Living Underground: Building An Earth-Sheltered Home Made from Water & Waste

Summary

In this video, Doc takes viewers through his unique underground home, the '50 Million Mill Mansion,' built with water and inspired by Earthships. Located on a 12-acre property, the self-sustaining home blends into nature, utilizing renewable resources like solar, wind, and rainwater for energy and water. Doc explains how he minimized construction costs by using waste materials from his business and how the home operates with zero heating or cooling costs. The video emphasizes a simple, eco-friendly lifestyle, free from debt and traditional housing norms, with the goal of creating a sustainable future for his family.

Takeaways

• 😀 Doc's underground home is built with recycled materials and designed for self-sufficiency, using natural resources like solar power, wind energy, and rainwater collection.
• 🌱 The home is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine, significantly reducing reliance on mains electricity and external utilities.
• 💡 The house uses minimal lighting powered by solar-charged batteries, maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability.
• 🌍 The design prioritizes thermal efficiency, with the earth sheltering providing natural insulation, which helps maintain a stable temperature throughout the year.
• 🏡 Doc's home is made mostly from reclaimed materials, including wood, containers, and earth bags, keeping costs low while minimizing environmental impact.
• 🚰 The house collects rainwater for daily use, making the homeowner independent of local water systems and ensuring a more sustainable lifestyle.
• 💧 The composting toilet system eliminates the need for a traditional septic tank, further reducing environmental impact and waste.
• 🐓 Chickens play a key role in the sustainable lifestyle, providing fresh eggs and contributing to the ecosystem of the property.
• 🏞 Doc values freedom over conventional living, enjoying the time he spends on his property and working on his self-built, off-grid home.
• 📱 Doc shares his experiences and advice on Instagram, offering insights into sustainable living and alternative building methods for others to learn from.

Q & A

What is the primary philosophy behind Doc’s 50 Million Mill Mansion?

Doc’s primary philosophy is to live sustainably and off the grid by utilizing free and renewable resources like wind, solar, and water. He built his home with recycled materials and designed it to be energy-efficient, self-sustaining, and low-cost to run.

How does the design of the 50 Million Mill Mansion incorporate natural resources?

The mansion is built using IBC containers stacked underground, surrounded by earth. The containers are filled with water, which provides thermal efficiency, while the earth keeps the home insulated, staying cool in summer and warm in winter. The roof is covered with earth and grass to help maintain temperature stability.

What types of power and utilities does Doc use in his home?

Doc primarily uses solar and wind power to generate electricity. He also collects rainwater for drinking and other needs. Heating is provided by a wood burner, and he utilizes a composting toilet for waste management.

How does Doc handle the environmental impact of waste in his home?

Doc manages waste sustainably by composting everything he can and using a composting toilet. This minimizes his environmental impact and ensures that all waste is recycled back into the ecosystem.

Why does Doc prefer living off the grid instead of relying on mains electricity?

Doc prefers off-grid living because it allows him to avoid paying for utilities and minimizes his environmental footprint. He values using renewable resources and avoids the standing charges of mains electricity, only using it as a backup when necessary.

What role does recycled material play in the construction of the home?

Recycled materials play a significant role in the construction of the home. Most of the wood, insulation, and other materials were repurposed from various sources. This approach helped minimize costs and reduce waste, aligning with Doc’s sustainable living goals.

How does Doc balance the trade-off between eco-friendly living and comfort?

Doc maintains a balance by designing his home to be comfortable while using minimal resources. For instance, he uses a wood burner to heat water efficiently and relies on natural insulation from the earth to regulate the temperature. The goal is to be comfortable without overconsuming or relying on external systems.

What are some of the challenges Doc faces in living off the grid?

One of the main challenges Doc faces is the regulatory framework surrounding off-grid living. Many building codes and regulations restrict the use of wind turbines, rainwater collection, and non-traditional structures. Additionally, there are the challenges of maintaining the systems for power and water independently.

What future plans does Doc have for the 50 Million Mill Mansion?

Doc plans to further develop the property so that it becomes a self-sufficient space that can generate income. He envisions creating an environment where his daughter can live without paying for utilities, while also continuing to grow sustainable businesses on the property.

What message does Doc want to convey to others about sustainable living?

Doc encourages others to embrace sustainability and consider alternative ways of living that reduce reliance on external resources. His message is that with the right mindset and creativity, it’s possible to live comfortably and independently without contributing to environmental harm.