This custom designed passive solar home in Tulsa, Oklahoma has a sun room, spiral staircase to 2nd floor, wood stove, abundant cabinets, 2 acres with pond, gardens and a tree house. Lots of natural materials were used in the construction and there is a rustic elegance. See tulsaworld for more information.
Located in the heart of the Sierra Gorda, 7 km from the center of Jalpan de Serra, is a cabin made of mud in which are used different methods of Bio-construction. It was painted with aloe vera and lime, has a dry toilet that creates compost for the garden, solar heaters for showers and rainwater … Read more
The use of raw earth to build public and private structures has been practiced for thousands of years, with over 1.7 billion people across the globe living in earthen homes. But its integration in urban infrastructure and planning is something we ought to explore more. Raw earth with other materials left to dry and harden … Read more
There is a construction materials company based in Austria that looks to the forgotten practices of the past for inspiration and Sami Akkach, who works as an architect there, tells us what they have been doing lately. PURE Walls are Prefabricated Stabilized Rammed Earth elements, giant blocks that can be used to build structural, load-bearing … Read more
The average person spends around 90% of their life indoors, which means missing out on health benefits associated with sunlight exposure, such as vitamin D absorption, regulation of circadian rhythms, higher energy levels and even improved mood. One way to counter this is to increase the natural lighting in interiors. But too much direct sunlight … Read more
This approximately 260 sq ft, earth sheltered underground Hobbit Hole is within a permaculture-based, sustainable, off-grid village in California. It features colored bottles built into the wall, stained glass windows, center tree pillar with atrium windows above, and medieval Celtic Cross above the Hobbit Hole (outside and atop) giving it a Hobbit Church feeling. You … Read more