Demonstration of How Iranian Yurts are Made

This video shows exactly how the traditional yurts of the Shahsavan nomads in Iran are built. The whole structure is pre-tensioned before the felted wool cover is placed over the framework, which gives the yurt the ability to withstand the gales that blow across their high mountain landscape. The Shahsavan are some of the world’s … Read more

Living Underground in Australia

It is summer in Australia and the temperatures are soaring. The struggle for energy efficiency in a changing climate and keeping homes comfortable is a common topic of conversation. Deep in the South Australian outback is a town that has been dealing with this problem successfully for years. Coober Pedy , a town of 2,000 … Read more

Restoration of the Forbidden City College in China

A group of historical buildings on the banks of the Yangtze river in Chongqing, China, originally built in 1891, has been restored and renovated. The site once belonged to Anderson & Co., a Swedish trading house, but has been altered significantly over the last century. The complex comprised eight buildings in varying stages of disrepair. … Read more

A Tour of Eagleyew House On Vancouver Island

The Eagleyew house is a beautifully sculpted custom green home built with nearly 100% natural materials. The light clay walls are made with a mixture of clay and straw, and the timber frame structure is built using wood from the property. There is a wraparound living roof, and the interior has earthen floors and natural … Read more

Gorgeous Balinese Wellness Retreat is Carbon Zero

The Ulaman Eco Retreat in Bali is not only gorgeous, but is fully carbon zero. The nearby river has a number of small waterfalls that produce enough flow to power a hydro electric generator that can power all of the buildings within the complex. And all of the natural building materials were sourced in that … Read more

Dingle Dell: More than a Cob Cottage

Devon craftsman Kevin McCabe, known as the “king of cob” created Dingle Dell, a masterpiece of soil and straw designed to meet the highest environmental standards. This project featured on Grand Designs television program, and the presenter called it a “true almighty challenge”. Part of the complex known as The Gatehouse is now available to … Read more