Pete Bissonette has one of the about 650 homes Earth Sheltered Technology has built since it began in 1981. The company has houses in Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as in California and Alaska. “I loved every bit of building it,” Bissonette said. “I’m glad I made the decision to build it. I have no … Read more
Belgian studio Van Laethem Architecten used natural materials including hempcrete and cedar shingles to create this small garden studio for its staff. Located in the rear garden of the founder’s home, the building acts as both a workspace and a demonstration of the studio’s approach to using bio-based materials. The office is situated next to … Read more
I have become friends with David Stone, the inventor of Ferrock, a carbon negative thermal mass material that consumes both CO2 and the residue of steel manufacturing. You can find out more about this at his website carbon-bound.com or see a video about it at www.pbs.org David has shared with me some photos and description of … Read more
This collection features items crafted from bamboo, willow, branches, reeds, and other natural materials. All of these undergo selective cultivation, specific harvest timing, and natural drying, with each product undergoing a phytopathological inspection. At least 75% of the natural materials come from FSC-certified sources. The wallpapers also meet certifications for fire retardancy and waterproofing. Highlighted … Read more
Students at the University of Stuttgart in Germany have developed a hybrid flax fibre/cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof for a prototype pavilion in Germany which enables column-free spans and demonstrates the structural application of a bio-based alternative to timber. This system forms the wave-like roof of an experimental building designed for a garden show on the … Read more
This lovely home in Maryland has solar and geothermal systems, a ‘green roof’ and materials sourced on the property. The owner, Serge Rousselle, says that the house has a “feeling of strength and resilience” and was “built to last,” like the homes he grew up with in France. Rousselle’s vision was brought to fruition by … Read more