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Blogger Nederland, CO

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Earthship visit

Bottle Wall "Art" About 1/2 way between our cabin and Taos, NM lies the Greater World Earthship community. One common design element is the use of "bottle walls". An Earthship is a type of building that uses many reclaimed materials in its construction. Tires and cans are common, but these element are often "buried" within the walls. In the case of "bottle walls" they are place in such a way that light will pass through like stained glass. When these walls are built, wine bottles and other bottles are cut and rejoined to make glass "tubes". These are then placed in the body of the wall and secured with mortar. Eventually the walls are plastered so only the bottoms of the bottle are exposed.

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Bottle wall
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Earthship visitor center
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plastered walls
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wall showing construction methods
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Plastered Bottle wall
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Bottle details
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plastered bottle wall
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cans and bottle walls
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Stained Glass effect
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I love the blue glass

16 Comments

Bernice H Yakima, WA

Thanks @KMS, I think I will look them up. When I saw these pictures on here a long time ago, I thought it was YOUR place! I do love the effect of the bottles.

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

Beautiful. Bet it's a stunning look when the light hits it just right. How realistic is a process like this for residential applications?

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Erin H Las Vegas, NV

Love the idea! But are those pop cans at the top?

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Laura S Chicago, IL

isn't this part of a hotel or B&B? I though I read about this place in an article about the weirdest hotels to stay in or something

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Carolyn C Terre Haute, IN

There are several of these types of buildings at Rockome Gardens in Arcola, Illinois

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Laura G Houston, TX

I have been a fan of earthships for years now, signed up to their website and it's fantastic. You can have someone build one of these for you, help you update your existing home so that it's off the grid or purchase plans to do it yourself. The guy is a genius and very inspirational and you need to check out his documentary as well. The work is so amazing. You can also check the website for places to stay instead of a B&B or hotel. www.earthship.com. Enjoy!

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Laura G Houston, TX

I forgot to mention that he and his team set up new communities all over the world. Especially in areas where major disasters occur, such as tsunamis. I live in Texas and believe strongly that they should start some of these communities here. Imagine all of the energy we can get from the sun!!

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Becky H Tampa, FL

Frank Loyd Wright would highly approve!! This is great!!

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Kate S Stanardsville, VA

Love this idea....may try something like this on a smaller scale some day!

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Rose S Marietta, GA

... but I can't drink all that wine by myself. Anyone willing to help me?

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 4
Vickie C Jackson, MI

We have one of those here in the upper Michigan but I think it's made of beer bottles only

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

These are truly awesome!! I've seen something like this featured on Extreme Homes (Not sure anymore) but I thought they were absolutely gorgeous works of art. I think it would be the ultimate living experience to have a home built like this!!

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Lynn M

There is a whole bunch of these on Vancouver Island - either in Nanaimo or Quoquitlam - not sure exactly but have been to them.

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Melody D Crestview, FL

THESE HOMES ARE AWESOME....THAT'S WHAT I WOULD LOVE TO DO HERE ON MY LITTLE PIECE OF PROPERTY......SINCE MY HOUSE IS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE. ANT PROGRAMS OUT THERE TO HELP SOMEONE DO THIS?

on Apr 28, 2012 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Looks something like you would see at Burning Man. Its a wonder if someone drank that much they could build anything at all! lol

on Apr 29, 2012 · Like 1
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

@Woodbridge Env. - or someone had a little help from their friends!! I'm still trying to collect enough to make the bottle tree!! Donations accepted ;~)

on Apr 29, 2012 · Like 0