Preserving Traditional Houses of the Mong People in Vietnam

Many years ago it was easy to recognize Mong villages and hamlets with traditional earthen houses, but now, many households have replaced earthen houses with modern architecture; the unique features in the traditional houses of the Mong people are gradually fading away. Ms. Trang Thi Sang still lives in a traditional earthen house. She said … Read more

Restoring Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site near La Junta, Colorado has been closed to the public due to safety issues with the structure. The current fort building was constructed in 1976 on the footprint of the original mid-1800s trading post that was a meeting place and major settlement along the Santa Fe Trail for trappers, … Read more

Can Bioregional Thinking Help Deal with Bad Architectural Habits?

How can we repair our living spaces after devastating climate related disasters if we continue the very architectural habits that led us to disaster? The answer may lie in bioregional systems for materials, a more localized approach to the way we build our homes and habitats. Architecture 2030, a non-profit, non-partisan organization established to respond … Read more

Restoration of Warsaw’s Elizeum

One of Warsaw’s most interesting yet least known monuments, the Elizeum, is an underground building from the late 18th century. Conservation work is intended to restore the building to its former character and protect it from further degradation. Dehumidification is the first step, a process that must take place slowly and under strict control. Electric … Read more

Remodeling a Farmhouse-Style Home in Belgium

Marc and Ann bought a  farmhouse-style home in Belgium in the 1990s. Later they decided to renovate it in a sustainable way. The house and its location hold strong emotional value for the couple, as they hope to grow old there. This type of home dominates the local landscape and fails to meet today’s energy … Read more

The Mud Architecture of Northern Saudi Arabia

In the heart of northern Saudi Arabia, the mud buildings of Rafha stand as an example of traditional architecture, reflecting authenticity, creativity, and cultural identity. These structures tell the story of an ancient past, embodying traditional architectural ingenuity that connects people to the land. The buildings were constructed using indigenous methods and natural materials including … Read more