Tirehouse II

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But PMA was lucky enough to find a small, newly founded company located right in Idaho, a clearing house to research and find this type of information. The company Alternatives Inc., uses a variety of methods including computer database searches and the development of an alternative-materials library. The company's goal is to maintain and track information about alternative construction methods and materials. The company hopes these methods will be a good way to show people just how many choice, they have when considering construction alternatives.

Last Efforts

Although PMA is excited about its solar-powered subdivision, there is still work to be done. "We have people thinking the tire house will be more like a cave than a house," states Olson. "Getting people to change their ways of thinking can sometimes be the most frustrating aspect of our project:"

Raised Eyebrows

The public isn't the only one who has to be convinced. PMA has been forced to work within the confines of traditional banking rules in an effort to finance their dream. It was difficult to find financing for the land because it is not connected to the power grid. According to Fenwick, the banks raise their eyebrows because of the nature of the house. Olson adds, "We are trying to make them understand that we want to make normal better. We have to. Our planet won't survive what has become `normal,' so we do what we have always done when we believe in a project—keep going until someone listens:' The fate of the loan lies in the hands of the loan committee, and PMA hopes that banking attitudes change towards the use of alternative building materials and techniques.

Chins Up

Although PMA of Idaho expects more hurdles, Fenwick looks toward the future with anticipation. "We want to see this kind of action in every town. We want to learn all we can about different types of alternative housing, and help people build homes for themselves. Our goal is to work with other builders of super-insulated, environmentally responsible homes in an effort to bring these ideas to everyone, including low-income and third-world familes." In the meantime, he encourages those who are starting new businesses to keep their chin up and continue moving forward ....

Bionote: Tim Rhodes is a member of MOTHER'S Reader Editorial Board. His interests in alternative energy are deep-rooted with 18 years of personal experience in solar, wind, and water projects. He hopes to have his own tire-house-building plans approved soon, and he is getting ready to start building his home as soon as the weather breaks this spring.

PMA of Idaho

By Kim Jones

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