16/12/2025
a detailed, cross-section diagram of a structure labeled "ELEVATED EARTH #1," which appears to be an earthbag dome home or similar sustainable/alternative building design.
Here is a detailed description and breakdown of the key components shown in the image:
🏡 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF "ELEVATED EARTH #1"
This image illustrates a two-story, dome-shaped residential structure built using earth-friendly construction techniques, likely featuring passive solar heating and water management.
I. EXTERIOR AND SHELL CONSTRUCTION
• Dome Structure: The overall form is a rounded, domed shell, suggesting high structural integrity and energy efficiency.
• Wall Material (Exterior): The outer walls are constructed from what is labeled as "EARTHTUBE w/ CEMENT PLASTER o/." This likely refers to a construction method (like Earthbag or Superadobe) where long fabric tubes are filled with earth, stacked, and compressed, then covered with a protective layer of cement plaster for weatherproofing.
• Foundation/Drainage:
• The base of the wall is set below grade.
• A "PERF. DRAIN PIPE IN CRUSHED ROCK" is shown running around the exterior base, designed to draw water away from the foundation and prevent moisture issues.
• Roof/Skylight: The very top of the dome features a "POP-UP SKYLIGHT/VENT," which would allow hot air to escape in the summer (ventilation) and provide natural light.
II. INTERIOR SPACES AND FEATURES
The structure is divided into two main levels:
A. GROUND LEVEL (FIRST FLOOR)
• Entry: A door with a small, curved transom window is the main entrance.
• Kitchen Area: A curved counter with white cabinets is built into the wall, indicating a dedicated kitchen space.
• Appliances: A full-sized refrigerator is shown near the staircase.
• Flooring: The floor is labeled "STABILIZED GYPSUM CONCRETE w/ HYDRONIC PIPING." This is a key feature, suggesting an in-floor radiant heating system (Hydronic piping) is embedded in the concrete slab, which would provide efficient, even heat throughout the lower level.
• Staircase: Simple wooden steps lead up to the second floor, seemingly resting on a column or the refrigerator area.
B. SECOND LEVEL
• Bedroom Area: A bed is situated against the curved outer wall, lit by a small, curved window.
• Bathroom/Living Area: The center of the second floor appears to be an open space containing a bathtub and a toilet, suggesting an open-concept bathroom or a partition dividing the bedroom from the bath area.
• Natural Light Feature: The most striking interior feature is the large, angled window structure labeled "SUNWING PARTITION." This complex, multi-paned window system is built into the dome shell, likely oriented to capture maximum daylight and solar heat (passive solar design).
III. WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
• Exterior Swale: An important feature for sustainable water management is shown outside the structure, labeled "WATER CATCHMENT SWALE." This is a shallow, vegetated ditch designed to slow, filter, and capture rainwater runoff, potentially directing it to a cistern or simply allowing it to soak into the ground slowly.
💡 SUMMARY OF DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The design of "Elevated Earth #1" emphasizes sustainability, efficiency, and natural light:
• Earth-Friendly Construction: Uses earthbag/earthtube construction for thermal mass and low material cost.
• Energy Efficiency: The dome shape, thick earth walls, pop-up vent, and hydronic radiant floor heating contribute to stable, efficient interior temperatures.
• Passive Solar: The "Sunwing Partition" maximizes light and solar heat gain during the day.
• Water Management: The exterior swale helps manage rainwater and runoff.