Green Walls Combat Heat and Boost Biodiversity

An international team of researchers has systematically compared green walls, bare walls, and natural cliffs, and come to the conclusion that plant-covered facades help cool urban areas and provide habitats for plants, birds, insects and other organisms. The research was led by Utrecht University ecologist Katharina Hecht, and published in the journal Building and Environment. … Read more

Off-Grid Safari Lodge in South Africa

Melote House is a fully off-grid safari lodge in South Africa, where sustainability and ecological sensitivity are at the fore. The curved design follows the contours of the hill it sits in. Everything taken out from the hill was put back in through the rammed earth walls. Green roofs return the land area occupied by … Read more

A Net Zero House in Australia

Architect Matt Delroy-Carr designed a tranquil home for his family that was the first true net zero home in Western Australia. Located on a small subdivided block, the design makes the most of the site’s outdoor space. With 60% of the site reserved for the garden, his kids have plenty of room to play – … Read more

Insulation Made From Grass, Jute Fiber and Polyester Binder

Gramitherm is the first insulation to be produced from grass, which is sourced from public parks and grass verges, combined with recycled jute fibers, plus a recycled polyester binder, to produce one of the most sustainable forms of insulation on the market and is available from Ecological Building Systems in the UK and Ireland. Resistant … Read more