Architect and designer Jenna Yu’s home in Providence, Rhode Island features wooden siding on an addition connected to the original 19th-century home. The addition was built with panelized straw. The walls were plastered by her family and friends with earthen plaster, and the light fixtures were handcrafted by her mother and step-father. With two young … Read more
Heidi McCullough is a building specialist for Clean Energy Economy for our Region, or CLEER. “I provide technical support for people looking to build high efficiency or high performance buildings, as well as people who’re looking to improve or upgrade the buildings they already have,” she said. She also helps people and businesses find grants … Read more
At 89, Lloyd Kahn has been building his own homes for over six decades, crafting spaces that include a few domes, at least one tower, and plenty of hand-split shingles. He’s documented his builds, as well as the makeshift homes of thousands of alternative builders all over the US and the world, with whom he … Read more
Miguel Elliott, founder of Living Earth Structures in Petaluma, California constructs beautiful, durable homes using cob. “Nothing is more sustainable,” Elliott said. “If you take a structure made of earthen, sun-dried material, protect it right with good sealer and a nice roof, it can last a long time. There are cob houses in England that … Read more
In a remote village of Pakistan Mustaqeem Khan has cultivated a success story that transcends his rugged surroundings. Using a passive solar greenhouse, he has turned the unforgiving winters into a season of plenty. “This greenhouse is more than just a structure; it’s a lifeline,” Mustaqeem says as he tends to rows of spinach, tomatoes, … Read more
Pam and Dave bought an old disassembled grain silo and converted it into a round tiny house in Canada. They live off-grid in the home using solar power for electricity, a well for water, a composting toilet, and propane for heat and hot water. The home has a small mud room for coats, boots, and … Read more