. Watching Alone and other survivor programming – including endless videos of people making bamboo huts, mud & cob homes, compressed earth domes, sandbag earthships, and working with shipping containers and steel – generates confidence in the alternatives… if you’re willing to start out in a tent.

The opportunity to live outside the box brings shapes like pyramids, spheres, domes, ovals, hexagons, and octagons into the higher self for higher-self architecture. As expressed, our mission is to give an adaptable cultivation experience, resurrecting soel program to conduct self as Stewardian.

We’re offering opportunities for members to sponsor the erection of EarthOmes (ranging from 100 to 1000 sq feet) in various styles and materials – more craftsmanship, more exploration for materials that will express high-vibrating environments. Working with mud and stone doesn’t mean “shanty” when you explore what people are building with more time and less cement.

These skills and experiences will be harnessed and shared throughout the island and world, creating employment opportunities for both members and locals – extending stays and expanding purpose. Each Ome could serve as a prototype to inspire other members and island landowners.

As part of fundraising, I’m offering members (through financial contribution, skill, and desire) an opportunity to share the experience of erecting a camp and shelter from scratch. Depending on sponsorship level and interview factors, opportunities may include timeshares or financing your own space.

The experience is what creates and restores memory. Based on the example videos and experiences members bring, it will take more soel fire and less fiat currency to start a Stewardian camp – creating Omes that members can enjoy and maintain for many rings (years), preserving the experience for future generations while setting an example for other landowners to expand their own lands.

The Truth:
You don’t need a mortgage to have shelter. You need:
• A machete (for bamboo)
• A shovel (for earth)
• A river (for water and clay)
• Time (because nothing good comes fast)

Phase 1: The First Week
• Day 1: Tent up. Fire lit. Water secured.
• Day 3: Bamboo canopy woven – rainproof, no plastic.
• Day 7: First earth walls packed – no cement, no debt.
• Water pump installed
• Spark plug electric board giving charge

Why This Works Here:
• Bamboo grows wild (stronger than store-bought lumber)
• The river gives clay (free mortar)
• No winter means no rush – just steady progress

No theory. No hype.
Just hands, dirt, and results.

 

Building with Sandbags: Cost, Materials & Structural Considerations

Cost Comparison:
Sandbag construction is one of the cheapest building methods—far more affordable than concrete blocks, timber framing, or brick. A basic sandbag dome can cost $3-$10 per sq ft (vs. $20-$150+ for conventional homes). You mainly need:

• Sandbags (polypropylene or burlap, $0.50-$2 each)

• Barbed wire (for tensile strength between layers, ~$50/roll)

• Clay or lime plaster (for waterproofing, ~$1-$3/sq ft)

• Labor (minimal if DIY, but time-intensive)

Why Circular/Domed?
Sandbags require curved shapes (domes, vaults, circles) because:

1. Lateral Stability – Rectangles collapse without reinforcement; arches distribute weight evenly.

2. No Need for Beams/Roofs – A dome is self-supporting, eliminating costly timber/steel.

3. Earthquake & Storm Resistance – Curves handle stress better than flat walls.

Drawbacks:

• Labor-Intensive – Filling/stacking bags is slow (100+ hours for a small dome).

• Moisture Risk – If not properly plastered, bags degrade (use lime/cement stabilizer).

• Permits Difficult – Many codes don’t recognize sandbag homes, requiring engineering approvals.

Best For: Off-grid, disaster-resistant shelters—not for cold climates (unless insulated).

 

Building with Cob: Cost, Process & Key Considerations

Cost Comparison:
Cob (clay-sand-straw mix) is one of the most affordable natural building methods—cheaper than conventional construction and even some earthbag builds. A small cob house can cost $5-$20 per sq ft (vs. $100+/sq ft for stick-frame homes). Materials are minimal:

• Clay-rich soil (free if sourced on-site)

• Sand (~$30/ton, for stability)

• Straw (~$5-$15/bale, for tensile strength)

• Lime or clay plaster (optional, for waterproofing)

Basic Cob Construction Process:

1. Soil Test – Ensure clay content (ideally 15-30%) by doing a “jar test.”

2. Mix – Combine clay, sand, and straw by foot/tarp or with a tractor.

3. Wall Building – Hand-sculpt walls in lifts (1-2 ft per day to prevent slumping).

4. Windows/Doors – Embed wooden frames (“fixings”) as you build.

5. Roof – Thatch, living roofs, or metal—must have wide eaves (18″+ to protect walls).

6. Plaster – Apply lime or earthen plaster for weatherproofing.

Why Cob Works for Curves (But Can Be Rectangular):

• Sculptural Freedom – Cob excels at organic shapes (rounded walls, arches, benches).

• No Forms Needed – Unlike rammed earth, cob doesn’t require molds.

