I recently discovered the folks who run tinyshinyhome.com and who have produced a number of video programs. I was particularly impressed with this video about building with hyperadobe that they call “The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Hyperadobe Earthbags: Pros, Cons, & Cost Savings” They say, “After 4 years of experimenting, here’s everything we know about hyperadobe … Read more
Rammed earth portions of the Great Wall of China have been regarded as a weak point in its structure. But these portions of the wall have developed a natural line of defense against deterioration, a new study has found. These soil surfaces on the Great Wall are covered by a “living skin” of tiny, rootless … Read more
Japanese architect Shigeru Ban’s Paper Log House has been added to a Glass House and a Brick House at architect Philip Johnson’s former estate in New Canaan, Connecticut. It’s a small house — just one room — and it’s made mostly of paper, but it’s more resilient than it looks. The foundation is made of … Read more
Earth has been used as a building material for at least the last 12,000 years. The huge variety in earthen architecture – which encompasses everything from defensive, religious and elite structures to everyday housing – reflects local geographies, geologies and climates. There are adobe structures in the American south west and mud bricks of Mali’s … Read more
In Chonburi, Thailand, architect Peeraya Suphasidh tried using the ancient technique of rammed earth, thinking that the local building industry could learn something of value. It has generally been disregarded for its labor intensive and time-consuming nature. In finding the right material composition that would be suitable for the tropical climate with high humidity and … Read more
With The Pavillon Le Vau L’Atelier Senzu, has clinched one of the most important competitions in Paris, reworking the Grand Palais as it inaugurates a project that’s radically different in both size and spirit. In its 80 m2 (861 sf) the Pavillon Le Vau presents a multipurpose hall set in the garden of a comprehensive … Read more