Siblings Ansh and Raghav Kumar started to build this homestay in Rishikesh, India in 2020. They remembered a picture of their childhood––a quaint home nestled among mountains, with a river flowing nearby and the sun smiling upon them. “It was during the pandemic that we began to question our state of living and being. Our … Read more
While temperatures above ground fluctuate throughout the year, the ground temperature is stable. “Every building sits on a thermal asset,” said Cameron Best of Brightcore Energy in New York, which deploys geothermal systems. “I really don’t think there’s any more efficient or better way to heat and cool our homes.” The United States’ first networked … Read more
Ross and Kristin Ulibarri live in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Valverde Commons, a senior co-housing community within walking distance of historic Taos Plaza in New Mexico. Its sculpted adobe-style exterior makes it look like a traditional Southwestern dwelling. The house has triple-glazed windows and air-tight insulation, so it rarely needs any heating beyond the … Read more
Have you been curious about natural building but unsure where to start or how to determine the best path forward? Whether you are at the start of your journey and just want to learn, or you are ready to jump into a project, this training is for you. Many existing living spaces may not be … Read more
Sally Bennett spent eight years building an environmentally friendly shed using cob. She learned how to combine subsoil clay, sand, and straw and tread them before placing them on her wall. After retiring earlier than planned in 2023, the 69-year-old suddenly had much more time to devote to the process. Sally held an unveiling of … Read more
In Europe dry stone walls are an indelible part of the landscape. In the U.K. alone, there are an estimated 74,000 miles of stone walls, all built without mortar or rebar. Landscape designer Christa Moné in Forestville, California first became aware of these ancient structures when she was living and working in France. “I helped … Read more