How many tyres have you used?

Approx. 2500.

What size tyres did you use?

265/70/16 for the external walls. 175/70/13 for the internal walls

How much recycled material have you used?

Almost everything is recycled.

How much has it cost?

To date we’ve spent $28,000 and its almost finished. About 60% of the cost has been concrete, rebar & mesh for the footings, bond beams and floor. Our goal was to build it for under $30,000 and we will achieve that.

What is the size of the house?

275 sq. m floor area (approx. 3000 sq. ft)

How long has it taken to build?

5 years (Note: I was also working a full time job for much of this time)

How much help have you had?

Outside of my family we have had woofers working with us. They have provided about 10-15% of the total man hours.

Did you have difficulty getting planning permission?

No, Waikato District Council have been very encouraging and helpful.

Who drew up your plans?

I did them myself, took about 30 mins. We did have to get a structural engineer to do footing & bond beam details etc.

Are you off the grid?

Yes, we have solar panels and a petrol generator.

Who designed your tyre press and is it patented?

I designed it and it’s not patented (costs to much to get an international patent)

What is your glass front made from?

It is an old glasshouse that has been split down the middle. Safety glass has been installed were needed (ie over stairs etc.) and the rest is single glazed 3 mm glass.

What are the indoor temperatures like?

In winter we wear a jersey indoors. Night time temp has got as low as 14C (58F) on frosty nights. We use a portable gas heater for a few hours when needed. Also we find that the lower level (has been dug into the hill side) is noticeable cooler that the top level that is built on top of the ground. At the moment the glasshouse is not totally airtight and we have no curtains, so once I’ve fixed this I should be able to get warmer temps.

Daytime summer temperatures have hovered around 23C (76F) when outside has been 30C (90F)

How do you heat your water?

I have made my own solar water heater that is plumbed into a wood fired cylinder. We also have a gas califont as a backup, which we seldom use.

What do you use for cooking?

LPG. But I’m in the process of building my own methane system.

What is growing well in your planters?

Silver beet, lettuce, beet root, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, grapevine, rhubarb

What hasn’t grown well?

Cabbage, sweet corn, chives, carrots, most berry bushes,

What problems have you had with indoor gardens?

Whitefly. We also have to water the planters manually as we don’t have enough greywater.

What is your water supply?

We have a fresh water spring that supplies us with water. We don’t have a catch rain water system.

What is your floor made of?

Concrete with a coloured oxide.

What is your earth plaster mixes?

4 sand, 1 clay, 2-3 cow manure, it stinks really bad went you put it on but the smell goes away after a day or two.. (Note mix changes slightly will different types of clay and colour changes). Then sealed with used fish & chip oil.

Does the greywater system smell?

Not at all.

What do you do with your black water (sewerage)?

We have a waterless toilet and all waste is composted.

What would you do differently?

Fill the tyres and press them away from the house site.

Any unexpected costs?

Yes. Hand lotion, working with clay really dries out your hands something terrible.