Building a cabin on a volcanic island, with unstable soil, constant humidity, and limited access to resources was quite a challenge for this man. The chosen area had dense vegetation, deep roots, and uneven soil, typical of volcanic regions. Before any construction, it was necessary to completely clear the space, remove natural obstacles, and select trees … Read more
Sand sourced from four different regions creates a “geological canvas” of colored and textured strata in the rammed-earth walls of this home in India. Named A House Born of Four Soils, the 790-square-metre (8,503 ft2} home is located on an open, arid site on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. The dwelling has a series of low-slung … Read more
The Earth Castle near Perth, Australia is a 1400 square meter (15,000 sf) mansion set upon breathtaking 64 acres. Carved into the earth, this sheltered marvel is a triumph of thermal design and artistic vision. You cross the threshold through heavy, arched timber doors and enter a world of curves and light. The heart of … Read more
This is a full tour of a cozy cob micro cabin built by Marie France Roy, a professional snowboarder from Canada. She wanted to build a home with natural and reclaimed materials so the main floor is built with cob – a mix of sand, clay, and straw – and the upper floor is built … Read more
This experimental Wiltshire dwelling is a new home for a couple and is literally born from the landscape. It’s made with materials from the site using rammed-earth. For the owners, living inside its monolithic walls is a uniquely grounding experience. ‘I feel completely cocooned and safe,’ says the wife. ‘It’s so quiet, peaceful and warm,’ … Read more
Tony and Maureen Papas bought a collection of trulli — traditional dry-stone huts with distinct conical roofs commonly found in that area of Italy dating back to the 1600s. They discovered theirs were built by olive harvesters who needed somewhere to sleep. Even though some of the buildings were dilapidated, the geometry of the structures … Read more