My brainstorming and research led me to home construction. And even then I found myself swamped in the ideas and methods being used around the world. There are so many people approaching this in different ways it is difficult to say which is the best method. I, of course, have my opinion on this and am writing this to voice that opinion but I will also briefly list the others I've come across. I'll take the time to do this because they all have merit and I don't think it's feasible or advantageous for everyone to construct their home in the same manner despite building codes and contractor's attempts to make it so. In fact, it may not have even occurred to most people that you don't need a concrete box with a wooden frame box built on top to make a home (especially to the majority of us who live is this type of structure). But this is the leading modern home construction method today. I can only guess why that is. I've never researched it myself but would guess it has something to do with building codes, contractor's experience, most existing buildings have been done this way, and for the majority of home owners it is the only style of home they've lived in.

Typical home:



You would think that it must be the best way to construct a home then right? Well, as you might have expected, that's not what I found. For one, they're expensive. You might say you get what you pay for but in this case that doesn't translate into superior design, quality, and efficiency. It has more to do with their other downsides. They are difficult and complicated to construct and take specialized equipment which means specialized training that also requires experience (look at all those layers). The materials typically aren't local and must be purchased new which means they have to be continuously constructed and shipped elsewhere. They require large amounts of insulation, heating and air conditioning, and land area. I could go on but enough of that, let's get into some alternate methods.

Tiny home:



The first and simplest idea would be to use less materials, by that I mean a smaller home. This can obviously be applied to any method of construction. You've probably seen articles and pictures about tiny homes. I've enjoyed reading about the tiny home movement and have been inspired by the people doing it. For more details I'll refer you to your search engine as I will for all but my favorite idea at the end. As to specific construction methods, I will try to cover all that I've heard of up to this moment but make no promises as to the completeness of the list. Also, I'm not going to include classic frontier type buildings like log cabins or sod houses. I'm trying to cover designs which have emerged more recently (although still before my lifetime).

Monolithic dome:



I'm sure we've all heard of dome shaped homes but there are several types of dome structures as well. Monolithic domes are just as they're named. The most popular method to make a monolithic dome is to start with a concrete slab and heavy duty inflatable dome form. You use the form to make your layers (sealer, insulation and shotcrete) and you are left with a structure stronger and more efficient than any wooden box. While this has the disadvantages of needing specialized materials it is simple and straightforward and still less expensive than a typical home construction. At least it can be. It won't burn or blow down and though you may lose your belongings in a flood your home will just wash out and won't rot or float away in pieces.

Geodesic dome:



Next in the dome category is the geodesic dome. Advocates tout this as the strongest design around. It combines the superior strength of the triangle and the honeycomb into a dome structure which is also of superior strength. That's a lot of superior strength so perhaps there is something to the claim. I'm not going to cover much on it though because I think the advantages end there and I'm focusing of efficiency, not strength.

Earthbag home:



Earth bag homes are one of my favorites. They are mostly made of the earth which is displaced on site to build the foundation. The earth is also the insulation layer, and main structure and as mentioned earlier is already on site, making it free. The picture used shows one under construction so you could also see the downside. The bags must be stacked individually by hand and covered inside and out with adobe or something similar. Still, these homes are easily one of the most cost effective and efficient construction types.

Straw bale home:



I haven't read much about this type of house but I find it intriguing and relatively simple. I would be concerned about the straw bales rotting and the walls would be really thick. Still, if you have access to straw bales there's no doubt that you would score well on efficiency. I would probably try a straw bale garden personally.

Pallet home:



The pallet house is another one I probably wouldn't use for a home. Still, pallets are easy to come by no matter where you live. I'll have to admit when I see pictures of well built ones like the one in the picture I want to try it.

Earth sheltered home (Underground home):



Finally we've made it to my favorite type of home construction. Underground homes have all the obvious benefits you'd expect like efficiency, low cost, and are designed into their environment better than any other construction method. The first design of the underground home is the one you are probably thinking of and is the one I was first exposed to. It shows the home as sort of a cave like structure. Unfortunately this creates problems with drainage, one of the biggest issues with an underground home. While doing research on going underground I came across Mike Oehler's home (which you will do if you use the internet). I think he's really on to something with his ideas and I don't mean to make this a pitch but I told you I'd have links for my favorite. I even got his book which I suggest doing if you start seriously considering this type of home. It is only 10 bucks for a digital version on Amazon.

Downhill earth sheltered home (Mike Oehler design):



http://undergroundhousing.com/

The problem here as with a lot of these alternate designs, is building codes. I'm not a good source of information on this topic but it is something you will most likely run into. One thing you can do is to build out buildings or greenhouses using these types of structures to save money and/or get the added benefit of strength. I would suggest greenhouses but that is because I'm doing a lot of research on gardening as well. And because I believe you have to do something if you ever want things to change here are some links to some kickstarter campaigns for earth sheltered greenhouses.

Pit Greenhouse Project

Amsterdam Green Energy Project

Passive solar inspired aquaponic greenhouse

Cheers

Fredrick Theodore Tucker

