Shelter materials and construction techniques.
In this wide-ranging update from Occupy the Land, Ernie shares where the Arizona desert homestead stands after a busy stretch. The concrete work pad is complete and ready for strut fabrication with the stamp press for the 20ft geodesic sphere root cellar. We cover water retention in the sand pond (Khaleesi soil, auger holes, future […]
In this reflective episode of Occupy the Land, Ernie gives a comprehensive update on current projects while sharing the deeper “why” behind everything they do. With the concrete work pad complete, the stamp press and welder are fired up for mass-producing EMT struts for the 20ft geodesic sphere root cellar. He discusses ongoing food production […]
In this episode of Occupy the Land, we focus on practical infrastructure by building a concrete work pad outside the shipping container workshop. Ernie levels and compacts the area using excavated Khaleesi (caliche) soil, then experiments with a structured Adobe mix (Cow Creek) — combining the high-calcium local dirt with Portland cement and testing linseed […]
In this episode of Occupy the Land, we finally fire up the heavy equipment needed for the root cellar project! Ernie tests and sets up the welder on 220V, then brings the massive vintage stamp press (a WWII-era machine) online after maintenance, greasing, and motor/belt upgrades. He demonstrates how the press flattens, rounds, and punches […]
In this episode of Occupy the Land, we dive into the engineering behind our new root cellar project on the Arizona desert homestead. With the trench already underway, Ernie walks through the dome calculator on DesertDomes.com to plan a 16ft geodesic sphere (4-phase) that will be buried mostly underground for natural cooling. He breaks down […]
In this episode of Occupy the Land, we finally resume the guest dome build on our Arizona desert homestead with cooler weather making it easier to work! We prep and install heavy-duty hurricane straps (mule tape) between earthbag layers to cinch the future dome roof securely to the stem walls via a planned concrete bond […]
In this episode of Occupy the Land, we resume the guest dome build after a busy stretch of other homestead projects! With cooler weather finally here, we prep and install heavy-duty hurricane straps (mule tape-style) between earthbag layers to anchor the future dome roof securely to the stem walls via a planned concrete bond beam—over-engineered […]
In this episode of Occupy the Land, we finally complete the power setup for the shipping-container workshop on our Arizona desert homestead! Ernie swaps out smaller panels for four high-output 535W bifacial solar panels, delivering reliable voltage to the 48V inverter and 15kW battery bank. The mobile battery shed (built on a pallet platform) is […]
In this heartfelt New Year’s episode of Occupy the Land, Ernie and Donna sit down to recap 2025 on their Arizona desert homestead and share their vision for 2026. The year focused heavily on infrastructure—powering the bus, workshops, and guest dome prototype with solar upgrades, inverters, and battery banks—while Donna built thriving raised garden beds […]
In this New Year’s update from Occupy the Land, we reflect on a wonderful holiday season with family and grandkids enjoying the desert—shooting, riding e-bikes and ATVs, and experiencing off-grid life. Donna shares her thriving garden: heirloom plants (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, broccoli, peppers, etc.) are sprouting beautifully thanks to rabbit compost, natural pest control, […]
