Chris Magwood’s classic book, Making Better Buildings, is now available for free online! This is a comparative guide to sustainable construction for homeowners and contractors. It is also a masterpiece of research and experience folded into an encyclopedic reference book for anyone interested in sustainable approaches to our built environment. Clearly a labor of love … Read more
For over 25 years, The Last Straw journal was dedicated to natural building and ecological design. It was started as a collective effort by straw bale builders Matts Myrhman and Judy Knox in Tuscon, Arizona in 1993. Since then twenty four editors, three publishers, and countless contributors have continued the long conversation about alternative ways … Read more
Take a tour of Acony Bell Tiny Home Community – one of the most beautiful Tiny House villages in the country (and maybe the world)! Learn why so many people are interested in living in a Tiny Home community like this one. Watch the video at www.youtube.com
Overall, straw is a sustainable material that has plenty of redeemable features when it comes to construction, though it may not be suited for everyone or every situation. Take time to look at the risks and rewards (and limitations) while considering a straw bale house. Straw bale houses are considered eco-friendly thanks to the main … Read more
Cob, a mixture of subsoil and straw, was historically used in England and there are examples of cob buildings over 500 years old. Despite renewed interest, cob construction remains the niche activity of a few enthusiasts. There are no standards for making and using cob, and insulation needs to be added to the walls in … Read more
A 19th-century hay barn in Surrey, England has been transformed into a into a family home, revealing the original stone structure and complementing it with cedar shingle-clad extensions. “The stone walls were in good condition and the roof had been recently re-tiled, so to reduce the carbon footprint of the project we went for a … Read more