Insu-ram is a system of assembling blocks inspired by the cells in the wing covers of certain beetles that allow internal air flow to circulate. Insu-ram both cools and insulates a space from external heat without the use of machinery. The external pattern of the block generates a micro-shading effect that reduces the solar contact … Read more
Kisawa Sanctuary is a new beach resort located on Benguerra Island, off the coast of southern Mozambique. “I wanted the architecture guided by what we saw around us,” says Nina Flohr, referring to the waves of the Indian Ocean and the giant dunes that surround the property. There are 22 bungalows, spread out across 750 … Read more
Luigi Rosselli’s architectural studio in Sydney, Australia was built out of reclaimed construction materials, mostly scrap tiles. The studio pays tribute to two of the most prominent architects of the twentieth century: Le Corbusier and Carlo Scarpa. The facade is designed to serve as a permanent sun break, like an architectural form of embroidery created … Read more
Following on my last post about designing highly sustainable buildings, I would like to delve a bit deeper into why I think it is important to analyze the embodied carbon footprint of buildings. This video assembled by the Endeavour Center in Canada presents the facts very graphically and succinctly. And there are more resources available … Read more
Earlier this month I participated in a webinar titled Designing Highly-Sustainable Buildings featuring the Sketchup software team, along with Sefaira, a plugin that calculates various aspects of energy use pertaining to the design. A representative from an architectural firm that uses the software explained how they go about their designing, which is mostly for commercial … Read more
I’m standing on the Community Rebuilds campus. Today they’re hosting events for the Natural Building Conference, a gathering of those interested in construction using materials like straw bale, soil and lime mortar… which is being mixed now. Moab has a housing problem… like other tourist-orientated towns in the region. Amanda Jane Albert is an instructor … Read more