In Minto, Ontario, Chris Vander Hout and Christine Hoy live with their son on a 20-acre property “in harmony with nature.” The straw bale home features a green roof with drought-resistant vegetation, locally sourced materials, hot water heated by solar energy, a rain-harvesting system, a composting toilet, a central greenhouse, a dug well for their water … Read more
An international team of researchers has systematically compared green walls, bare walls, and natural cliffs, and come to the conclusion that plant-covered facades help cool urban areas and provide habitats for plants, birds, insects and other organisms. The research was led by Utrecht University ecologist Katharina Hecht, and published in the journal Building and Environment. … Read more
Melote House is a fully off-grid safari lodge in South Africa, where sustainability and ecological sensitivity are at the fore. The curved design follows the contours of the hill it sits in. Everything taken out from the hill was put back in through the rammed earth walls. Green roofs return the land area occupied by … Read more
Architect Matt Delroy-Carr designed a tranquil home for his family that was the first true net zero home in Western Australia. Located on a small subdivided block, the design makes the most of the site’s outdoor space. With 60% of the site reserved for the garden, his kids have plenty of room to play – … Read more
Architect and humanitarian, Yasmeen Lari, was seeking funding to build a million bamboo homes for around $100 apiece, after Pakistan suffered its worst-ever floods. Now she’s shifted her plan, deciding she’d still aim for that, but with a new price tag to outside funders: $0. “I really believe that everyone wants to have a better … Read more
What if we crafted or chose every building component to maintain value and purpose beyond the life time of the building? This transition—from demolition to practices focusing on reuse, repurposing, and sustainable dismantling—is edging closer to reality. As these changes unfold, we must assess how our strategies align with the evolving goals and challenges related … Read more