Earthship: Systems and Components vol. 2

by Michael Reynolds

Clean and unmarked.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Environment, Reference

254 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1991

Reviews

[Bryan]

Helpful information while building an Earthship.

[Patrick Haga]

This book has a lot of great information, expanding on proven concepts from the first book. Some information seems a bit dated (it's from the early 90s), but in a good way, if that makes sense. Mostly, the difficulties in finding certain supplies and dealing with codes/financing. We're 30 years in the future and things have gotten easier.

[David Koblos]

Some more information about earthship building, with even more details about the systems featured in them, such as water collection, lighting, temperature regulation, etc. A really great reference material. The only thing is, it is a bit dated when it comes to specific technology related info, such as light fixtures. For example, it goes into great lengths explaining the types of fluorescent light-bulbs available, and where to get them, but LED lighting is not even mentioned. All this is understandable, however, and doesn't take away anything from the usefulness of the rest.

[Heather R]

so parts of it made me giggle. & honestly, sometimes it bugs me HOW Reynolds mentions getting around building codes--instead of showing the local code enforcement types how it's a viable or (more accurately) a desirable building concept. knowing what I know about some of the Earthship history in the US, he got a lot more accomplished when he made it more presentable to less adventurous types. But I did get quite a bit out of the book.

[Michele]

While volume 1 talks about the structure and placement of an earthship, volume 2 goes into the systems that make it work. It feels a little dated in that technology has improved since Reynolds published, but the principles seem solid. I liked his gray water recycling ideas and there's even more diagrams of nifty things to do with tin cans.

[Fatima Zahra]

Innovative