Description

Zero Energy House Plan by Dr. Owen Geiger

Zero Energy 2 BR

The Zero Energy Series are a set of one to four bedroom homes with similar earthship-inspired features. This revolutionary design features zero net energy use, extremely low ‘near zero’ embodied energy and extremely low cost of around $10/square foot (cost of shell, excluding energy systems). This design is the result of years of research in energy efficiency and low cost, alternative building methods. They feature up to 1,693 sq. ft. interior plus 901 sq. ft. interior greenhouse, 4 bedroom, 2 bath; footprint: 40′ x 109′ not including cisterns or optional garage.

These houses feature:

• optimized passive solar design
• balanced superinsulation/thermal mass
• earth sheltering
• PV panels
• solar hot water
• airlock entries
• wood stove with water jacket runs hot water through built-in bench and bed
• solar wall oven
• cool pantry
• roofwater catchment
• energy-efficient appliances
• indoor herb and flower garden
• optional composting toilet and greywater recycling

Near zero embodied energy construction when built with earthbags using recycled grain bags and other recycled materials, earth, gravel, scoria, earthen floors, earthen interior plaster, lime exterior plaster, pallet wood trusses (non-code building areas, otherwise factory trusses), rice hull roof insulation, recycled content metal roofing.

Ultra-low cost can be attained with earthbag construction, recycled and locally obtained non-toxic natural materials, and owner-built with low tech solutions.

Zero Energy One

Zero Energy Four

These plans are available as digital PDF files or AutoCAD files and were created by Dr. Owen Geiger as complete and ready to build from. They include necessary elevations, floorplans, cross section details, and other significant construction details; they don’t show every view, every detail — just enough to build. They do not include electrical and plumbing details. The section views explain how everything goes together and should answer your questions about materials. The plans are scaled and dimensioned.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to find out special requirements, such as what alternative building is allowed in your county or what you have to do to get houses permitted. Are there special requirements for foundations, etc.? Do they require an engineer or architect to stamp the plans? It might be a good idea to know these things before ordering plans.

The AutoCAD version is the same as the PDF version, just in a format that can be read by AutoCAD software or other software that reads .dwg files. We recommend buying the AutoCAD version if you plan to have a professional architect or engineer read or make changes to the plan. This may be necessary in some jurisdictions that require state-licensed architects or engineers to stamp plans before they will be acceptable. Or if you want another professional to make some custom changes to Owen’s stock plans, then the AutoCAD version may be the way to  go. If you would like both the PDF and the AutoCAD versions, then just indicate this when you purchase the AutoCAD version and they both will be sent for the price of the AutoCAD file.

This plan is offered with a free copy of Owen’s popular Earthbag Building Guide e-book; see this page for more about this book. All digital files will be delivered by Kelly Hart via email attachments to the paypal account email address within 24 hours after purchase.

By purchasing, you acknowledge that you agree to the Disclaimer of Liability and Warranty: I specifically disclaim any warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the information on these pages. Neither I nor any of the designer/architects associated with this site will have liability for loss, damage, or injury, resulting from the use of any information found on this, or any other page at this site. Morgan Caraway, sustainablelifeschool.com.