We're Adding A Loft To Our Earthbag Dome! | Couple Builds Sustainable Home In The Desert
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- We're Adding A Loft To Our Earthbag Dome! | Couple Builds Sustainable Home In The Desert
This build is getting exciting! We're adding a loft space to our off-grid earthbag home.
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We are Jim and Jessica, a husband and wife team who decided to make the leap from living the city life to an off-grid homestead. We have no training in carpentry or electrical work. We've come armed only with two Permaculture Design Certificates and a whole lot of determination.
Join us on our journey to move beyond a sustainable lifestyle into a regenerative one. We chose to live in the desert because we love the location and we wanted the challenge of bringing this desert landscape into productive abundance.
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Another great video !
So a request ... on a clear night , could you shoot video of the dark night sky from the inside of the dome . Just a thought . Stars ?
You food looked good!!! what are you making? and what are you using to run the microwave, stove, a/c all at once?
@@VG-yh3ci the stove is propane, but we have a fairly robust solar system
@@ourselfreliantlife 😎 Awesome! Thanks for the reply 💕Way to go! I would like that too 🥰🌼🌸
@@ourselfreliantlife Hi. What state are you located? NM?
Instead of throwing away the cut-offs from the 2x8 rafters, use them for anti-twist blocking between the rafters.
Jim, what he is saying is called blocking and should be every 8 feet of your floor (loft) joists. Like he said it keeps the joists from twisting as they are being loaded by the weight above. Some people do cross bracing with two boards cross crossing between the joists instead of blocking. That single beam that all the joists are hanging from should be a doubled up beam. Have you heard of sistering beams together out of 2" dimensional lumber? If you are in anyway going to hang some kind of stair off that beam the joists are hung from, double it up! You'll have to take those lag bolts out and sister over the butted boards with the middle of a long board. Then sister to the ends of the cross beam with pieces of board. You have to put screws up and down in a zig zag pattern about every foot to sister that beam together through one side and then the other. Then put those lag bolts back in making sure they go deep enough into your 12 foot 4x6 to hold the doubled beam tightly to it. At the bottom of the vertical 4x6 you should have some kind of large plate to distribute the weight over that pressboard so it doesn't punch down through it. Is the final plan to have the dome take the weight of the loft itself and you'll remove the 4x6 or what? Once you get some flooring across those joists and have the blocking beneath it, you may not need the vertical column? If that is the case, still please double up that crossbeam to take the load from one side to the other.
You may have to extend the vertical post underneath the floor to the ground plus that beam that goes all the way across should be at least a heaver more beefy support beam maybe add two more 2x 10s. Also in between the floor joists cross boards like you did on the floor. But I think you two probably know this already. This is going to be such a great house when you finish it! It’s already looking so kool.
Totally agree. You need bolts through that vertical post because those screws won't hold the weight. Make a sandwich beam out of the two boards you have holding all the other boards. Place a block under the beam on the vertical post to help support the weight.
Totally agree, i did the math. 😉
I liked the lefthanded hammer work. Please take all the advice onboard about strengthening the building because all your hard work could end up a pile of dust or even worse you could both be injured or killed.
That "loft" platform is the perfect place for you guys to stand in order to complete the dome on your home!!! On a "temporary" basis (maybe with joist hangers), you need to add smaller joists across the other half of the circle to give yourselves a work platform to complete the remainder of the dome construction. Maybe you can build those temporary joists into the opposite half of the dome wall, cut them off flush with the inside when you're done and create a "belly board" kind of trim piece using layered thinner plywood strips when the dome construction is complete.
Yeah Buddy! I like the palletwood "level shims'! Looking Great you guys!
Thank you Joe! It's coming along slowly. 😁
Extend your loft past the outside wall 8 or 10 feet and make an upper deck for lounging, coffee, drinks, container gardening, etc.
Spiral steps to match the shape of the dome going from deck to the ground, following the shape of the dome down on the outside. Ease of entry and safety too! ;)
In FACT, you could have a sliding glass door in the loft going out onto the deck but have the deck wrap all the way around the dome and choose your growing plants and areas :D
Tip from a retired carpenter: use a few light-gauge nails to secure 4 or 5 sheets of OSB together. Cut them all at once (the circular saw can easily handle it). Pull the nails. Tah-dah! You just saved yourself an hour of tedious cutting!
Jim, I don't know how you keep the energy to motivate the processes, one after the other. Your positive & optimistic nature is contagious!
Just remember when the wind stops the heat begins. It is nice to see the affection from your wife, was thinking you guys were just friends.
There should be a jack stud where the main 2x10s come together
Your perseverance on your earthbag home is going to look out something out of star wars very well done.
