Homemade clay paint is a great alternative to acrylic or latex paints. It is suitable for existing walls in conventional houses or over plaster in natural homes. It is a non-toxic, sustainable and healthy option for families. It is water soluble when it dries making it unsuitable for wet conditions, unless sealed with linseed oil … Read more
I recently got this email from Cato Arce in Mexico: This is Cato Arce, founder of Moradas Verdes in Mexico. We have been in touch before regarding Earthbag Building and the work I’ve been doing in Mexico. Like you, I am still busy working, promoting, and building with earthbags. I have been busy sharing and … Read more
In Ouled Merzoug, a small earthen village near the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, a piece of land was offered by the community to the recently founded women’s association AFOM. They built a Women’s House in close collaboration with local women and workers: a place where women can share their crafts with the community and visitors. … Read more
Around 1846 lime began to gain popularity over erosion-prone mud; It was popular for plasters and for mortar in much construction until the arrival of Portland cement during the first decade of the 20th century. This first instance of the term “cement stucco” in the archives of the Santa Fe New Mexican appeared in 1907, … Read more
Katie Jones and Peter Schmitt’s Uptown Strawhouse will be built on the site of their current garage using straw bales for walls, which will not only make the home energy efficient but will actually sequester carbon. “Passive houses” meet a voluntary energy efficiency standard that drastically reduces the building’s carbon footprint and requires little energy … Read more
People are staying home these days to avoid the spread of Covid-19, and unfortunately this means that many of the wonderful workshops that have been offered for learning about natural building and sustainable living have been cancelled. This is a loss for both the folks who organized and promoted the workshops and all the potential … Read more