Way back in 2009 I emailed this website in the hope that there would be an opportunity to do some volunteer work. Sandra replied that I was more than welcome to come and that they had just started the first row of tires. My excitement was palpable. I had just finished a carpentry program in my hometown in Newfoundland and was looking forward to seeing British Columbia. In mid-July, after catching a flight from Toronto to Kamloops I arrived in Barrier on the bus. Chris picked me up and my education in earthship construction had begun.

An earthship is a structure unlike any other. It is hard to define within conventional building terminology. The main elements are there: roof, walls, windows, fixtures and so on… but its walls aren’t made of studs and drywall, tires and plaster are employed; curves are used much more liberally when compared to conventional design; and a large portion of the outside walls aren’t outside at all as earth is piled against them to help moderate internal temperatures. I digress, if you’re one of the many repeat visitors of this website you already know the general idea and understand an earthship’s distinctiveness. If you are new, well you are in luck because Sandra and Chris have been very diligent about posting what they have learned. Enjoy.

So, the days were hot way back in July of 2009. By mid-day the needle on the thermometer was on the wrong side of 40 and work had to be confined to mornings and evenings. However the pace was good and the will was there. Chris and Sandra were happy to impart what they gathered to that point and I was eager to learn. I enjoyed the company of my fellow volunteers and ended up staying for roughly two weeks.

Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to return to do some additional volunteer work. Unfortunately, work commitments meant that this time was short but I always enjoyed my time here. I have been working on big construction sites in Vancouver that don’t exactly fit my vision of building sustainably. Coming here is a good reminder that there are people concerned about the direction we are taking. That is why when Chris called me after one such trip to the Ship to explain that he and Sandra wanted to offer me a job I accepted, right away. The past month has involved a variety of tasks. From helping build the graywater planters and doing packout for the tire walls to electrical rough-in, it has been rewarding. At the end of the day it is nice seeing tangible results, an effect often hard to reproduce on a large site.

That being said earthships are not without challenges. The appliaction of building products meant for conventional construction can be difficult especially while trying to satisfy building code requirements. This slows production and can lead to some, errr, head scratching moments. Everyday has a challenge or… ten but it’s always important to keep things in perspective: To quote Edison: Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.