Q: Is it safe to use recycled tires as building material?
A: Yes, using tires as structural components is safe when properly buried and compacted. Scientific studies and over 40 years of construction experience by Earthship Biotecture show that buried tires in walls remain stable and do not release harmful chemicals into the air, soil, or water. Conditions for degradation (high heat, UV exposure, and strong oxidizing agents) do not exist in these applications. Additionally, cob covering makes the tire wall fireproof.
Q: What are the key components of The Greenhouse of the Future design?
A: The greenhouse integrates several sustainable technologies, including:
Passive geothermal and solar heating
Earth tubes for temperature regulation
Annualized Geothermal Solar (AGS) systems for heat storage
Rainwater harvesting systems
Thermal mass using compacted soil and water barrels
Q: How does the AGS (Annualized Geothermal Solar) system work?
A: The AGS system preheats outside air using solar energy and directs it through a duct into a thermal mass, which stores heat and releases it as needed to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse.
Q: What is an Earth Tube, and why is it important?
A: An Earth Tube, or Canadian Well, is a ventilation system that preheats or cools incoming air by passing it through a buried pipe, leveraging stable underground temperatures. It helps maintain a more stable greenhouse climate during extreme weather
Q: What are the benefits of using tire walls in construction?
A: Tire walls offer several advantages:
Tires are inexpensive and widely available.
They are easy to use, allowing families and community members to build together without requiring skilled labor.
These walls are resilient, often more durable than concrete over time.
They help reduce landfill waste and are more eco-friendly than using virgin concrete.
Q: Are tire walls fireproof?
A: Yes, once the tires are covered with at least 2 inches of cob or other insulating material, they become fireproof. This is because oxygen does not reach the tires, and their high ignition temperature (500°C compared to 300°C for wood) prevents combustion. In one instance, an Earthship with exposed tires faced a fire but remained structurally intact.
Q: How is the greenhouse designed to work without additional heating?
A: The Greenhouse of the Future uses passive solar principles, strategic insulation, and orientation to maximize heat gain and minimize heat loss. This design allows it to maintain a stable temperature for growing plants year-round, even during cold winters.
Q: What resources are included in the DIY guide?
A: The DIY package provides:
A 70-minute documentary
Over 200 pages of sustainable construction insights
Detailed blueprints and 3D animations to guide you step by step