I love how easy going you both are, hard work, and yet so much heart and enjoyment! You two are awesome!❤️❤️
You need to double up the beam that holds the joist! Should be doubled or tripled!
I concur
Ooo yeah
and sister in a support under the beam joint at the post on three sides. don't rely on lag bolts and screws alone.
It looks really, really nice! One suggestion - I'd probably reinforce that center spot where you have the two long beams attached to the center post with the four lag bolts by adding another 2x6 right underneath them, going all the way down to the floor. That way you've got way more support for all the weight that is only carried by the lag bolts. It's obviously too late now, but this could have also been achieved by notching the post and having those beams sit on the notch too.
Thanks for taking us along with your journey. Appreciate the comments people are giving.
That’s a nice addition to the build. Having a loft will give you guys a lot of extra space.
We think so too. This is going to be tall, so why not take advantage of that space.
You project is getting better and better from to day, from month to month, from year to year.
Looking great---I'm sure I'm the one who suggested a loft (NOT!). I hope you have that main vertical beam supported by a similar one down in the basement otherwise there be trouble brewin' in the future. Thanks for taking the time to share your work, scars, scares, and cooking with us. It's all looking good---and now I'm hungry! Be safe, y'all. . .
Those two beams going through the center really need to be supported from underneath. ...not just nailed to the middle post. You're going to have your loft collapse on you if you leave it that way.
yes, you can return lumber. it's very common for homebuilders to order entire truckloads of lumber from lumberyards, pick out the least-twisted sticks, and return the rest.
I’m amazed how much you film while working. Loft looks like it will work well.
Thank you! It's not easy and it takes a lot of extra time, but y'all know that. It adds about twice the amount of time to any project.😁
Oh, this looks good! And that floor will work as scaffolding for you guys as you go higher, too! 😃
Hello Jim And Jess. Adding a 2nd floor or loft the way you did makes things more complicated.
On your main floor, you made it with 2x12 beams spanning from wall to wall, so the floor load can be calculated from the distances of each floor beam and span of the beams. The loads then is reacted by the wall, simple.
But the way you chose to make the 2nd floor things got complicated on the load path: half of the 2nd floor load will be carried by the 2x6 post and the other half by the walls.
Should you had made the 2nd floor the same way as you made the first floor things would had been much easier, but if you don't want to scrap what you have already done you need to reinforce the joint at the 4x6 post with either braces or gussets.
But that is not all, you should do a buckling analysis of the column (4x6) with eccentric load because the way you connected one of the floor beans.
Also your column footing should be on top of one of the 2x12 of your main floor, it if is not make sure you put a 2x12 cross member to distribute the load, the press board flooring is not strong enough to carry the 2nd floor load.
I know that you already spent a lot of money and time on your current 2nd floor construction, but it is your house and you will be using it for a long time so you may want to scrap this type of construction and re-do it using the same technique as you did on the first floor (maybe 2x10 will be enough since you have a shorter span) and you will not need the column making your living area more open.
I am sure you can use that lumber on another project.
Of course this is my humble opinion.
At first I wasn’t sure what to think about your project but you have succeeded in showing me you know what you’re doing.I wish you success. Have fun..
I was not expecting that. It's a thing of beauty.
Flaunting your wealth, showing us all that lumber and OSB! ROFLOL!
He must be a millionaire to have all that lumber, right?
Jim, keep that noggin of yours covered with something protective! Jess doesn’t want to have to take you to the hospital and you don’t want to have to pay for said trip. God bless, y’all. Pax~
I love the loft idea! I'm an armchair builder so I commented on blocking under the floor joists to prevent twisting and to beef up your cross beam that the joists are hung on by sistering more layers of boards across that span. I even commented that perhaps the column going down to the lower floor is just temporary? I'm excited to see the next steps. You guys are awesome! I don't mind seeing the smooching between you two! I love you guys bantering too! Thanks for the video!
Use those 2x10 to double up the 20' span and go down stairs and install a post to support the loft post. Having built several overhead lofts for storage they all sag over time and a floor that dips in the middle is not what u want trust me. Over build it now so u dont have to repair later.
Lovely effect ,all because of the diligence of a fantastic couple 👍
WOW is it taking shape. I love to see the loft I have always loved little hideouts like that and it should be a great place for Jess to relax after a long day
hey buddy I am josh I am never putting down your dream with the project you and your cutie wife, have been building since I was 12years old and what I have learned the most from has been other peoples problems in the need of repairs on their homes and a lot of it is not preparing in the right order of things to always shot for the best and last the lifetime, I never say that's good enough, so you guys are looking for everyone's input, so I build, do repairs, build decks, sunrooms, garages you name it, I am only 66 still kicking, I love the heart you two have for each other and your projects, don't forget Jesus is with you god bless
So, question? With the loft going up I am sure you have thought of a huge window for Jess to do her art! Lighting is everything?, so excited for her!♥️
I was thinking that too lots of natural light!
