Workshop TA
I'd like to build the Earthship on a large plot of land with a lot of trees (>10 acres at least 20% forested).
Areas
The structure will be long and narrow. The wider it is, the taller the roof needs to be. It will be 16' wide. It can be as long as needed and I can have one end cut to accommodate expansion.
Kitchen
Doesn't need to be fancy, but I'll need it to process some of the food and to eat while I'm onsite. After completion, I'll use this for canning and vinting so I can keep those supplies out of the house. Again, optional. I can use the tiny house or even just limit myself to uncooked food while I'm on site.
- 3 basin sink
- gas burner
- work table
- lots of storage
I won't need an oven, fridge or dishwasher.
Shop
Holds all the tools and I need room to work. On the larger side 16x60?
Larger static tools will live along the edges of the shop. The center will be open with doors at both ends so that larger things (like trees) can be processed.
The rafters need to be fairly strong because I will use them for wood storage. I'll setup one or two kilns up there so that new wood can be dried out. Then I'll just stack it off to the sides.
Mushrooms
Should be fairly small, but getting the systems setup will be tricky. Certainly not something I need setup to start with, but it will be good to reserve space in the floor plan.
Systems
Electrical
The solar array will be it's own mini-structure and will house the batteries. So that won't be here. I may setup a wood gassifier.
Thermal
Semi passive cooling should be enough (pumping air through under ground passages to cool it) to keep it functionally cool in the summer. I want a wood stove to keep it warm in the winter and this will give me a chance to test out that system before the complete build.
Water
Initially I was going to put the water systems here, but I no longer think that's the right choice. Putting them in the house is better.
Build Order
Pre Setup
The major thing I'm missing that will be needed for this is welding and machining. I don't think I need much, but a good welder and a basic lath and mill will probably be necessary.
- Sawmill
- Gasifier
- Generator
- CEB press
Initial Setup
I'm not sure what the construction approach will be, but it should at least partially mirror the complete build. Regardless, I think I can lay out the main supports and build the roof first. Then I can get the ground leveled. This will give me a large work area, even if it is open.
Walls
Get the external walls up, then (if necessary, depending on material) add insulation.
Internal
Setup the internal walls and start getting the systems setup.