To encourage the use of more environmentally friendly building materials, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a nearly $6.2 million grant to the Nashville-based Hemp Building Institute. They work with entities that develop environmental product declarations and life cycle assessments for biogenic materials, such as those made from hemp, soy and straw bale, which … Read more
Frost King “No Itch” Insulation is made from 100% recycled denim. This insulation can be used for insulation, cushioning and noise dampening. It’s nonirritating, so there’s no need for gloves, goggles or masks when installing—and it can be easily torn and ripped to fit in between joists and around pipes and ducts. It is made … Read more
Didi Contractor, a self-taught architect from Dharamsala, India, left an indelible mark with her innovative approach to building with natural materials. Didi Contractor (1929 – 2021) whose real name was Delia Kinzinger, was born in the USA. Her father was a German and her mother was an American, who were both renowned painters belonging to … Read more
The Groundwork Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating low cost, environmentally sound communities based on the participation of the people who live in them. The Institute has its roots in a series of projects undertaken by a group of architects, builders, and environmental professionals to assist people in developing countries and disadvantaged communities … Read more
85 year old Rod Rylander purchased 10 acres of remote land in New Mexico with the intention of solving America’s housing crisis on a bare-bones budget. Now he is building an off-grid, solar-powered, 1,200-square-foot home with $50,000, calling his creation “the sustainable home.” Once he finishes this he plans to break ground on another one, … Read more
An earth-sheltered home in Carlisle, PA, has a succulent covered roof that has three impervious layers covered with 3 feet of soil and never needs mowing. “Currently, it’s all blooming yellow, and there are thousands of bees on it. You feel like you’re in a meadow,” said the listing real estate agent. The white, foamy … Read more