A Palatial, Hand Rammed Earth House in India

This 5,660-square-foot home in Hyderabad, India—named Aurva Illam—was built entirely by hand, with hand-poured and hand-rammed earth. The spaces are designed to work with the climate, shaping a home that’s almost monastic with thermal autonomy, and a way of living that makes air-conditioning unnecessary. “From the outset, the intention was to build an earth home … Read more

The Restoration of Lady Grange’s House in Scotlsnd

The National Trust for Scotland has successfully repaired one of the most significant structures following a major collapse in 2022. The beehive-shaped, stone building known as ‘Lady Grange’s House’, is notable among the 1,200  such stone buildings scattered across the main island of Hirta. These are stone structures built without mortar and topped with turf … Read more

Five Projects Utilizing Rammed Earth

By using local resources and eliminating energy-heavy manufacturing, rammed earth aligns with global decarbonization goals. It has become a preferred choice among forward-thinking people committed to sustainability. Below are five projects utilizing rammed earth in a variety of ways. An Eco-Village in rural São Paulo includes three homes ranging from a 538-square-foot studio to a … Read more

Floating Refuges in Flood-Prone Regions

While floodwater once signalled an immediate retreat for coastal communities, today’s delta regions are viewing rising tides as a signal for radical redesign. Where great rivers finally meet the tide, flooding has become a constant pulse shaped by rising oceans, heavier rains, and land that is quietly sinking beneath our feet. So how do you … Read more

Hobbit-Like Homestays

Hobbit houses are earth-sheltered homes that feel straight out of a fantasy. Their circular doors and windows, rounded arches, green roofs, natural insulation, and old-world charm give them their unmistakably magical appeal. These fairy-tale-like Hobbit homes are listed on Airbnb. This home in Vermont is adorned with charming details such as vintage furniture and antiques. … Read more

A Peaceful Village in Vietnam with Traditional Houses

For generations, the Bac Hoa village in Vietnam has been home to the Nung ethnic community, whose traditional rammed-earth houses now carry the warm hues of time. In recent years, Bac Hoa has begun to attract travelers, particularly in spring when bright yellow mustard flowers bloom across the fields, creating picturesque scenes for visitors. The … Read more