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
“Biomaterials” are materials made using biological matter, and some engineers and designers are turning to them for their “visual richness”, alongside their eco-credentials. A growing number of people around the world are exploring ways living organisms and their products can be integrated into our built environment – from algae-based bricks to straw or fungi wall … Read more
Earth-based flooring materials comprise natural elements such as clay, sand, silt, lime, and organic fibers. They offer both structural performance and sensory engagement. These materials have evolved from vernacular construction techniques into high-value architectural elements due to their thermal properties, durability, and sustainable qualities. There are several types of earthen flooring, each offering unique benefits: … Read more
Ex-rocket scientist, Kristina Barile, from Harvard and MIT now builds natural living structures and permaculture farms in Panama. She is an expert in building mud homes who offers workshops and videos to help people embrace natural building technologies and live off the grid. On her Instagram account, Kristina posted a video explaining the difference between … Read more
Over the past couple of years, Michael Ryan Leinweber has been working to spread the word about hempcrete, a mash of natural lime and hemp hurds that can be formed into blocks used in place of fibreglass and mineral wool. Leinweber’s business, Gnome Homes Hempcrete, has the motto “Dream it, Build it, Live it.” “I’ve … Read more
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