Marialyce Pedersen’s house in Altadena, California was reduced to ash that spilled into the pool, turning the water a toxic black. But along one wall, a sculpted pink bench and outdoor kitchen looked only slightly worse for wear. Pedersen had built the bench and kitchen using cob. “That is going to be the start of … Read more
On a rural property on the slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Morgan Bierschenk and his team have been refining a durable, mineral-like material to build sturdy dome homes with a particular matte-ceramic finish. They have called their modular dome homes Geoships. Geoships are made of “bioceramic.” Used up until recently on high-end consumer electronic … Read more
These are excerpts from an Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Thought Leaders Forum held in September, 2024. Rosie Paul of India believes that holistic sustainability is important. She says, “When thinking of sustainability, it is not just about the environment, but it is also about cultural impacts, and socioeconomic impacts. You need to look at all the … Read more
A 30-foot by 60-foot limestone building in Wisconsin’s unincorporated community of Yellowstone began life as a hostel or hotel. Travelers who were transporting goods in the region would stop, rest, get supplies, water their oxen and horse teams, and be on their way. But some stayed. They built houses, and worked and schooled their children. … Read more
This rammed earth cottage in Tasmania, Australia is part of a collection of 29 self-contained cottages that make up Piermont Retreat. It has high timber lined vaulted ceilings with quality joinery and rich, textured walls thanks to the rammed-earth construction. There is a spacious bedroom with walk in shower. A brick-lined fireplace in the living … Read more
The Tiny Farm Fort was the first project of the Tiny Farm Lab, helmed by architect brothers Raghav and Ansh Kumar. 90 volunteers from over 18 countries arrived at a remote mountain forest in Rishikesh, India in 2021 to help build this house of cob. They say the project “was a consequence of a lifestyle … Read more