DEB 100 Design and Sustainability
Research Project Report: To reduce the negative impacts conventional homes and the lifestyles associated have on the planet.
Earthship (Ironbank, South Australia)

Axel L. Rice n9472312 axel.rice@connect.qut.edu.au

Tutorial: Juliet
Tutor(s): Ali Livingstone and Charlotte Kessler

Introduction
The exemplar I have chosen to work on in this case study report is the Earthship; a self-sustaining green home concept designed by Earthship Biotecture of Taos, Mexico. Starting out as just an idea envisioned by Michael Reynolds in the 70s, the Earthship concept is now being physically implemented in various parts of the world. This paper will focus on the Ironbank, South Australia project which is, …show more content…
This means that the tires come completely cost-free and are being recycled for the project. Integrated with the surrounding landscape, Martin Freney and his team are able to balance out the frangible quality of the materials used and the absence of a reliable footing system with additional reinforcements. Figure 2 shows how the tire wall is met with ground coming up from the side. In this way additives that might improve the structure of the tires used are dismissed and what is left of them is continued to be …show more content…
* Water recycling – the in-built rain harvesting systems provide all the water occupants need. * Energy – solar panels on the roofs provide all the electricity occupants need. * Environmentally friendly – all materials used to construct are recycled. * Funding – even though most materials are recycled there still needs to be some funding. * Stressful – can be stressful keeping all the systems of the Earthship in work with only two occupants. * Internet access – with the remote placement of Earthships in consideration; internet access can be an issue. * Little reputation – the success of the Earthship design is yet to be established and made known to the public.
OPPOTUNITIES THREATS * Education – more active workshops can be put in place to run along the construction of Earthships and be used to educate other designers on sustainability. * Market – there is a present market for Earthships (more specifically, sustainable