Couple Builds a Permitted Hempcrete House in California

Concerned about indoor air quality, Neil Decker and Stella Michaels wanted their home to be chemical-free, so they decided to build it out of hempcrete (hemp, lime, and sand). The couple didnโ€™t think they could afford to live in California but found a rundown property in Gold Rush old country on the Western Slope of … Read more

A Guide to Starting Your Own Bamboo Building Project

From initial idea to completion, this article will provide you with valuable insights to begin your bamboo building project, from the perspective of Bamboo U. To begin any successful building project, clearly defining your project goals and objectives is crucial. Determine the purpose of your bamboo building, whether it’s a home, a community hub, or … Read more

Montana Couple Build Their Own Hybrid Cob House

Daniel and Katherine Ray first came across cob houses when they were in college. “We stumbled across a photo of a cob house in Wales and we got really interested, so we started collecting lots of pictures of other people’s cob houses. It was a pot-shot dream that we really wanted to do,” Ray said. … Read more

Showcase of Natural Building at OUR Ecovillage

Freya’s House is an off-grid green building that showcases multiple natural building techniques from straw bale, cob, and rammed earth walls, to earthen floors, a green roof, and reclaimed, salvaged and locally sourced materials. It uses solar power for electricity, a legal composting toilet, and on-site greywater filtration. The house is located at O.U.R Ecovillage … Read more

Earthbags are Gaining Traction in Kenya

Earthbag construction is gaining traction in Kenya as an alternative to traditional building materials such as wood, iron sheets, or stones. Real estate investors are increasingly embracing this technique. By utilizing earthbags, developers can easily access the necessary resources and construct structures affordably. Earthbag construction begins by utilizing on-site fill materials, which typically consist of … Read more