Preparation Phase

In 2006 our neighbor Paul, together with friend Joost in Sweden, joined Michael Reynolds' team to build an Earthship hostel.

After that vacation, he held a presentation with photos of tire stamping and talked about the low-tech design of the Earthship. After that presentation in which Estella and Mirjam were present, we shouted to each other: “We want that in the Netherlands too!” It didn't stop with an idea. We formed a group and the Association of Earth House East Netherlands was founded.

The province of Overijssel had a subsidy pot for CPO; collective private commissioning. With this we hired Katja van der Valk. She guided us in the research and feasibility phase of our project.

In 2007-2008 we conducted a feasibility study. This research mapped out the technical, legal and financial preconditions for the realization of approximately 20 earthen houses within a radius of 10 km around Deventer.

RESEARCH FEASIBILITY

The Earthship concept is laid down in the three books by Michael Reynolds. The Netherlands is located in a temperate zone, so it seemed sensible to us to first investigate which specifications apply to an optimal Earthship in our climate. Several technicians have worked on the calculations for the Dutch Earthship and with that we were able to contact an architect who is familiar with the building code.

TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY

Which specifications apply for a working earth house concept in our climate zone? For example, the height of the window frames for optimal sunlight. Insulation of the rear wall. Water extraction and drainage. Choice of materials and connections between building materials.

LEGAL FEASIBILITY

In the Netherlands, the Building Decree applies and car tires are not included as building material. To do this, we had to demonstrate that these different building materials meet fire safety and environmental requirements.

FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY

We have called in financial expertise to map out the costs of using second-hand building materials and building it yourself.

The LOCATION

Through yoga teacher Dick we came into contact with the then alderman for spatial planning of Olst-Wijhe Ans Otterloo. Ans has advocated for us within the college to offer a piece of building land on the south side of Olst. The Municipality of Deventer considered such a project too risky.

COOPERATION

We have concluded 3 cooperation agreements.

  1. With the municipality of Olst-Wijhe in 2008. They appeared to be open to our CPO (Collective Private Commissioning) project.
  2. Social housing cooperation SallandWonen wanted to help realize three rental homes within our project. During the preparations for the construction, we formed a project team consisting of official representatives of the municipality, representatives of SallandWonen, Katja van der Valk (our process supervisor) and board members of the Vereniging Aardehuis Oost-Nederland.
  3. BAM Housing. There was also collaboration with BAM Woningbouw during the construction preparation and start of construction. They helped us with leasing building materials, instruction and materials for building safety. They wanted to learn from us about sustainable construction.

Contact

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