The Dongducheon family had been living in an apartment in South Korea when their younger son’s eczema became severe enough to disrupt his daily life. They later noticed that his condition eased whenever the family spent time in the countryside and began considering a home made from natural materials. They had no architectural training and … Read more
This 18th-century barn, recently converted to a home, is set within approximately three acres of gardens. The barn itself has two-feet deep walls and is insulated with hemp and lime, providing natural insulation and breathability. The walls are clay-painted, enhancing air quality and creating an organic aesthetic. The property also boasts double-glazed timber windows, a … Read more
Clay has shaped Saudi Arabia’s architecture for centuries. Now, as the Kingdom’s construction boom accelerates, the ancient material is making a comeback as developers seek healthier, lower-carbon building finishes. The renewed interest reflects a broader shift in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector, where sustainability has become as important as speed and scale. From the restoration of … Read more
For most of her adult life, Arielle Crawford has focused on sustainability and holistic living. She taught sustainable manufacturing and made sure to eat organic foods and wear natural, breathable fibers whenever possible. Still, she didn’t give much thought to the apartment she lived in—until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “I saw the walls and thought, … Read more
Marc Neu, a passionate advocate for sustainable building, has built his own home in Luxembourg using natural materials such as wood, straw, clay, and lime. He says, “A straw bale like this, about 1.1 metres long, costs five or six euros. I managed to insulate my entire house, from the floor slab up to the … Read more
Rammed earth is an ancient technique that has been dated back to at least 7000 BC in Pakistan. The method compacts moist soil, clay, and aggregates to form dense walls that help keep indoor temperatures stable – a principle applied extensively in ancient China and the Middle East. Rammed earth construction has been used in … Read more