The house creator's construction from waste by Reynolds could also be in Prague

Prague - American architect Michael Reynolds, known for building structures from used PET bottles, cans, tires, or glass waste, is on a week-long visit to the Czech Republic. He will present the documentary film Architect of Waste and participate in discussions and lectures. The Prague City Hall has started negotiations with him about the possibility of one of Reynolds' unique buildings being constructed in Prague, said the city's culture councilor, Lukáš Kaucký, to journalists today.
The project is currently in the preparatory phase and preliminary discussions. It is not yet clear what the building would be used for or where it would be located. "We are considering that the structure could be built in the botanical or zoological garden in Troja, where it could also have an educational role," Kaucký added. Whether it will be an administrative building or, for example, a greenhouse, the project will likely be funded from the budget of the selected institution. Part of the funds should also come from the environmental department.
"Michael Reynolds can undoubtedly, and without offense, be described as the world's most significant architect of waste," characterized the creator Kaucký.
Eco-architect and activist Reynolds has been designing low-cost houses that feature independent energy sources for over thirty years. "It's all about knowledge of chemistry and physics. We continuously improve our buildings, and this process probably won't end anytime soon," Reynolds himself stated. His houses, which are referred to as "earthships", have their own source of water, heat, and self-sufficient sewage systems. Therefore, the operational costs of running the house are practically zero.
To build them, Reynolds also uses trash - cans, glass and plastic bottles, and tires. "We commissioned a study to see if any toxic substances escape from tires in the buildings. We found that these unwanted products are sometimes of better quality and safer than some commonly used building materials," Reynolds explained.
In his environmentally friendly residences, it is possible to grow fruit or vegetables. According to Reynolds, constructing the houses is also quite simple. He has taught people from Honduras, affected by the hurricane in 1999 that left hundreds homeless, how to build their earthships. Reynolds' team, now consisting of about 40 members, has also helped build new homes in Mexico and Haiti. "We are also in contact with Japanese authorities. However, we will only be able to help the people there once the nuclear danger from the Fukushima power plant is averted," Reynolds stated.
At the beginning of his career, the architect faced obstacles, and American authorities even revoked his license for several years. Only after a series of charitable projects in areas hit by natural disasters was his professional license restored.
Although at first glance the houses appear to be simple clay huts, their utility is broad. "We are working on one building that will be located in central New York. In China, we are preparing a 20-story residence," Reynolds said.
Interested parties can find Michael Reynolds' Prague program at www.zemelod.cz. The documentary film by British filmmaker Oliver Hodge will premiere tonight at the Světozor cinema in Prague.