In Minto, Ontario, Chris Vander Hout and Christine Hoy live with their son on a 20-acre property “in harmony with nature.” The straw bale home features a green roof with drought-resistant vegetation, locally sourced materials, hot water heated by solar energy, a rain-harvesting system, a composting toilet, a central greenhouse, a dug well for their water … Read more
An international team of researchers has systematically compared green walls, bare walls, and natural cliffs, and come to the conclusion that plant-covered facades help cool urban areas and provide habitats for plants, birds, insects and other organisms. The research was led by Utrecht University ecologist Katharina Hecht, and published in the journal Building and Environment. … Read more
Architect Matt Delroy-Carr designed a tranquil home for his family that was the first true net zero home in Western Australia. Located on a small subdivided block, the design makes the most of the site’s outdoor space. With 60% of the site reserved for the garden, his kids have plenty of room to play – … Read more
Nineteen municipalities in Holland have made agreements on ‘bio-based building and growing’. With this they want to further promote the use of natural building materials and the cultivation of crops for this purpose. Biobased materials, such as fiber hemp and miscanthus, fit into the transition to sustainable agriculture, focusing on water and soil quality and … Read more
With biophilic design, greenery, natural light, and organic materials all come together in harmony to make spaces into sanctuaries. There are many ways to bring nature indoors. Even the busiest of urban settings can feel connected to nature’s tranquillity with the right elements. It is a design philosophy that contributes to the health of both … Read more
At 89, Lloyd Kahn has been building his own homes for over six decades, crafting spaces that include a few domes, at least one tower, and plenty of hand-split shingles. He’s documented his builds, as well as the makeshift homes of thousands of alternative builders all over the US and the world, with whom he … Read more