In Ladakh and elsewhere in India, the built environment is dominated by structures that required unsustainable construction methods and non-renewable materials. Meanwhile, older traditional buildings are usually marginalized and neglected. A primary feature of this shift involves the use of concrete, “the most destructive material on Earth”, rather than locally-sourced wood, straw, and earthen materials … Read more
In 2013, Jay Thakkar discovered a traditional wood and stone building with a slight tilt in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. When he asked a local villager about it, he responded, “Sir, the house tilted when the earth moved. It will move back once the earth shifts again.” Thakkar, an associate professor at the … Read more
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
I just got this news from Good Earth Global: This summer, we welcomed 38 enthusiastic high school students with their teachers from Nether Stowe, Francis Holland, Southam College, UK to Nepal for a life-changing experience. They participated in a service trip and built an earthquake-resistant and sustainable Earthbag house for single mother Kamala and her … Read more
Curious wanderers comb the Australian landscape, exploring derelict homes and other deserted buildings, ultimately preserving their memory through photography. They join social media groups in their thousands, sharing their discoveries with one another. Old & Abandoned Australia currently boasts more than 200,000 members. Greg Davis, administrator for the group, says “It’s just grown and grown.”The … Read more
The Great Lakes Lifeways Institute is joining forces with Indigenous nations in Minnesota and Ontario to build three elm bark community lodges as part of a growing effort to bring traditional lodges back to the region after more than 100 years. “These grassroots projects brought together dozens of people, created powerful collaborative synergy between diverse … Read more