Are you looking for a home that can withstand Puerto Rico's harsh weather, including hurricanes and earthquakes? An Earthship might be the perfect solution!
In addition to being energy-efficient, Earthships are also built to withstand extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and earthquakes. One way they achieve this strength and energy efficiency is through the use of a design by Michael Reynolds that combines a dome wrapped in mass with insulated chimney and cooling tubes for ventilation. The shape of the dome gives strength and stability in the face of hurricanes and earthquakes because it distributes the load evenly across the structure. This makes it more resistant to external forces such as strong winds or shaking ground.
Earthships also use a technique called "rammed earth" to fill tires with a mixture of earth and other materials, creating a strong and insulated wall. This helps to regulate the temperature inside the home, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating.
Windows, vents, and other openings allow air to flow freely through the home, utilizing the natural cooling effect of the wind. Cross-ventilation, created by positioning windows and vents in strategic locations, helps to circulate the air and remove hot air from the home.
Additionally, Earthships feature a chimney effect, where vents in each room allow hot air to rise and escape through the top, while cooling ventilation tubes, which are covered in mass and extend out from the Earthship, bring in cool air at the bottom of the room. This system relies on the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the home to create a natural airflow, and can be further customized with the use of induction fans and HEPA filters.
Shading, such as trees, awnings, and other devices, can also be used to block the sun's rays and prevent the home from overheating, as well as reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the walls and roof.
The Domes are also oriented to the angle of the sun and shaped to maximize the use of natural light from the bottle walls, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Overall, Earthships are a sustainable and durable housing solution that utilizes natural and recycled materials, passive cooling techniques, and energy-efficient design principles to provide comfortable and self-sufficient living in even the harshest weather conditions. The stability and strength of Earthships can provide reassurance and protection against challenges, such as natural disasters, failing infrastructure, and corrupt governments.