Here are some examples of mud houses in India that show us how ancient building techniques can be adapted to modern climate responsive homes. A Kanha-Inspired Bungalow In Raipur The owners wanted to take them back, at least in spirit, to the mud houses of Kanha. “We were clear that the home should serve as … Read more
Mike Oehler lived for over 30 years in an underground home that he built for $50 (and expanded for $500) on his land in Northern Idaho near the Canadian border. Now in his seventies his arthritis keeps him from hiking up to his home, but he continues to “write and proselytize” In 1968 like thousands … Read more
The Oceanspray Townhomes project in Ashland, Oregon was organized by the California Straw Bale Association (CASBA). This project is the first multi-story, multi-family straw bale construction in the United States. Designed by Arkin Tilt Architects and Verdant Structural Engineers, Oceanspray Townhomes aims to be a model for using low-carbon and carbon-storing materials, passive solar design, … Read more
The Jalmanjar Farmhouse in India aims to optimize climatic efficiency through passive and active strategies suited to the region’s hot and dry conditions. The key design elements, including the orientation, spatial configuration, material selection and windcatchers, work in coordination to enhance thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption. The farmhouse features a perforated gable-end wall made … Read more
The cold desert region of Ladakh, India is characterized by harsh winters, minimal rainfall, and sparse vegetation. The residents have been forced to adapt to the environment, optimizing the limited available resources for sustenance. At an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,500 ft.) and over 300 sunny days per year, it is well positioned for passive … Read more
Sandy Lawrence used rammed earth to form the walls of a home on the side of a rocky hill overlooking Napa Valley in California. Three caves on Lawrence’s property provided some of the materials. The house was designed by San Francisco-based architect Michael Baushke and built by late Napa-based architect David Easton, who was a … Read more