I see a couple of indicators that prove to me there’s interest in geodesic domes and alternative survival shelter projects.  First, one of my earlier posts encouraging readers to consider a dome often shows up in my blog stats as one of the most popular posts.  Second, a Youtube video derived from Prell’s “Domes from Karl” occasionally receives comments, questions and subscribers.

            If you're really into domes and want something unusual but workable, click here for a site on building geodesic domes from cardboard.  No kidding.

            With all these things in mind, there’s a book I think you’ll find useful.  It’s a paperback called Home Work: Handbuilt Shelter, by Lloyd Kahn.  Here’s the Amazon.com description:

“Building on the enormous success of the original Shelter, Lloyd Kahn continues his odyssey of finding and exploring the most magnificent and unusual hand-built houses in existence. Among the intriguing domiciles described in Home Work are a Japanese-style stilt house accessible only by a cable across a river; a stone house in a South African valley whose roof serves as a baboon trampoline; multi-level treehouses on the South China Sea; and a bottle house in the Nevada desert. Over 1,500 photos illustrate various innovative architectural styles and natural building materials that have gained popularity in the last two decades such as cob, papercrete, bamboo, adobe, strawbale, timber framing, and earthbags.”

            This book is very favorably reviewed at Amazon.com.  One reviewer says the book is more comprehensive than Kahn’s first book and is a coffee table book that won’t stay on the table.  The commentary reminded the reviewer of a scrapbook.  It’s not just a catalog of intriguing homes and shelters from all over the world, but portrays ways of life.

            Some of the shelters featured are rolling homes, such as buses and vans, and a donkey train pulling a homestead.  One chapter has descriptions and diagrams of tipis, yurts and tents.  Barns and other old buildings are also featured in the book.

            Another reviewer says this book is affirmation that others are building creative and weird stuff and living there happily.

            Because Home Work is a book of ideas and inspiration, I recommend getting a copy for yourself.  Who says we all have to live in cookie cutter look-alike homes?  One day building or finding alternative shelter may be a necessity.

            Here’s how to get your own copy of Home Work: Handbuilt Shelter.  Click on the image of the book below, which takes you to the Amazon.com page featuring the book and place your order there.  Why not daydream and scheme a little?  Explore the possibilities.  You never know.  It could improve your chances of survival in the future.