We have our twenty acres which we hope to retire to, but we do not have a house. I have been researching alternative forms of construction that are more economical and energy efficient. I am excited right now to learn about earthbag construction. It is extremely economical, a good choice for high winds (something quite common in north Texas), and very efficient regarding heating/cooling. I am learning that if we design our house carefully, it actually may keep itself cool during the hot Texas summers, and warm during the cooler winters. I hate air conditioning, and if this is possible, I would be very happy.

A hundred years ago, families would build their own homes. That is my hope for our family, where we may work together and build our own home. That is another reason why a simpler form of construction is so attractive too. And it would be great if we can pay as we go, not having to take out another mortgage to build our house. Our goal is to get completely out of debt, not to aquire more debt once my husband is out of the military.

To learn more about earth-bag construction, go to: http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com/eabutotrandt.html http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/earthbag.htm

We are thinking of building our home in a yurt shape (actually three yurt shapes connected together) and then using premanufactured exposed wood yurt roofs to top them.

http://www.yurtworks.com/

The exterior/interior walls will be covered with adobe plaster. So in the end, other than the round shape, it wouldn't at all look strange. I think it would be quite beautiful nestled in the woods.