The annual re-plastering of the Djenne mosque was held with the participation of many people. This is important to maintain the integrity of the world’s largest mud-brick building, which has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list since 2016. The mosque and surrounding town were added to the list due to ongoing insecurity in … Read more
When Dan Price returned to his home state of Oregon in 1990 he was determined to avoid mortgages or rent (he and his family had just finished care taking a mansion with a heating bill of $500/month). He found an unused meadow in Joseph, Oregon, and began renting it from his neighbors for $100/year (in … Read more
Rammed earth portions of the Great Wall of China have been regarded as a weak point in its structure. But these portions of the wall have developed a natural line of defense against deterioration, a new study has found. These soil surfaces on the Great Wall are covered by a “living skin” of tiny, rootless … Read more
Iconic Earthships take on many shapes and appearances while they embody the same basic concepts of off-grid self sufficiency. Here are some photos demonstrating this variety. You can read the original article at uk.style.yahoo.com
Shwasam, which denotes breath, is a mud structure that is breathable. This community center has a central main hall which is flanked by a semi-basement storeroom on one side and a small sitting and working space on the other. The passive design is well-lit and breezy during the day and cozy and comfortable at night. … Read more
The Stray Birds Art Hotel is part of a cliff side ancient village in China. In 2016, it was designated for the ‘Save Old Houses Campaign’ in China, marking the beginning of significant efforts toward cultural preservation and renewal. Chenjiapu Village, with 640 years of history and a selection of rammed-earth and timber-framed dwellings, became … Read more