This converted barn nestled into the Wales countryside, called Ysgubor, has modern facilities, a pretty garden as well as facilities for multi-generational living. Converted in 1990 the old barn became a three bedroom home. There was more conversion work in 2007 when the detached stable was changed from a home for horses to a two-bed … 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
The tiny community of Coslor Cove in northern Navajo County is just east of the tiny town of Snowflake in Arizona – about a three hour drive to the nearest big city of Phoenix. This 1,300-acre commune wants to remain off the grid, with eventually all 200 of its residents participating in garden-farming toward its goal … Read more
When the Watershed Conservation Center in Ontario, Canada was built in 2012, a 75 m2 (807 sf) live roof garden was installed on either side of the sidewalk leading up to the front doors. The live roof sits on top of part of the basement of the old office building, which was retained and renovated … Read more
Los Panchos in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, is a housing complex catering to surfers and beach lovers. The organic shell of the building features curved walls and fluid arches. Los Panchos maximizes views, solar orientation, and ventilation. Construction employs sustainable methods and locally sourced materials like wood, stone, and clay, emphasizing energy efficiency, and incorporating green building … 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