Rammed earth construction has gained increasing interest in recent years owing to sustainability demands in the construction industry and the advancement of digital fabrication techniques. However, the domination of cement-stabilized material in this industry poses environmental concerns, In this study, bio-based aternatives to cement are investigated through evaluating xanthan gum and animal glue as bio-binders. … Read more
These are excerpts from an Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Thought Leaders Forum held in September, 2024. Rosie Paul of India believes that holistic sustainability is important. She says, “When thinking of sustainability, it is not just about the environment, but it is also about cultural impacts, and socioeconomic impacts. You need to look at all the … Read more
The more architects try building with hemp, the more they are won over by its incredible benefits for both homeowners and the environment. Architect Michael Leung decided not to use toxic materials in building after a family member died from asbestos-related cancer. “When you go on a healthy building journey, inevitably you bump into hempcrete,” … Read more
Join Marie, a French woman, as she reviews her life creating a wide variety of living accommodations, from renovated crumbling cabins, to tiny homes, to a van, to a large personally designed home, to a small country homestead, all with horses, dog and son in tow. Marie is a geo-biologist and animal therapist, and you … Read more
When Apoorva Shroff was a child, her mother, a banker, told her about a client of hers who would send the architects in his building firm around the world. The architects’ mission was to be inspired by the beautiful buildings they saw and to replicate them in India. The best part of the job? The … Read more
A 30-foot by 60-foot limestone building in Wisconsin’s unincorporated community of Yellowstone began life as a hostel or hotel. Travelers who were transporting goods in the region would stop, rest, get supplies, water their oxen and horse teams, and be on their way. But some stayed. They built houses, and worked and schooled their children. … Read more