In Arizona’s high desert, Jonathan and Ashley Longnecker are building an off-grid homestead that relies on earth walls, solar power, rainwater catchment, and a lot of hands-on labor. Their project is a real-world test of whether a modern family can reduce consumption, live more independently, and build a home that works with a dry, demanding … Read more
Warrick Hill Farm in Australia is set across 40 hectares (99 acres) has been held and cherished by the same family for generations. At the heart of the property sits a custom-built rammed earth residence featuring soaring raked timber lined ceilings, with timber sourced directly from the property itself and a warmth that only natural … Read more
For centuries, Filipinos have built and lived in houses made of bamboo, then with the introduction of steel and lumber, bamboo was regarded as a “poor man’s” building material. Now, by combining ancestral building wisdom with cutting-edge technologies, engineered bamboo is emerging as structurally superior alternatives to steel, lumber, and concrete. Bamboo is widely available … Read more
Set across approximately 23 acres in the rolling landscape of Lower Chittering, Australia is a 4682 sq. ft. rammed-earth residence, with the proportions to comfortably accommodate a large family. Five oversized bedrooms include a substantial master suite with a walk-in robe and ensuite. The home’s centerpiece is an expansive open-plan living and dining area complemented … Read more
Tucked away within native bushland, this secluded retreat offers a rare sense of peace and privacy. Positioned to capture natural light and stunning surroundings, the home features a spectacular curved timber roof and a striking stone fireplace. The rammed earth construction, paired with beautiful hardwood timber interiors, ensures the home stays naturally cool in summer … Read more
Marc Neu, a passionate advocate for sustainable building, has built his own home in Luxembourg using natural materials such as wood, straw, clay, and lime. He says, “A straw bale like this, about 1.1 metres long, costs five or six euros. I managed to insulate my entire house, from the floor slab up to the … Read more