I recently discovered the folks who run tinyshinyhome.com and who have produced a number of video programs. I was particularly impressed with this video about building with hyperadobe that they call “The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Hyperadobe Earthbags: Pros, Cons, & Cost Savings” They say, “After 4 years of experimenting, here’s everything we know about hyperadobe … Read more
Last year’s International Horticultural Expo in Doha, Qatar, showcased the region’s environmental preservation and agricultural innovation. Architecture practice BIG was inspired by the deep roots and intertwined branches of the local Ghaf Tree to create a dome-shaped labyrinth made out of rammed earth. The structure frames a series of exhibition galleries and 32 gardens to … Read more
Natural building communities have striven for decades to establish straw as a viable building material, but have until recently focused primarily on fostering labor intensive hand-stacked straw bale construction methods. Progressive architects, engineers, and builders have incrementally refined the method of straw bale construction such that the best built straw bale homes rival the performance, … Read more
Running from July 1–4th permies.com is offering a Permaculture Adventure Bundle to help with your sustainable journey. For $35 you can get over $600 worth of merchandise, including Owen Geiger’s Roundhouse Studio Plan (and his Earthbag Building Guide ebook), which is worth $150 in its own right. This comprehensive package of e-books, movies, plans, presentations, … Read more
The annual re-plastering of the Djenne mosque was held with the participation of many people. This is important to maintain the integrity of the world’s largest mud-brick building, which has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list since 2016. The mosque and surrounding town were added to the list due to ongoing insecurity in … Read more
Rammed earth portions of the Great Wall of China have been regarded as a weak point in its structure. But these portions of the wall have developed a natural line of defense against deterioration, a new study has found. These soil surfaces on the Great Wall are covered by a “living skin” of tiny, rootless … Read more