Concerned about indoor air quality, Neil Decker and Stella Michaels wanted their home to be chemical-free, so they decided to build it out of hempcrete (hemp, lime, and sand). The couple didn’t think they could afford to live in California but found a rundown property in Gold Rush old country on the Western Slope of … Read more
Architect Dylan Johnson with his longtime friend and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard designed and built a straw bale home in the suburbs of Ventura, California. The straw is leftover from wheat, rice, or barley crops as the main structural element or insulation in a building. “There’s an enormous amount of money to be made with … Read more
Childhood friends Mariama Djambony Badji and Papa Mafall Diop were both fascinated by buildings and how they are constructed, and they dreamed of starting a company together. “I initially wanted to study architecture, but then I studied civil engineering, like Mafall,” Badjj explained. “Despite going to different universities, we always stayed in touch,” Badjj explained. … Read more
In Ladakh and elsewhere in India, the built environment is dominated by structures that required unsustainable construction methods and non-renewable materials. Meanwhile, older traditional buildings are usually marginalized and neglected. A primary feature of this shift involves the use of concrete, “the most destructive material on Earth”, rather than locally-sourced wood, straw, and earthen materials … Read more
David and Carrie Chew live in a house made of straw. It has two bathrooms, a modern kitchen and a packed earthen floor. The exterior walls are made with stacked wheat straw bales covered in plaster. Proponents of modern straw-bale construction highlight the sustainability of sourcing materials from local farms and natural insulation provided by … Read more
From initial idea to completion, this article will provide you with valuable insights to begin your bamboo building project, from the perspective of Bamboo U. To begin any successful building project, clearly defining your project goals and objectives is crucial. Determine the purpose of your bamboo building, whether it’s a home, a community hub, or … Read more