• Rectangles Possible – But need thicker corners (18″+ wide) for stability.

Drawbacks:

• Slow Drying – Takes months to cure fully (not ideal for wet climates).

• Labor-Intensive – Mixing/building by hand is time-consuming.

• Code Challenges – Permits are rare (except in progressive counties).

• Limited Height – Rarely over 1.5 stories without structural reinforcement.

Best For: Owner-builders, artistic designs, dry/temperate climates.

Building with Rammed Earth: Cost, Process & Key Considerations

Cost Comparison:
Rammed earth is a mid-range natural building method—more expensive than cob or sandbags but cheaper than conventional concrete construction. Costs range from $20-$80 per sq ft, depending on design and labor. Key materials include:

• Stabilized soil (clay, sand, gravel) – Ideally sourced on-site (free or low-cost).

• Cement or lime (5-10% for stabilization in wet climates, ~$10-$20/bag).

• Formwork (reusable plywood/metal, ~$1,000-$5,000 for a small home).

• Compaction tools (manual or pneumatic rammers, ~$200-$1,500).

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Rammed Earth Construction Process

1. Soil Testing & Mix Design

   • Ideal mix: 30% clay, 60% sand, 10% gravel.

   • Add 5-10% cement/lime if extra strength or waterproofing is needed.

2. Formwork Setup

   • Wooden or metal frames create the wall shape (like concrete forms).

   • Must be strong and braced to withstand compaction pressure.

3. Layered Compaction

   • Soil is poured in 6-8 inch lifts and mechanically tamped (hand or machine).

   • Each layer bonds tightly, creating a dense, stone-like wall.

4. Curing & Finishing

   • Forms removed after 24-48 hours.

   • Walls cure naturally (no water needed, unlike concrete).

   • Can be left raw or sealed with linseed oil or silicate stabilizer.

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Why Rammed Earth is Structurally Strong (But Rarely Curved)

✔ Load-Bearing Capacity – Can support multi-story buildings (unlike cob).
✔ Fireproof & Pest-Resistant – No organic material for termites or flames.
✔ Thermal Mass – Stays cool in heat, warm in cold (ideal for deserts).

But it’s usually built in straight lines because:

• Formwork is easier for flat/angular walls.

• Curves require custom molds, increasing cost.

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Drawbacks of Rammed Earth

⚠ Labor-Intensive – Requires heavy compaction (slow without machinery).
⚠ Moisture Sensitivity – Unstabilized walls erode in heavy rain/humidity.
⚠ Permit Challenges – Many building codes require engineer approval.
⚠ High Initial Cost – Formwork and machinery raise startup expenses.

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Best For:

• Arid/semi-arid climates (minimal rain risk).

• Modern, angular designs (great for passive solar homes).

• Long-term builds (50-100+ year lifespan).

 

Building with Bamboo: Cost, Process & Key Considerations

Cost Comparison:
Bamboo is one of the most affordable and sustainable building materials—cheaper than timber, steel, or concrete. A bamboo structure can cost $5–$30 per sq ft (vs. $50–$200+ for conventional builds). Key materials include:

• Mature bamboo poles (harvested at 3–5 years, $2–$10 per pole).

• Natural joinery (fiber rope, screws, or bolts for connections).

• Borax/boric acid (for pest/water resistance, ~$20–$50/gallon).

• Foundation (gravel, stone, or concrete to prevent ground contact).

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Bamboo Construction Process

1. Selection & Treatment

   • Harvest dry-season bamboo (lower starch content = fewer pests).

   • Treat with borax/boric acid (soak or pressure-inject) to prevent rot/insects.

2. Structural Design

   • Best for lightweight frames, walls, roofs, and flooring.

   • Curved or straight designs—bamboo bends easily with heat.

3. Joinery Techniques

   • Traditional lashing (rope/fiber for flexibility).

   • Modern bolts/metal plates (for rigid structures).

4. Protection & Finishing

   • Roof overhangs (18″+ to shield walls from rain).

   • Natural oils or varnish (to enhance durability).

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Why Bamboo Excels in Flexibility & Curves

✔ High Tensile Strength – Stronger than steel by weight.
✔ Earthquake-Resistant – Flexible under stress.
✔ Rapid Growth – Renewable in 3–5 years (vs. decades for timber).

But it struggles with:

• Square/Rectangular Designs – Requires reinforced joints (bamboo splits under right-angle stress).

• Moisture & UV Damage – Needs proper treatment and shading.

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Drawbacks of Bamboo

⚠ Fire Risk – Highly flammable (avoid near open flames).
⚠ Permit Challenges – Rarely approved as a primary structure in strict codes.
⚠ Skill-Dependent – Poor joinery = weak structures.
⚠ Limited Lifespan – 10–25 years without meticulous maintenance.

