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
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
Most modern construction largely relies on industrial methods, but there is a renewed respect for traditional craftsmanship. Understanding how people utilize handmade brick, lime plaster, woven bamboo, and rammed earth represents cultural continuity and authenticity. Craft hasn’t vanished due to obsolete technologies or disappearing artisans. It has been economically repositioned, revealing complexities beyond material use … Read more
A new book published by Taschen, Sustainable Living: Homes for Our Time, by Philip Jodidio, showcases the quiet revolution in green residential architecture, from living roofs to rainwater harvesting. “Twenty or 30 years ago, sustainability was often treated as a specialist concern,” said Philip Jodidio. “Today it shapes almost every discussion about housing, from materials … Read more
A carefully optimized dose of fine biochar improves both carbon dioxide uptake and compressive strength in natural hydraulic lime, offering a promising low-carbon material for historic building restoration and sustainable construction. Natural hydraulic lime has been used for centuries in masonry and restoration because it is compatible with traditional building materials and can absorb carbon … Read more
In 1968, Charles Bello and his wife, Vanna Rae, moved onto 240 acres of redwood forest looking to live a simpler life off the land. They had spent their savings to purchase the land so they got to work building their home themselves. Their first structure was a panelized A-frame that they erected in 5 … Read more