Greg Esparza designed Cross Cabin for his young family in Austin, Texas. It prioritizes plant-based products, from its cork-clad, cross-laminated timber enclosure and interior walls to the use of laminated paper as a hard surface material for showers and countertops. The project pushes the environmental paradigm that architectural value can arise from how a building … Read more
In 1988, two physics professors, Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist began discussing the scientific components that might lead to better energy efficiency in building construction. They read the research, dating back to the 1970s, that suggested it was possible to construct a low-energy building that was designed to exploit passive solar technologies and establish a … Read more
Along a volcanic crater in Ecuador, the town of Shalalá is committed to living in symbiosis with the environment, which extends to its architectural endeavors. A new project for the town, known as the Chaki Wasi handicrafts center, has been designed to exemplify the spirit of the place and its cultural heritage. Chaki Wasi, meaning … Read more
Ronald Rael, practices architecture and holds a chair at the University of California, Berkeley. His work often connects indigenous and traditional material practices with contemporary technologies. In an interview with ArchDaily, Rael shared some reflections on the evolution of his work, the role of technology in the development of architecture, its social utility, and the … Read more
I recently discovered the folks who run tinyshinyhome.com and who have produced a number of video programs. I was particularly impressed with this video about building with hyperadobe that they call “The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Hyperadobe Earthbags: Pros, Cons, & Cost Savings” They say, “After 4 years of experimenting, here’s everything we know about hyperadobe … Read more
Last year’s International Horticultural Expo in Doha, Qatar, showcased the region’s environmental preservation and agricultural innovation. Architecture practice BIG was inspired by the deep roots and intertwined branches of the local Ghaf Tree to create a dome-shaped labyrinth made out of rammed earth. The structure frames a series of exhibition galleries and 32 gardens to … Read more