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

A Straw Bale Four-Plex in Ashland, Oregon

Southern Oregon Climate Action Now launched its premier Green Business Recognition ceremony with a “green ribbon cutting” at a four-plex built out of straw bales in Ashland, Oregon. Lydia Doleman of Earth Dragon Natural Building said the company’s project was “to install the first multifamily straw bale building in Oregon. It’s got tons of unique … Read more

For the Love of Dry Stone Walling

Dry-stone wallers perform an ancient, essential craft that has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. From graphic designers to yoga instructors, more and more people are changing careers to learn the skill. In France, artisans now have access to a training school with a state-certified diploma, and public officials are keen to employ them for departmental … Read more

Minnesota Set to Adopt Hempcrete and Strawbale Building Codes

Minnesota appears to be the first US state on the path to adopting the newest official residential building codes featuring hempcrete and strawbale. The nine-member Technical Advisory Group voted in favor of hempcrete and strawbale, said advocates who had to appear before the advisory board twice with significant revisions to finally get approval. “When we … Read more

How Prefabricated Green Buildings Are Shaping Climate-Resilient Cities

A climate-resilient city can predict, withstand and recover from climate-related hazards — storms, heatwaves, floods — while maintaining its essential functions and keeping its population safe.  Key attributes include a robust infrastructure, renewable energy integration, natural buffers like parks and wetlands, and proactive city planning. These are some of the factors that cities use to anticipate, … Read more