Imagine a home that’s not only good for you but good for the planet too. That’s the magic of Earthships! These unique houses are popping up everywhere as people ditch traditional builds and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
In a recent video, Kyle McGran shared several of these beauties which are not just eco-friendly, but also downright cool.
Euro Earthship
Introducing the Euro Earthship, a remarkable passive solar residence nestled in the scenic landscape of Taos, New Mexico. McGran shared that this off-grid marvel embodies sustainability and innovation, constructed with natural and upcycled materials like earth-packed tires. Designed in collaboration with Earthship Biotecture, this 1,850-square-foot home offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, delivering both comfort and eco-conscious living.
The Interior Features
From electricity to potable water and sustainable food production, the Euro Earthship provides self-sufficiency in every aspect. The spacious interior is adorned with adobe walls and traditional vigas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Standout Feature
One of the standout features of this Earthship is its expansive greenhouse, seamlessly integrated into the living space. Planter gardens in the bedrooms and great rooms offer a delightful connection to nature, while skylights provide ample natural light and ventilation.
Vallecitos
Featured prominently on Netflix, and in esteemed publications like Forbes and Airbnb magazine, McGran shared that this extraordinary residence represents the pinnacle of designer and builder Mike Reynolds’s 50-plus years of Earthship evolution.
The Large Living Space
As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open living area seamlessly integrated with the surrounding nature, thanks to 11-foot viga ceilings and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. McGran added that this exquisite home boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage, offering the utmost comfort and convenience.
Food-Producing Garden
One of the highlights of Valcos is its 1,000-square-foot food-producing garden, complete with an aquaponic system and koi pond, providing both sustenance and serenity. Plus, a Japanese floating cedar deck and panoramic barrel sauna offer luxurious retreats.
Phoenix Earthship
The next rental was the Phoenix Earthship, a one-of-a-kind rental retreat that defies comparison. Nestled in the high mountain desert, this off-the-grid sanctuary boasts a lush jungle greenhouse, creating its own microclimate amidst the arid landscape.
Cozy and Tranquil Living Space
McGran invited viewers to step inside to discover cozy and tranquil living spaces adorned with modern amenities. The Phoenix Earthship offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a common area, all meticulously detailed and outfitted for comfort.
The Phoenix Complex
But the magic doesn’t end there. McGran shared that within the Phoenix complex, you’ll find a host of unique features, including a thriving greenhouse, a serene fish pond, a delightful food garden, an Earthship-inspired chicken coop and run, an outdoor fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating, and a BBQ grill with an outdoor dining area.
Earthship Brighton
Introducing Earthship Brighton, a groundbreaking self-sustainable building nestled in Stammer Park, Brighton, England. Constructed using waste car tires and recycled materials like cans and bottles, McGran shared that Earthship Brighton shows innovative features such as rammed earth tires, renewable power systems, and rainwater harvesting.
Sustainable Architecture
Designed by Mike Reynolds, founder of Earthship Biotecture, McGran added that the Earthship Brighton is a shining example of sustainable architecture. It uses sustainable energy to provide heat, power, and water, operating as an autonomous building.
Australian Earthship’
The next house was Earthship Ironbank, Australia’s pioneering council-approved Earthship, crafted by designer Martin Freney. McGran shared that this dwelling marks Freney’s venture into Earthship-inspired architecture.
Built by Volunteer
Endorsed by Michael Reynolds of Earthship Biotecture, the project commenced in July 2009 with a workshop led by Reynolds himself, where 25 volunteers enthusiastically pounded tires to lay the foundation.
Driven by a passion for natural building, Earthship Ironbank was primarily constructed by volunteers hailing from diverse locations, converging to gain inspiration and knowledge. Over the years, it has evolved into an Airbnb retreat, inviting guests to experience sustainable living firsthand.
Desert Flower
McGran finally shared the Aeon Po’i, affectionately known as the Desert Flower, a truly unique sanctuary nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Spanning an impressive 7,913 square feet across five bedrooms and seven baths, Aeon Po’i was crafted by designer and builder John McGann in the late 1970s.
A Private Space
Situated on an expansive 11-acre lot, this estate offers unparalleled privacy and serenity amidst the rugged landscapes of Santa Fe. As you enter Aeon Po’i, McGran shared that you will be greeted by a grand Earthship-inspired passive solar front room bathed in natural light streaming through triple-paned glass windows.
The Interior Layout
McGran added that the interior layout of Aeon Po’i is suggestive of the winding passageways of the ancient Anasazi ruins of Pueblo Bonito and Chaco Canyon. Each room is thoughtfully handcrafted and adorned with natural and anthropological elements, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
Share Your Thoughts
So what do you think? Can Earthships become a mainstream housing option?
