If you are looking for an alternative shelter for your property, there are many options available. I picked some of my favorite alternative housing options for consideration when planning a bug out home, storage unit or improvised shelter.
SHIPPING CONTAINERS
Shipping containers cost a little bit more than some of the other methods mentioned in this post, however their durability more than makes up for the cost. some amazing homes have been built out of shipping containers.
More
http://zerocabin.com/?m=200804
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/23/ross-stevens-new-zealand-container-house/
STRAW BALE
Building structures using straw bales can be surprisingly affordable, and a lot more comfortable that you might think. A wide variety of structures can be created with the help of straw, everything from a small storage unit to a large family home.
More
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/energy-efficiency/straw-bale-house.htm
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/how-to-straw-bale-house.php
http://www.strawbale.com/ (Credit for the last picture)
http://www.solarhaven.org/NewStrawbale.htm
PALLET HOME
Pallets are cheap or free in most places, so it’s no wonder they have become popular materials in alternative building. Your house won’t be a fortress, but it would certainly work for temporary survival.
More
http://www.i-beamdesign.com/projects/refugee/refugee.html
http://www.tinypallethouse.com/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Pallet-House-to-Save-the-World-or-a-garden-shed/
EARTH BERM
You don’t have to be a hobbit to have a house like one. People all over the world have utilized earth berm home building for it’s amazing cost, insulation and protection from the weather.
More
http://www.survival-spot.com/survival-blog/the-hobbit-house-a-quiet-revolution/
http://www.survival-spot.com/survival-blog/lost-middle-class-tribes-secret-eco-village-in-wales-spotted-in-aerial-photograph-taken-by-plane/ http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/the-hobbit-house-a-quiet-revolution-1695287.html
EARTH BAG
Using earth bags to build a home is one of the oldest methods for creating a shelter. Dirt insulates well, is everywhere and usually won’t cost you a dime. While an earth bag structure can be very durable, they have less durability than many other types of structures.
More
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/energy-efficiency/earthbag-home.htm
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/build-earthbag-home
http://www.ehow.com/how_4748646_build-insulated-earthbag-home.html
RECYCLED BOTTLES
The green revolution has spouted several building types that would normally be ignored. The recycled bottle structure is an eco-friendly and beautifully unique type of home. And of course, the materials are very and cheap and possibly free.
More
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/house-plastic-bottles/2456
http://www.instructables.com/id/New-Innovation-in-Construction-using-Waste-Plastic/
http://www.instructables.com/id/House-in-Mexico-built-with-plastic-and-glass-bottl/
GEODESIC DOMES
The dome has always been a powerful structure considering it’s relatively cheap cost and simple building process. The open space in domes helps air flow throughout the house, giving it a very consistent temperature. Domes are also very resistant to wind and heavy snow because of their uniform strength. You could buy or build a geodesic dome in almost no time at all.
More
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/07/how_to_make_a_geodesic_do.html
http://www.byexample.com/projects/current/dome_construction
http://www.instructables.com/id/Geodesic-Dome-Greenhouse/
FREE SPIRIT SPHERES
What do you get when you mix tree houses and spheres? You get one awesome looking “free spirit sphere”, aka the tree house for adults. While they’re pricey compared do a DIY project, a free spirit sphere could be a great getaway cabin or backup housing unit.
More
http://www.freespiritspheres.com
TREE HOUSE
The kid in all of us has dreamed of having an amazing treehouse, complete with all the necessities of living. Some pretty amazing (and hidden) tree houses can be made with limited budget and training.
More
http://www.balewatch.com/ http://weburbanist.com/2008/02/10/10-amazing-tree-houses-from-around-the-world-sustainable-unique-and-creative-designs/
http://freshome.com/2008/01/08/top-8-most-amazing-tree-houses/
