Insights into Public Perceptions of Earthship Buildings as Alternative Homes

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-08-18, pub-electronic 2021-08-25Publication status: PublishedSustainable futures necessitate a concomitant requirement for both sustainable buildings and sustainable behaviours under one roof. The defining principles behind Earthship buildings are to promote the use of local, recycled, waste, natural and renewable materials in their construction, for the adoption of a passive solar design for internal heating/cooling, collection of rainwater as a potable water supply, and encourage the onsite recycling of used water for plants to aid food production. However, despite growth in Earthship buildings constructed across many countries of the world, their appeal has not yet made a noticeable contribution to mainstream housing. Therefore, this study is the first to attempt to explore public perceptions towards the benefits and barriers of Earthship buildings as a means of understanding their demand by potential home builders/owners. Opinions were sought through questionnaire surveys completed by visitors to the Brighton Earthship building. Results reveal that the public believe that the reclamation of rainwater and greywater, renewable energy consumption and use of recycled materials included in the design/build are the major benefits of Earthship buildings, whilst the opportunity for a modern living style in a conservative lifestyle/setting, having a building that is cheaper than an ordinary home and the possibility of living totally off grid are considered the least beneficial reasons for building Earthship homes. Results also reveal that the public believe acquiring necessary permits/permissions to build may be more complicated, securing financial support (mortgage/loan) may be more challenging, and identifying/attaining suitable building plots are major barriers of Earthship buildings, whilst the futuristic/alternative building design, being built from waste materials and being entirely dependent on renewable resources (rainfall/wind/sunshine) are considered the least important barriers to building Earthship homes. Notwithstanding the participants included in this study already having an interest in Earthship buildings/lifestyles, it is concluded that the general public deem the general principles of Earthships as an acceptable choice of building/living but it is the formal means of building or buying an Earthship home that is the greatest hurdle against the uptake of Earthship buildings. Therefore, if sustainable futures are to be realized, it is proposed that a shift away from traditional house building towards Earthship building will require the involvement of all stakeholders immersed in the building process (architects, planners, builders, investors, lawyers) to path an easier journey for Earthship buildings and sustainable living

Molecular Epidemiology of Group A Streptococcus Infections in The Gambia.

Molecular epidemiological data on Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection in Africa is scarce. We characterized the emm-types and emm-clusters of 433 stored clinical GAS isolates from The Gambia collected between 2004 and 2018. To reduce the potential for strain mistyping, we used a newly published primer for emm-typing. There was considerable strain diversity, highlighting the need for vaccine development offering broad strain protection

A phenomenological inquiry of building and living in European Earthship homes

Earthships remain a relatively underexplored type of sustainable/alternative home. This is the first study to investigate the personal experiences of constructing and living in European Earthship homes. The aim of this study is to reveal insights into the ‘hands-on’ practical experience of persons who have constructed their own Earthship homes and to gather insights into the collective experience of these dwellers on the realities of living full time in an Earthship home. A phenomenological methodology, using an inductive research approach, was utilised through a qualitative research strategy to solicit insights into the personal experiences of these unique persons. The main themes and sub-themes that emerge from the analysis are that anyone from any background can make the shift to building/living in an Earthship home. However, a mixed skill set and knowledge of building trades, plus physical and emotional prowess, are needed for the long-haul build process, which, together with access to financial means and/or available materials, are critical factors that influence the outcome of the Earthship building. Meanwhile, once constructed, off-grid living in an Earthship home gives dwellers a greater connectivity with the natural world, raises awareness of consumerism and leads to enhanced appreciation of human impacts