YEAH!!!!!
I like the loft, it takes it up a notch on your build!
I love the loft idea. I think that it will help if ever there was a bad earthquake. Nice!!
It is AZ. FEW EARTHQUAKES.
@@honthirty_ Famous last words
Did you mean to have a slight concave at the center of your loft? Look at the center of in from a overhead view
Wow it's like trees are in a quiet place far from each other I like that I seen a movie with John Wayne
you need to brace in between the joists they are usually the same as joists so you really do not have extras
Yes ,,, center & ends to keep straight
" Jes-Se- Out-&-Into- The- Real "
" Jes-Se- R- U- I- Z 👁"
" Jesse Ruiz "
Looking good. I say you need to add a post under that loft post so the hieght in taken to the ground..
Coming along nicely. Bet it does feel safer up there. All that smooching slows things down if it work that is. LOL.. Oh man I'm with Mrs. Jess on the singing look she gave ya. Stay safe and have a great weekend!
The smooching may slow things down, but they're a necessary part of construction over here.
That's why we don't get much help.😆
I was one of the people rooting for the loft and holy crap, it looks just as amazing as I thought. I second the person who said that you might want to think about another window or two up there. I don't know jack about building, but I think a lot of the people commenting that you need more supports don't realize the exterior walls are really taking most of the weight since you did decide to build right into them with the braces. I had envisioned you going all the way across and tying them together, though. Still, it doesn't sound like a horrible idea to shore it up a little more, and also into the basement. Getting an engineer's assessment or something. Especially if you're planning on storing a lot of stuff up there instead of using it as a bedroom.
Hello Jim and Jessica it is looking so good. Love watching you two. 💕NonnaGrace
Thank you so much Nonnagrace!
great idea to put ledger boards with the joist hangers
You’ve come so far from the very the beginning of your first build on your property. I’ve really enjoyed watching your home come together. I really hope that you will be able to bring back some bees again and not have to worry about them stinging anyone. You should write a book about your journey because that could help with bringing in monetary assistance too. God bless ❤️
Jim, Jess. Does it worry you that comments are telling that you should be doing this, that and the other? Anyway, looking forward to the finished product. You two are champions 💪💪💪
Love the loft and it gives you a platform to finish the roof! I would triple up the main beam though
Double your main beam or triple then nail spud locks to main post underneath main joist all the way to ground footer please seek advise Jim please we love y’all and are worried how much weight you are going to put up there
That's awesome. Definitely appreciating that use of your extra space.
Thanks for sharing this video of your journey together. Looking forward to seeing how you are orienting bags between the joists. Don’t worry about your extra lumber. Considering that it’s value will only appreciate your should keep it locked at nighttime. What is status on your Mom’s tree? Hope it’s surviving the wind. Wishing you both a blessed Memorial Day holiday. Peace brother,
Looking good with the mezzanine level your getting so close to closing it all in. Keep up the great work you are both such hard workers and doing such an incredible job. Make sure the load your putting on the main floor is transferred to the basement with another support beam
It's looking good you 2... definitely need to double that beam up and add a couple of 2x4s underneath to support it down to the floor. Also need support the 1st floor to the basement. I would get a adjustable lolly column post and put it under the post into the basement. The subflooring alone will not support that loft. The material is probably less than $200 to get a whole lot of peace of mind. Normally the 1st floor joists should be doubled or tripled to support a post like that, but since you are a little past that point in the building process i would just add the column under the subflooring. Keep up the good work!
Hi guys , your house looks amazing . You two are so dedicated and hard working .
Thank you Sherry!
Looking great. Y’all take care of each other.
Rewards at the end of project will be so exciting ☮
Hope all is going as planned, it's looking really fantastic you guys. Big 👍🏻! Hope you are having a safe Memorial Day Weekend. 🇺🇸
Thank you! Have a great Memorial weekend as well. Are you two on a trip?
Looking slick! The loft was a great idea. Good use of space 👍🏻👍🏻
That fry up smells lovely, building work coming on nicely to....
Finally you getting to the last area looking good watching you from Alberta Canada
Awesome. Crew is a great inspector.
Your progress is impressive and I like you on the fly engineering!
My dream 2021 ,Farmer 🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩
You will need to put cleats under the 2Xs at the center. Just in case the screws work loose down the road. It sure looks good though.
