Rex Hohlbein and his daughter, Jenn LaFrenier, are both architects in the Seattle area. In this TEDx video they present a novel approach to reducing homelessness. They suggest that we should “reimagine our personal space by inviting homeless residents to move into beautifully designed, off-grid, homes built in residential backyards.” Called “The Block Project” these … Read more
I recently got this email from Cato Arce in Mexico: This is Cato Arce, founder of Moradas Verdes in Mexico. We have been in touch before regarding Earthbag Building and the work I’ve been doing in Mexico. Like you, I am still busy working, promoting, and building with earthbags. I have been busy sharing and … Read more
Fair Companies has assembled a wonderful collection of video segments that offer advice from many parts of the world. For some, preparing for the unexpected has been a way of life for years. We visit (via their cameras) permaculture farmers in Tulsa, Oklahoma growing much of their food in backyard hoop houses, a rainwater harvester … Read more
Shelter Publications has done it again! Lloyd Khan and his partner, Lesley Creed, have produced a gorgeous peek into their alternative lifestyle in the book The Half-Acre Homestead: 46 Years of Building & Gardening. As with all of Lloyd’s books, this one is full of hundreds of full color photos, arranged in delightful spreads. The … Read more
In Ouled Merzoug, a small earthen village near the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, a piece of land was offered by the community to the recently founded women’s association AFOM. They built a Women’s House in close collaboration with local women and workers: a place where women can share their crafts with the community and visitors. … Read more
Around 1846 lime began to gain popularity over erosion-prone mud; It was popular for plasters and for mortar in much construction until the arrival of Portland cement during the first decade of the 20th century. This first instance of the term “cement stucco” in the archives of the Santa Fe New Mexican appeared in 1907, … Read more