Critical Analysis

In this section of our analysis, we would like to take the opportunity to analyze some of the criticisms that have been pitted against the Potter House, and similar Earthships. Our goal with this analysis is to respond to some of the criticisms and to dispel the negativity that ensues from such radical housing construction. In an editorial letter to the Toronto Star, in response to an article entitled "Tire house draws hundreds of visitors", Chris George of Wellandport, Ontario criticized the use of discarded tires as a building material. He raised the several health concerns that he argued would result from tire house construction. Namely, he voiced the concern that the Carbon black, reinforcing pigment used in the manufacturing of tires, (makes up a third of the tire) contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. These known carcinogenics, along with other aromatic compounds, such as benzene and toluene which are present in rubber tires, are feared to leak into the water system once the tire breaks down in several decades. The Potter's response to this criticism was that Mr. George was ill-informed. They argued that "a tire pounded full of earth, encased in cement, wrapped with vapor barrier, surrounded by drainage tile as per the Ontario Building Code, exclusive of air and unexposed to ultraviolet light, does not break down," and that, therefore, "his fears were unfounded." Another criticism that has been pitted against the Potter's, and similar Earthship builders, is that of the labour intensiveness involved in the construction of the homes. Although the materials are mostly free, since they are used materials that would otherwise be discarded, the problem arises in that it is very labour intensive to assemble them into a home.

The option of hiring a building contractor is not a good one for individuals who are looking to limit their costs since it is likely to bring up the cost of building the house by over 30%. The only other option is for the occupant to build the home himself, perhaps with the help of volunteers. Many prospective Earthship homeowners choose to build their own buildings because they find it to be a spiritual experience to shape one's home with one's own two hands. Those people who choose to build their own homes have to be in a position to take a leave of absence from their employment, a challenge that requires that they be able to manage their money expenses during the construction phase. However, in the long run, a properly built Earthship will incur fewer expenses such as utility bills because it is totally self-sufficient. Also, because the Earthship is a self-built product, there is no mortgage owed on the house. Therefore, when all is said and done, it will actually cost less money to live in than a traditional purchased home. A lifestyle and the attendant attitude that embodies sustainable living is critical to living in an Earthship because an unwillingness to live with limited water supply and electricity is incompatible with the performance of these types of self-sufficient homes. Most traditional homes built today require an extensive mechanical system to maintain their use. As part of a city or town housing network, a traditional home requires electric power, water and sewage access. Traditional homes, therefore, depend on these centralized systems for their sustenance. The difference between an Earthship and a traditional home is that an Earthship is a self-contained dwelling that is independent of these government owned centralized utility systems. This is an advantage both in consideration of the cost of these utilities, especially since they are constantly rising, as well as in the case in which a problem, such as power being down due to a snow storm.