Human Groundhog Dwellings

rwells

These aren't really about photography, but about the unusual...

About 15 miles West of Taos, NM, 5 years ago I was riding along and I noticed two "houses" being constructed underground, well most of it at the time.

On my latest trip, my guesstimate is that there are over 300 "Human Groundhog Dwellings" in this area. They even have a "museum" tour for $5, but it was closed when we were there. These are shots of the museum.

They are mostly made of Adobe, old tires, bottles & aluminum cans.

I'll have to admit ~ these are WAY COOL!!!

black mamba

That'e really interesting stuff, Randy. I'd be interested what they figure the average cost per S.F. is when using these materials and methods. They would seem to me to be pretty labor intensive. Thanks for sharing these shots.

Tom

rwells

black mamba wrote:

That'e really interesting stuff, Randy. I'd be interested what they figure the average cost per S.F. is when using these materials and methods. They would seem to me to be pretty labor intensive. Thanks for sharing these shots.

Tom

I don't know Tom, that's one reason I want to go through the museum/showroom.

Material cost wouldn't be very high at all, almost zilch. They make the adobe from the earth that they dig up for the house area. Most walls are adobe packed into old tires. Old bottles/cans can't have much cost. But alas, I'm quite certain VERY labor intensive. I think the average ground temp past 2' here is about 69 degrees year round. Most have strategically placed windows to take advantage of the sun.

I'll let ya' know when I find out more info on these.

adbsgicom

Very cool homes. Looking forward to your report.

Panther

Howdy Randy,

WOW, what a neat community, I have heard of those, and even saw a special on TV, I think it was on the Green Channel, and it was very enlightening to see how they made them and what all they use in the construction.

Look forward to seeing what you come up with also.

rwells

Panther wrote:

Howdy Randy,

WOW, what a neat community, I have heard of those, and even saw a special on TV, I think it was on the Green Channel, and it was very enlightening to see how they made them and what all they use in the construction.

Look forward to seeing what you come up with also.

Hey Craig & Andrew,

I'll do some Internet searching, but I won't be back there till next year probably.

Phil Tompson

You have some good pictures. I know I've seen that bottle house on TV before.

Azzaro

That is really neat Randy, I could live in one of those.... Good job! azzaro

rwells

Phil Tompson wrote:

You have some good pictures. I know I've seen that bottle house on TV before.

Thanks Phil,

I don't doubt it, as popular as they've gotten there in the last few years.

rwells

Azzaro wrote:

That is really neat Randy, I could live in one of those.... Good job! azzaro

Me too!

Thanks Azzaro

Jack'll do

Too cool Randy.
Let me know when #6 or #7 is for sale!

rwells

Jack'll do wrote:

Too cool Randy.
Let me know when #6 or #7 is for sale!

These people crack me up!

Did you notice the blue doors on #6?

They are from "Port-o-Let's"

Jack'll do

rwells wrote:

These people crack me up!

Did you notice the blue doors on #6?

They are from "Port-o-Let's"

OOOOPS!

photomoto43

Earth Ship
Hey Randy,
We saw those in June while travelling thru and took some pics that were very interesting at sunset. If you Google "EarthShip" you should find some info on them.
Wayne/Mississippi

rwells wrote:

I don't know Tom, that's one reason I want to go through the museum/showroom.

Material cost wouldn't be very high at all, almost zilch. They make the adobe from the earth that they dig up for the house area. Most walls are adobe packed into old tires. Old bottles/cans can't have much cost. But alas, I'm quite certain VERY labor intensive. I think the average ground temp past 2' here is about 69 degrees year round. Most have strategically placed windows to take advantage of the sun.

I'll let ya' know when I find out more info on these.

rwells

photomoto43 wrote:

Hey Randy,
We saw those in June while travelling thru and took some pics that were very interesting at sunset. If you Google "EarthShip" you should find some info on them.
Wayne/Mississippi

Wayne,

Thanks for the info tip!

Hmmm, where are those pictures Mr. Wayne?

leaforte

Very exotic.

rwells

leaforte wrote:

Very exotic.

Yeah,

I can't wait to tour one of them.