A
HOUSE OF TYRES
WORD MEANING
1. sustainable – secured way
2. independent – free
3. utilities – provisions, facilities
4. off-the-grid – not requiring public utilities
5. concept – idea
6. stacked – fixed
7. rammed – forced into
8. thermal – related to temperature
9. fluctuate – not steady
10. amenities – facilities, features
11. relief – comfort
A. ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS
1.
What is an Earthship?
An
Earthship house is made up of rammed earth and tyres. By using reused
materials, this house is made in such a way that become absolutely independent,
self-sustained and eco-friendly.
2. What does Michael Reynolds mean, when
he says that living in an Earthship is ‘off-the-grid’?
“An
Earthship is absolutely independent of all public and municipal utilities. This
is what Michael Reynolds mean, when he says that living in an Earthship is
‘off-the-grid’.
3.
How are the walls of an Earthship constructed?
The
tyres are stacked like bricks. Each tyre has earth pounded into them until
firmly packed. Once the tyres are packed, they are very difficult to move and
form quite a dense wall.
4. What could be a potential risk of using tyres
in the construction of an Earthship?
The use
of tyres could lead to the risk of toxins leaking from the tyres into the soil.
Tyres are also inflammable and provides harmful effects to human health and
environment.
5.
What would Reynolds like to do in the future?
Reynolds
would like to build Earthships all over the world and create self-sufficient
cities which would be more affordable and sustainable.
B. THINK AND ANSWER.
1.
How is the temperature within an Earthship maintained?
The
tyre-walls of the Earthsip provide thermal mass which stores heat and releases
the heat slowly. This keeps the indoor temperature constant while outside
temperatures fluctuate.
2.
How is water reused in an Earthship?
Water
is recycled in indoor and outdoor treatment cells for food productions and
landscaping. Leftover ‘grey’ water is also used to flush toilets.
3. How has the challenge of
living in a remote location been tackled in an Earthship?
An
Earthship is absolutely independent of all public and municipal utilities. It
gives all the modern amenities such as plumbing, heating, power and even
internet. All these facilities makes one self-sufficient.
4.
But the spread of these ships has not been plain sailing...
Why is this so?
The
spread of these ships has not been plain sailing because of their radical
design which breaks most architectural rules. Also, there could be the risk of
toxins leaking from the tyres into the soil.
5.
Would you like to live in an Earthship? State your reasons.
[WRITE YOUR OWN
REFLECTION]
C. COMPLETE THIS TABLE.
D. DISCUSS IN CLASS.
Think of the long-term impact of such a building. Discuss how it
can benefit human being and the world.
[WRITE YOUR OWN
REFLECTION]
Ø You may consider the following aspects in your
answer...
Ø Sustainable development
Ø Use of materials
Ø Cost of building such house
Ø The kind of people live in our society
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