In the late ’90s and early 2000s, the LEED designation, awarded by the US Green Building Council to recognize leadership in energy and environmental design, was generally revered only by architects devoted to reducing the carbon impact of the built environment. But corporate greenwashing has transformed LEED into a badge of status. But really, the … Read more
The SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) School building features rammed-earth construction and passive solar architecture. The region has a cold desert climate with temperature variation from 20°C (68°F) in summer to -30°C (-22°F) in winter. Luckily this area has over 300 sunny days per year, so the sun is a reliable energy … Read more
Inspired by how birds build their nests, Jack Becker and Andrew Linn wove the partition walls of their Grass House out of willows and built the structure from bamboo. As the first code-compliant bamboo home in the US, the tall and thin ADU feels different. When you enter the space, it smells of drying grasses, … Read more
Bamboo architecture stands out due to its complex geometries and heavy reliance on craftsmanship. Physical models have traditionally been central to materializing architects’ visions and conveying intricate design. Now, we are in the midst of a paradigm shift: the digital revolution is bringing computer-aided design tools to the forefront, unlocking bamboo’s potential in ways never … Read more
Shagun Singh founded Geeli Mitti in 2016 and is on a mission to reinvigorate India’s building industry. She wants to see the country return to using more traditional and sustainable materials. “I created this place to serve as a center of excellence for leading a sustainable lifestyle. As a place which serves as a demonstration … Read more
Architectural design educator Stewart Hicks explains how the Paul Schweikher House and Studio was designed for passive solar heating and cooling. Schweikher used natural materials to construct what Hicks calls a “direct gain passive solar system,” whose openings and overhangs are “positioned so that it lets in winter sun, while blocking the summer sun,” which … Read more