Inspired by how birds build their nests, Jack Becker and Andrew Linn wove the partition walls of their Grass House out of willows and built the structure from bamboo. As the first code-compliant bamboo home in the US, the tall and thin ADU feels different. When you enter the space, it smells of drying grasses, … Read more
Bamboo architecture stands out due to its complex geometries and heavy reliance on craftsmanship. Physical models have traditionally been central to materializing architects’ visions and conveying intricate design. Now, we are in the midst of a paradigm shift: the digital revolution is bringing computer-aided design tools to the forefront, unlocking bamboo’s potential in ways never … Read more
Shagun Singh founded Geeli Mitti in 2016 and is on a mission to reinvigorate India’s building industry. She wants to see the country return to using more traditional and sustainable materials. “I created this place to serve as a center of excellence for leading a sustainable lifestyle. As a place which serves as a demonstration … Read more
Architectural design educator Stewart Hicks explains how the Paul Schweikher House and Studio was designed for passive solar heating and cooling. Schweikher used natural materials to construct what Hicks calls a “direct gain passive solar system,” whose openings and overhangs are “positioned so that it lets in winter sun, while blocking the summer sun,” which … Read more
This substantial old stone barn converted to a home has had many chapters in its long life and much of it is revealed by the building itself. The history goes back, in part, to medieval times and the interiors combine the past with the present. The late medieval origins for the building are indicated by … Read more
Most of the very oldest buildings are made of stone, as you can see from this survey: Göbekli Tepe is an ancient site in Turkey, built around 9600 BC featuring stone pillars with detailed carvings. The Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, Egypt, was built in the 27th century BC. It is widely regarded as the … Read more