Have you been curious about natural building but unsure where to start or how to determine the best path forward? Whether you are at the start of your journey and just want to learn, or you are ready to jump into a project, this training is for you. Many existing living spaces may not be … Read more
Solar Adobe: Energy, Ecology & Earthen Architecture by Albert Narath was published this year by the University of Minnesota Press and would be a fine addition to any architectural library. The book focuses on the history of earthen building, mainly in the United States, and primarily during the Twentieth Century. Much attention is placed on … Read more
The Daiku House in Berne, New York is a custom-crafted two-bedroom home on seven secluded acres that thoughtfully incorporates Japanese-inspired style and design. Built in 1982 by the home’s current and original owner who studied carpentry in Japan (“Daiku” translates to “carpenter” in Japanese), the two-story open-floor plan combines timber-frame construction with traditional techniques, hand-cut … Read more
Wood is inherently imprecise. Its grain reverses and swirls. Trauma and disease manifest in scars and knots. Instead of viewing these natural tendencies as liabilities, Achim Menges, an architect and professor at the University of Stuttgart in Germany, sees them as wood’s greatest assets. Menges and his team at the Institute for Computational Design and … Read more
Italian construction company BIOmat Canapa has created a 100% natural and recyclable brick, crafted from a blend of lime and canapulo, with exceptional insulation properties while combating humidity. Canapulo is a specialized hemp variety cultivated specifically for construction. Lime acts as a vital binding agent, ensuring cohesion and bolstering the overall strength of hemp bricks. … Read more
Idaho Springs, Colorado plans to restore of the Powder House, which the mayor refers to as a “hidden gem” owned by the city for over 100 years The property is now set to become a city park. It was built in the 1880s and acquired by the city of Idaho Springs in a tax lien … Read more