The story of earth architecture continues to be told through structures that have stood the test of time. Earth construction techniques have been pioneered by many ancient civilizations. What appears to be a feeble structure made of raw earth is actually very durable. Earth architecture is considered one of the first methods developed by humans … Read more
The oldest preserved house in Scotland (and indeed in all the United Kingdom) is on Scotland’s Orkney Islands. The house is an ancient Neolithic farmstead called Knap of Howar, which was occupied before the pyramids of Giza. The Knap of Howar seems to have been occupied from 3700 BC to 2800 BC – making it … Read more
Nubia Way was built in the 1990s by Fusions Jameen, London’s first black housing co-operative in Downham, Lewisham. Constructed using the principles of Walter Segal, self-builders were offered long-term discounted rents in return for building the homes. Through interviews with the original self-builders, historians, architects and economists, this new documentary from the Architecture Foundation celebrates … Read more
Kolûba started in October of 2018 as we were working on a project called Sihirli Tohumlar Permaculture Farm near Istanbul, which is our biggest project so far. Derived from “kulübe” in Turkish, the word kolûba means a small hut built in the woods with organic materials found on the spot. Some of us had been … Read more
When Alan Graham refers to the residents of Community First! Village as “neighbors,” he’s speaking about the community created in this enclave of tiny homes, micro-homes, and RVs soon to expand beyond its 51-acre plot in East Austin, Texas. Graham was a former real estate developer who launched the faith-based social outreach ministry Mobile Loaves & … Read more
Cahercastle (built the late 1400s) sat in ruins for centuries before its new owner carefully restored it. Castles like this one, also known as “tower houses,” are common in Ireland. Designed as both fortifications and residences, most are just a single tower stretching up above the landscape. There is something about their humble appearance that … Read more