A loft is a great idea 👍
A loft is nice. This is looking neat!
you should double up the center band board, and that treated post will bow and twist as it drys out pad it on both sides, use screws 2x2 no more than 10 inches apart up and down it, this will create a strong back so it won't bo or twist on you, I know this because I am a builder god bless you both
What a great idea! That’s looking sweet! Great job you guys! ❤️
Love the look of the loft 😊
How cool would a skylight be on your home so that you can always look at that beautiful sky.🍄
I think getting some light in would be wonderful too. It sounds like they are putting a layer of straw bails over the top of the dome so maybe theyn couls put some tube skylights from above. I think they want to keep as much insulation as possible but a few small tube lights might be in the works?
Now it's getting the homey look.
Had to remortgage the property to buy the wood needed for loft lol
Great job to y'all looking better every week
I also would've done a 12x12 scissor post beam with concrete brace
Just an idea..
If you have a project where you need a lot of smaller pieces of plywood or even dimensional lumber...
Maybe check out Home Depot lumber department
Ask if they have any damaged or unsellable lumber...
(Crocked or corner damaged or ???)
Where I live. Those pieces are 70% off
Looking good guys! How much weight are you planning to have in the loft? We just caught this one during lunch. Take care and stay safe.
It's called culled lumber and I always go there first when I get to HD, even if I'm not currently working on a project. You can get some great deals!
@@angeliquerider-mitchell2538 really good point for most of the places we've lived. We haven't checked all of our big box stores, but the 2-3 we've asked about no longer sell culled lumber. It looks like they're cutting the straight, non-split, parts into standard short sizes that they charge a premium for :(
I know it probably couldn't be done inexpensively. But the loft surrounded by windows could make an awesum art studio
I would double up that long edge joist, (ledger), that supports all the other floor joists. I would also use glue and screw, to attach the second board, to the first.
Also, don't just add two more two byes, lapped exactly the same as the first two. Put one across the center, and cut the other into two pieces for the ends, and glue and screw all three pieces up there.
After seeing the dome idea I would've built the center post when you got the dome hole dug and used that as you compass point plus everything else
I'm visualizing a suite master overlooking the mountains over there!
The 2x4s under the main 2x10s
Would act some what like stressors
(similar to trusses) if more screws were added
imo
I've taken the spring out of a stair case
Installing similar 2x4s
Should get some good acoustics when your done. Congrats on your progress.
20 foot peak. Could you imagine cleaning down cobwebs ?😁
Good idea to put in a loft.
Great job on the project.... and as one guy "going thin" on the head to another... well done! The Missus and I think it looks good on you keep it! 👍🙂
you need to double that band board to keep the wate from the joists if you don't you will have a sag in that frame in your loof, its looking great god bless
Starting to see the home that it will be.
What an awesome next step❣️❣️❣️❣️
I would've made the center beam a scarf joint I beam , run two of them on both sides of center post for a more structural build
I was also thinking a steel pole and plate with a 3/4 loft would be cool.
Great Progress!
Thank you Greg!
Getting there, is the ledger beam supposed to have a hook in it, you can see it when you fly over It! And those pieces you cut can be used on the end running perpendicular to the other joists. Till next time take care and God bless amen. 🙂
Yes, the perpendicular parts are the blocking I was talking about to prevent twisting of the joists as they are loaded from above.
I believe your center post needs to be supported all the way to the ground otherwise the loft will sag and so will the main floor.
Is there a post from 1st floor to 2nd floor to hold all that up. Double up the joist plate holding up the floor joist
You guys should check to see if you have a Habitat for Humanity " ReStore" store in your area. I bet you do. If your not familiar its like Goodwill for building supplies, you can find some amazing deals there, like windows! The reason I mention it is because I'm hoping you'll be including plenty of windows in the loft. But I've also gotten big beautiful French doors for $100. They also have appliances, lighting, flooring, plumbing,etc. I can't say enough about these stores.
I like the add on looking good
Looking great guys. I can't wait for things to come together.
I love the idea of a loft!
😍🥰🤩🥳🥳🥳👏👏👏
Wow! It's all coming along nicely. We're enjoying building our round house too! Much aloha to you both.
Nice! Are you going full dome?
@@ourselfreliantlife not a dome. Ours is a hexadecadron with a cupula :)
Always so special to watch !!!! Looking good !
I can see your build from my loft! I’m just across the street a little closer to the mountain. I’ll be sure to say hi if I catch you at the post office!
Don’t forget to put blocking in between the 2x10’s. It will help stiffen up the floor.
🐕 it's been so cool watching your home come together.
What kind of support is underneath that big post? The post can support a lot of weight, but that is pretty useless if the post itself is not supported all the way to a foundation at the ground, below that floor.