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Best For:

• Tropical climates (where bamboo thrives).

• Temporary or hybrid structures (e.g., pavilions, eco-lodges).

• Low-budget, high-sustainability builds.

 

Building with Shipping Containers: Cost, Process & Key Considerations

Cost Comparison:
Shipping container homes range from $50–$250 per sq ft, depending on customization. While often marketed as “cheap,” they can cost as much as traditional homes after modifications. Key expenses include:

• Used containers ($1,500–$5,000 each for 20ft/40ft units).

• Structural cuts/welding ($5,000–$20,000 for doors/windows/stacking).

• Insulation & finishes ($10–$30/sq ft to combat condensation/heat).

• Foundation ($3,000–$10,000 for piers or slabs).

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Shipping Container Construction Process

1. Sourcing & Inspection

   • Buy “one-trip” containers (less rust/damage) or retrofit used ones.

   • Check for dents, rust, and chemical residues (avoid pesticide-treated units).

2. Design & Modifications

   • Cut openings for doors/windows (requires steel reinforcement).

   • Weld multiple containers for larger spaces (hire a pro—DIY risks collapse).

3. Insulation & Climate Control

   • Spray foam (best for humidity) or thermal panels (for quick installs).

   • Ventilation systems (containers trap heat; add roof vents or AC).

4. Interior/Exterior Finishes

   • Clad with wood, metal, or stucco to hide industrial look.

   • Use lightweight materials (drywall vs. brick) to avoid overloading.

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Why Containers Work for Boxes (But Struggle with Curves)

✔ Modular & Fast – Stackable for multi-story builds.
✔ Structural Durability – Wind/earthquake-resistant if properly anchored.
✔ Portable – Can be relocated (with heavy equipment).

But they’re limited to rectangular designs because:

• Steel is rigid – Complex curves require expensive custom fabrication.

• Wasteful cuts – Arching a container sacrifices too much structural integrity.

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Drawbacks of Container Homes

⚠ Hidden Costs – Insulation, welding, and rust-proofing add up fast.
⚠ Toxic Materials – Some containers have lead paint or chemical floors.
⚠ Permit Hurdles – Many cities reject them as “non-standard” housing.
⚠ Condensation – Poor insulation = mold and rust in humid climates.

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Best For:

• Minimalist, industrial designs (no major structural changes).

• Temporary/backyard units (studios, offices, Airbnb rentals).

• Disaster relief or mobile setups (if left on wheels).

 

 

 

Building with Stone: Cost, Process & Key Considerations

Cost Comparison:
Stone construction ranges from $30–$300+ per sq ft, depending on sourcing and labor.

• Cheapest: Fieldstone + dry-stack method (free if gathered on-site).

• Mid-range: Quarried stone + mortar (~$50–$100/sq ft).

• Most expensive: Custom-cut stone masonry (~$150–$300/sq ft).

Key Materials Needed:

• Stone (fieldstone, limestone, granite, or sandstone)

• Mortar (lime-based for breathability, or cement for strength)

• Foundation (gravel or concrete, depending on soil)

• Tools (chisels, hammers, trowels, and possibly a saw for cutting)

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Stone Construction Process

1. Stone Selection & Preparation

   • Choose flat, stackable stones for walls.

   • Split larger stones with a masonry hammer or chisel for better fitting.

2. Foundation & Footings

   • Dig below frost line (if applicable) and fill with compacted gravel or concrete.

3. Wall Building

   • Dry-stacking (no mortar, relies on gravity and skill).

   • Mortared construction (stronger but less breathable).

   • Vaults & arches (require temporary wooden forms for support).

4. Finishing

   • Pointing (filling gaps with mortar for weatherproofing).

   • Natural or lime wash (for aesthetics and protection).

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Why Stone Works for Curves & Organic Shapes

✔ Timeless Durability – Lasts centuries if well-built.
✔ Thermal Mass – Stays cool in summer, retains heat in winter.
✔ No Formwork Needed – Unlike concrete, stone can be shaped freely.

But it struggles with:

• Rectangular Designs – Requires precise cutting or thick mortar joints.

• Weight & Labor – Difficult to build tall without reinforcement.

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Drawbacks of Stone Homes

⚠ Extremely Labor-Intensive – Takes months to years for a full build.
⚠ Expensive if Using Quarried Stone – Transport costs add up.
⚠ Permit Challenges – Some areas require engineering for structural safety.
⚠ Maintenance – Mortar may need repointing every 20–50 years.

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Best For:

• Cold or dry climates (stone performs poorly in constant dampness).

• Rustic, permanent homes (not ideal for temporary structures).

• Owner-builders with patience & physical stamina.

 

Which Off-Grid Home Style Resonates With You? Poll