Building an Earthbag House in Rural India

When architect Neha Ballal floated the idea of moving to the mountains and building a mud home, her decision was met with skepticism: “Everyone’s doing the opposite. Why would you retreat to the place everyone’s leaving behind?” But today, when her home gets visitors from the city (it is listed on Airbnb) it makes for … Read more

Finding Peace and Meaning Through Farming in India

Tired of city life, Neil and Momo moved from Mumbai to a rural area in India. On abandoned land, they began again — growing food, building a zero-waste farm, and learning to live simply. Today, their journey inspires others to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find joy in doing things differently. Neil’s path to … 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

Side by Side Earthbag Tiny House & Shed Home

Meet Roan & Ivy, a vibrant couple living in neighboring tiny homes on their off-grid property in New Mexico. They bought their 2 acres and built both the earthbag home & shed tiny house for under $15k. Their alternative, simple lifestyle enables them to live frugally on their own terms while focusing on their passions, … Read more

New Bio-Based Building Materials

“Biomaterials” are materials made using biological matter, and some engineers and designers are turning to them for their “visual richness”, alongside their eco-credentials. A growing number of people around the world are exploring ways living organisms and their products can be integrated into our built environment – from algae-based bricks to straw or fungi wall … Read more