I usually avoid posting about projects that involve the use of lots of cement, but this underground homestead has many other features that are worth exploring. When Al Schwarz moved from upstate NY near Dallas, TX, he wanted a home with low energy bills and protection from extreme weather, so he dug into a hillside, … Read more
An area of about 200 acres In Huanggang City, China, has 13 wooden houses scattered around. This project is part of the Wiki World Co-Building Plan that is building a series of unique natural homes in nature. They designed and built 6 different types of cabins, combining location selection and exploration of living possibilities. It … Read more
I once used a prefabricated steel Quonset hut as a basis for building a combination garage/workshop/office/storage room. It worked very well for these purposes and was quite inexpensive. I called it my Carriage House and you can read more about it and even buy plans for it at dreamgreenhomes.com. So when I saw this article about … Read more
Surrounded by lush paddy fields and mountain peaks Chiang Mai, is a coffee shop that resembles a rice barn, drawing on northern Thai vernacular architecture. Nature plays a prominent role as the ever-changing seasons and climate shape its appearance. Visitors are invited to dine in the open-air in the space tucked between its two wooden … Read more
The Luum Temple in Tulum, Mexico is a pioneering example of what happens when traditional wisdom meets modern engineering. It is designed to stand against hurricane winds and significant seismic forces. The structural system has five intersecting hyperbolic paraboloids made of bamboo arches and split bamboo beams. Due to bamboo’s lightweight nature, particular attention must … Read more
Turkey has long been known for its labyrinth of underground cities, and archaeologists now believe that they may have discovered the largest one yet. Sarayini was once used as a shelter by local Christians who were persecuted by the Roman empire and local Muslim leaders and needed to protect themselves from raids. The 215,000-square-foot ancient … Read more