Climate Change Challenges Rammed Earth Monasteries

The 15th-century Chhode monastery is tucked into a side valley of remote Mustang, a district in northern Nepal. The monastery, with walls formed of clay and gravel, blends in with the wind-beaten cliffs; its towering roof is held up by wooden pillars. Inside the monastery, a monk is performing a ritual prayer ceremony before a … Read more

Some of the Oldest Buildings in the U.S.

Here is a collection of some of the oldest buildings in the United States. It is interesting to notice that virtually all of them could be considered “natural buildings” made from local natural materials. This speaks to the longevity of natural building techniques! Originally constructed in Ardmore, Alabama in 1808 before being restored at to … Read more

The Institute of Nomadic Architecture

The Institute of Nomadic Architecture is a rich source of information on the traditional architecture of nomadic peoples. They have been researching nomadic architecture for over fifteen years and have over 40,000 images and 500 hours of video clips, as well as detailed notes from all around the world. They record the structure itself, and … Read more

St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold

St Edward’s Church is a medieval-built Church of England parish church, serving Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, UK. Hilltop Stow-on-the-Wold is a classic Cotswold town where you’ll find antique shops and a great selection of traditional pubs. The north entrance of St Edward’s Church looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale – it’s one of the … Read more

Stone Buildings Dating Back 8 Millennia in UAE

Archaeologists in the United Arab Emirates have uncovered the country’s oldest known buildings, dating back at least 8,500 years. This is more than 500 years older than the previous record-breaking discoveries. The buildings are located on the island of Ghagha, west of the city of Abu Dhabi. The structures which have been unearthed are “simple … Read more

Some British Barn Conversions

Barns can offer big and bright spaces, with vaulted ceilings, exposed bricks and ancient timbers. Barn conversions also lend themselves easily to creating open-plan interiors. Modern design meets 200-year-old architecture at this delightful barn near Usk, in Monmouthshire. It is a traditional dry-stone building with a pitched terracotta roof. The 5,198sq ft interior has exposed … Read more