The Resilience of Earthbag/Superadobe Construction

In a world increasingly affected by natural disasters, climate change, and housing crises, a seemingly simple technique has been attracting attention for decades: building houses with earthbags, also known as Superadobe. It has already demonstrated resistance to earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires. Popularized by Iranian-American architect Nader Khalili in the 1980s, superadobe combines ancient earth-based construction … Read more

Mangrove Hilltop in Costa Rica

I recently got this email that I would like to share with you. My name is Re’em Jacob, and I am an engineer by training, originally educated in computer science. Twenty-five years ago, I moved to Costa Rica, where I developed a profound connection with nature—a fascination that likely existed even before, especially with trees and organic forms. … Read more

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

Earthen Architecture Can Fight Natural Disasters

Ellen Snortland and her husband have now lost a home to fire, another to flooding and another to a mudslide — and they’re tired of fighting the elements. “We are going to have to deal with extreme weather for the rest of our lives. To pretend otherwise is really folly,” she said. “I don’t see … Read more

Natural Building Engineer, Anthony Dente, Talks About His Work

Anthony Dente is a licensed engineer and principal at Verdant Structural Engineers and Verdant Building Products and is the vice president of the Cob Research Institute, where he is committed to appropriate material use for all structural building systems. Anthony graduated from the Architectural Engineering program at Penn State University and moved to Berkeley, CA … Read more