Over one-third of the world’s population still lives in mud homes made with mud, but their popularity has been steadily declining. A recent survey conducted by scientists from India and The Netherlands found that cement’s popularity and availability were the main reason. It is a matter of “societal image” that is the key barrier to … Read more
This man built a beautiful off-grid cabin with the help of friends for $65,000 CAD including the cost of the land. There was no road access to his lot so he had to bring in all of the building materials using a 4-wheeler with a small trailer, and then load them on a material elevator … Read more
This Meditation Cathedral and Sunset Sala was designed by Chiangmai Life Architects for a 90-year old client Khunying Noi, a member of the royal family of Thailand. It is situated on top of a hill in northern Chiang Mai with a unique view of the northern mountain range. Initially she was looking for a space … Read more
Baltimore-based nonprofit Second Chance salvages unwanted building materials from single-family homes and other buildings. Founded in 2001, Second Chance “provides people, materials, and the environment with a second chance.” The social enterprise deconstructs old buildings, salvages usable materials and uses the revenue generated to provide job training and workforce development for people with various employment … Read more
A vibrant multipurpose cultural residential community, designed by ZAV architects as part of a broader initiative on Iran’s Hormuz Island, was built with CalEarth trained Superadobe specialists. Hormuz is a historic port in the strategic strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf that controls the shipment of petroleum from the middle east. A series of … Read more
A co-housing development using sustainable tiny buildings and permaculture principles is happening in Golden Bay, New Zealand. Those behind the project say that 18 future residents have already provided loans between $50-100,000 each, allowing them to reserve a home and land. Homeowners would own the house title and the land directly beneath it, as well … Read more