This style of building involves using earth-filled automobile tires as the internal framework for load bearing walls. These walls do more than support the heavily insulated roof, but they also act as a heat sink, storing thermal energy for later use. This thermal mass principle regulates heat in the structure – keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

In North America this type of dwelling should always face south, using tires for the north, east and west walls. The exterior side of the tire wall is backfilled with dirt creating an earth berm on three sides. The south wall is constructed of large windows to let the sun shine in. This passive solar design needs little to no heating or cooling input. Many families who have built similar homes, even those in Canada, report only minor fluctuations in temperature inside their home year round.

The systems approach to living in this type of homeis what truly sets them apart from conventional dwellings. Everything in the utilities segment of residential living is handled internally. The structure collects its own water from precipitation, manages its own sewage and generates its own power. Those living in these homes pay little to no utility bills … an attractive prospect with continually climbing energy costs.

Conventional toilets are replaced with composting toilets, appliances are super-efficient, running off solar and wind power; and large indoor planters manage wastewater. The home and those residing within it are involved in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. This style of living more closely represents the way other creatures on earth live within healthy ecosystems.

This concept flies in the face of conventional housing which is almost entirely reliant on fossil fuels. Our current housing practices encourage a parasitic dependence where we take everything good and give nothing useful back.

We are the only species on the planet who have had this kind of negative impact on the planet. If we continue on our current path, we will almost certainly be the engineers of our own extinction.

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