Securing a bank loan often proves challenging, marked by a series of obstacles and difficulties. Although banks play a crucial role in providing financial support, their hesitance to approve loans is typically influenced by a complex set of factors.
Unfazed by the reluctance of banks to fund their earth-sheltered dome home, Steve Travis and Jeff Ingram decided to take matters into their own hands. Financing each phase of their unconventional hobbit villa project paycheck to paycheck, the duo showcased ingenuity by repurposing recycled highway signs for the concrete foundation forms.
Their journey featured significant milestones, including a vibrant „dome-raising“ party, where I-Beams from a dome kit were erected, and a year-long commitment to tying their rebar. After six years in a fifth-wheel trailer, the couple finally moved into a partially constructed home, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
A decade later, Steve and Jeff now enjoy a mortgage-free lifestyle in a residence designed to withstand a nuclear blast, hurricanes, and earthquakes in their fault zone location. The home’s hyper-insulation ensures a complete absence of heating or cooling bills. Structural strength is attributed to the colossal 1000 tons of earth enveloping their unique dwelling.
Despite county regulations mandating bedroom wall heaters, the couple has never needed them, underscoring their abode’s thermal mass insulation value. Non-load-bearing walls allowed for expansive windows on three sides, filling the interiors with abundant southern light.
During construction, their distinctive dwelling sparked curiosity among neighbors, sometimes mistaken for a government facility due to its unconventional appearance. Reflecting on their property selection, Steve recalls discovering the Bay Road land during drives from Toledo, and the breathtaking view inspired them to embark on the challenging journey of building their dream home.
A year of patient observation of the land’s nuances preceded the decision to opt for an earth-sheltered structure, setting the stage for their unique living experience. Discussing the local climate, the couple notes the region’s moderate temperatures, occasional freezes, and the consistent effectiveness of the earth as a natural insulator.
The conversation transitions to the intricacies of the construction process, detailing the use of steel arches and highway signs as forms and the gradual build-up due to financial constraints. A key focus of the interview revolves around the significance of the earth’s weight for structural strength and insulation benefits.
The couple candidly shares the challenges they faced securing loans and the resulting delays in aspects such as waterproofing, extending the construction timeline. Ultimately, the completion of their unconventional home involved the addition of a layer of Bentonite-impregnated polyethylene sheet for waterproofing.
Steve and Jeff reveal various aspects of their home, offering insights into the chimney leading to a wood stove, arches framing openings, and the engineering marvel behind the arched structure—a system designed by a Colorado-based company.
Throughout the discussion, they underscore the energy efficiency, sturdiness, and low maintenance benefits of their unique dwelling, particularly crucial in the earthquake-prone Cascadia zone. The couple provides a deeper dive into the interior design, emphasizing the strategic layout of non-load-bearing walls, conduit placement, and the incorporation of wood milled on-site.
Living in a trailer for several years during construction, they candidly share the experience, highlighting the sacrifices and satisfaction derived from the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of their unconventional yet resilient home.
Despite the challenges, Steve and Jeff’s decade-long journey culminates in a testament to the enduring rewards of dedication and unconventional thinking. While the hurdles of obtaining a bank loan are undeniably real, alternative solutions, like Steve and Jeff’s approach, not only prove satisfying but also save them from the high interest rates imposed by banks.
Explore the duo’s journey in constructing their Hobbit home without a bank loan by watching the video below: