This rammed earth house is located in New Zealand, where it blends with the desert environment. The owners, a retired couple with a dog, wanted a home that opened out onto the arid landscape. They wanted contemporary, simple lines to fit in with its wild surroundings. The project consists of a main building and several … Read more
The role of landscaping in passive solar building design can play a crucial part in maximizing shade and solar gain. By carefully planning and positioning landscape elements, homeowners can create outdoor spaces that work in harmony with the sun’s natural patterns, resulting in energy-efficient buildings that are comfortable year-round. One of the primary goals of … Read more
Castell de Llaés in Catalonia, Spain dates back to the 10th century. The castle is owned by an elderly Catalan couple who bought the crumbling building from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vic in 1994. Joan Tarrida i Miquel and Esther Capdevila spent 16 years restoring the castle and were looking for its next stewards … Read more
Solar chimneys harness the power of the sun to generate electricity and provide natural ventilation and are proving to be an effective way to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The basic principle behind solar chimneys is the greenhouse effect, where solar radiation is trapped and converted into heat and this heat is used to … Read more
Changes in climate patterns in India have lead to higher temperatures and humidity, making conditions unbearable in many areas. Around 50% of India lives in a warm and humid zone. India is one of the countries with the lowest access to cooling in the world, and the need is expected to rise exponentially. Traditionally, courtyards, … Read more
Two sisters in Uruguay have adopted a unique approach to building homes for themselves and their community. “Bio-construction is a way of building with the resources of nature,” Bettina Midon says. “We create spaces built with mud. It is a material that keeps the humidity inside the house very well and the house warm in … Read more