This earth-sheltered property in Ohio is built almost entirely under the ground, with a roof that provides spectacular protection from the elements, but does require the odd trim now and then. About 90% of it is underground, built into the side of a hill and then covered witb dirt. The interior is very much that … Read more
Tracy King found the perfect, 80-acre piece of land near Hye, Texas. It was a beautiful spread, shadowed by gorgeous live oaks and cedar elms. Her first order of business was stewardship of the land that had been long neglected. King conceived of a main home that would honor the wild, inherent beauty she fought to … Read more
Eight leading architects explain where their architectural ambition is heading. We explore how these buildings use less energy, generate power, support biodiversity, and respond to a hotter, more unpredictable climate. For Norman Foster, environmental thinking is hardly new. He has explored energy, climate, natural ventilation, and resource efficiency since the practice’s early projects, when such … Read more
The Homestead House is a conceptual design that takes the prefabricated steel arch building system ordinarily found on agricultural properties, and reorganizes it into a modular, off-grid residential structure. The system is already commercially available, already engineered for structural strength, and already fire-resistant. The arches and straight panels are formed from thin, recyclable steel sheets … Read more
The Dongducheon family had been living in an apartment in South Korea when their younger son’s eczema became severe enough to disrupt his daily life. They later noticed that his condition eased whenever the family spent time in the countryside and began considering a home made from natural materials. They had no architectural training and … Read more
This 18th-century barn, recently converted to a home, is set within approximately three acres of gardens. The barn itself has two-feet deep walls and is insulated with hemp and lime, providing natural insulation and breathability. The walls are clay-painted, enhancing air quality and creating an organic aesthetic. The property also boasts double-glazed timber windows, a … Read more