A Fruitful Legacy in New Zealand

What Clare and Tony began in New Zealand nearly three decades ago with a property scattered with timber trees is now a vibrant food forest, home to more than 200 fruiting plant varieties, many of them rare or unusual. There are 27 varieties of apples, grapes, avocados, bananas, pineapples, Sichuan pepper, berries, nut trees, passionfruit, … Read more

Restoration of Warsaw’s Elizeum

One of Warsaw’s most interesting yet least known monuments, the Elizeum, is an underground building from the late 18th century. Conservation work is intended to restore the building to its former character and protect it from further degradation. Dehumidification is the first step, a process that must take place slowly and under strict control. Electric … Read more

Remodeling a Farmhouse-Style Home in Belgium

Marc and Ann bought a  farmhouse-style home in Belgium in the 1990s. Later they decided to renovate it in a sustainable way. The house and its location hold strong emotional value for the couple, as they hope to grow old there. This type of home dominates the local landscape and fails to meet today’s energy … Read more

The Mud Architecture of Northern Saudi Arabia

In the heart of northern Saudi Arabia, the mud buildings of Rafha stand as an example of traditional architecture, reflecting authenticity, creativity, and cultural identity. These structures tell the story of an ancient past, embodying traditional architectural ingenuity that connects people to the land. The buildings were constructed using indigenous methods and natural materials including … Read more

Senegalese Company Champions Natural Materials

Elementerre is a Senegalese company founded with the mission of revolutionizing the construction sector using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Established in 2010, the company has made rammed earth its primary material, offering it as an ecological and long-lasting alternative to conventional building materials. Using compressed earth blocks, produced by mixing local soil with a small … Read more

Side by Side Earthbag Tiny House & Shed Home

Meet Roan & Ivy, a vibrant couple living in neighboring tiny homes on their off-grid property in New Mexico. They bought their 2 acres and built both the earthbag home & shed tiny house for under $15k. Their alternative, simple lifestyle enables them to live frugally on their own terms while focusing on their passions, … Read more