@Uair @smithb
> "specific topics or general directions?"
Apologies I'm an engineering ignoramous, but on this note, I'd be fascinated to see a variant of the "earthship home" design with - instead of rammed-earth-tyre walls - concrete block walls. I think planners might find this easier to accept, among other reasons for trying it. What I can't get my head around is how to have an earth-berm in contact with the building without it getting damp. The design evolved in desert climates where this isn't a problem. Anecdotes from the UK suggest damp is a problem with the design when implemented there.
Some folks won't like the idea of swapping in concrete to replace the tyres; I'd just point out that an earthship made with concrete is better than one that isn't made at all, and sadly that's where we're at in most housing developments.
At any rate, wherever you direct your intellect, good luck! LLMs are probably your friend for filling out grant proposals without going mad ;) many free ones eg.: www.duck.ai
https://www.naylorconcrete.co.uk/precast-systems/staka-block/
https://earthship.com/
#civilEngineering #mechanicalEngineering #academia #earthship #earthshipHomes #housing #planning #sustainability