Rainforest Tree House in Malaysia

As temperatures rise across Malaysia, highland refuges are warming too. Yet a small forest-based initiative is quietly showcasing resilience. “Gunung Pulai used to feel cooler while hiking, but now it’s no different from the lowlands,” said a clerk at the neighborhood convenience store. Villagers say the weather has become increasingly unpredictable, affecting crops, water access, … Read more

A Natural Bench Building Workshop in New Mexico

Using locally sourced and some imported resources, participants at an earthen bench building workshop worked together to create three benches during the 2025 Silver City CLAY Festival. “Benches or pizza ovens are such a great way to get your hands dirty, to learn more easily, because it doesn’t take a lot of material, unlike building … Read more

Ecological Co-Housing in the UK

Hazelmead is the UK’s largest completed cohousing development, designed by Barefoot Architects for Bridport Cohousing. There are 53 affordable, net-zero carbon homes—mixing flats and terraced houses—along car-free streets, shared vegetable gardens, and a community microgrid with solar panels and battery storage. Built to rigorous sustainability standards, the timber-framed buildings have passive solar orientation, high insulation, … Read more

A Mud & Bamboo Mountain Retreat in India

Filmmakers Raman Siddhartha and Manju Narayan returned to Dharamshala, India to build a sustainable homestay made of local mud, bamboo, and slate. To reach it, you have to leave your car behind and walk a stretch of narrow path.  Here’s how they created an off-grid haven rooted in tradition and community. “I’ve lived in London … Read more