The makers of El Silencio brand of mezcal near Oaxaca, Mexico are opening an eco-minded resort by their distillery. The property evokes both the area’s natural aesthetic and the production of the native agave spirit with six guest suites. Casa Silencio’s design evokes both ancient mythology and the creation and consumption of mezcal. The owners … Read more
New Frameworks, a construction company in Vermont, specializes in natural and local materials. A vital part of its mission is to “draw down” carbon in its projects to reverse emissions. “Climate justice and climate response is not a theory to us; it’s a practice,” Ace McArleton, who cofounded the company in 2006, said. “And we … Read more
Al Jahili Fort is the 130-year-old heart of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s garden city, and its stateliness seamlessly blends with its surroundings. The fort began as a sole circular watchtower built in 1861 on an elevated mound. The tower was used to guard Al Ain Oasis as well as the underground water system. The inner … Read more
I was just notified by Alosha of the Bio-Veda Institute of Arcology about this workshop in Brazil: We are inviting you to Brazil for a natural building workshop, starting on November 5th 2021. We will be building a Wautillarium, which is a self heating and cooling Earthship hybrid infused with Sacred Geometry and Biomimicry. You … Read more
When built, designed and maintained properly, green roofs have many more advantages than disadvantages. The vegetation reflects most of the direct sunlight rather than absorbing it, and the moisture prevents heat gain from the structure, providing energy savings for cooling. In arid climates, the increase in thermal inertia will increase comfort and reduce temperature fluctuations … Read more
The recently opened El Perdido Hotel in El Pescadero, Mexico, utilizes traditional construction materials of the region. Time-honored materials like rammed earth, thatched roofs, and Palo de Arco wood were used throughout, using only locally sourced materials and working with local artisans. The architects, Estudio ALA, began with a climate analysis. “We always try to … Read more