In an effort to build near cost free structures, rock and adobe/cob will be used almost exclusively. Additives will range from recycled paper(paper adobe) to prickly pear cactus(for water resistance).
Domes and vaults play a major role in our modular building designs. Keeping structures small and integrated will provide both flexibility and efficiency of space.
The dry climate is an advantage here, allowing us to build with earth and partially underground, taking advantage of temperatures below the frost line.
As part of our earth building strategy, annual plaster/maintenance will be expected.
Glass windows will be used for passive solar purposes along with colored bottles and other found glass for interior lighting.
Ventilation and airflow will be passively incorporated into monolithic design.

The "polypod concept" plays into our designs of modularity. By starting small and keeping structures integrated we can make better use of space and efficiency of movement.

 

The first structure to be built is designed for basic protection from temperature extremes and speed of construction.

The capsule is a small vault allowing a member to sleep comfortably. A window on the south side permits winter sun to warm the floor and walls. The entryway is a tunnel large enough to crawl through. The circular doorway will be made of paper adobe(for lightweight) and easy to place and remove.

The capsule will ultimately become one of four such vaults attached to our dome_alpha design. Each capsule can have many uses including sleeping quarters, greenhouse/heating, food storage, utility/batteries, antechamber(dome entrance), etc.

 

Dome_alpha is our main building unit. With a diameter of 12 feet, this dome will serve as primary living space for members.

Key design features include:
rubble trench foundation
stone base/floor
adobe/cob shell
fiber-rich insulative layer
water-resistant outer plaster(maintained annually)
sunken center floor
cob sculptured nooks
south facing glass
capsule/vault connections

Dome functions will change as the settlement expands. In the beginning, a single dome(with capsules) can serve as a dwelling for a “pod” of 4 members. As additional domes are built, members will move into their own dome. When four domes are built, a larger community dome will be added for that pod.

 

The spiral vault:

Here a small vault with a predefined curve is expanded outward in an ever growing spiral. As the vault begins to parallel previous courses, additional connections and overhead protection can be added in the hallway spaces created.
Functional when only 6 feet long, this design features ease of construction due to it's small arch(@3 feet).

The pyramid:

The beauty of this design is that the entire structure(aside from the stone foundation) is constructed using a single shaped adobe brick(a right triangle)and virtually builds itself. The bricks can be any size as long as each course is consistent and is divided into that course's span. Using the same bricks turns sideways will “launch” the walls at a 45 degree angle. The entrance will simply be omitted bricks with some form of rain diversion.