Hidden Havens (105)Travel to Arizona to meet a family that built their sanctuary the old-fashioned way. The house itself was constructed using an ancient adobe technique—using a mixture of dirt and cement, pneumatically compressed together to form strong, natural walls. Referred to as a "rammed earth" home, the structure hides an architect's office.
Then, get a glimpse of the "portable room" tucked behind a California couple's home. Jeff and Leslie Suhy's backyard getaway is one that any nature enthusiast would love. Their modern-day yurt—a type of dwelling used for centuries in Asia—makes an excellent retreat from everyday stress and is great for reading, exercising and relaxing.
Rammed Earth Facts:
- The rammed-earth technique was used in building the Great Wall of China and other enduring ancient structures of the Middle East and northern Africa.
- Rammed-earth walls provide excellent insulation.
Resources:
Buildings of Earth and Straw : Structural Design for Rammed Earth and Straw Bale Architecture
by Bruce King, Ann Edminster (Editor)
The Rammed Earth House (Real Goods Independent Living Book)
by David Easton, Cynthia Wright (Photographer), David Eaton
The Masonry Heater Information Site
Organization promoting sustainable building and heating.
http://mha-net.org
Yurt Facts:
- The yurt's shape and composition maximizes strength with minimal materials.
- Modern yurts are used for vacation homes, temporary/guest lodging and studio/spa enclosures.
Contact Information:
Pacific Yurts, Inc.
77456 Hwy 99 South
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
800-944-0240
pacyurt@yurts.com
www.pacificyurts.com
Resources:
Creative Plans for Yard and Garden Structures
by Matt Debacker (Editor)
Mongol Yurt Association
www.mongols.com
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