The Ellora Caves in Mumbai Harbour are a magnificent complex of rock-cut caves with artwork dating back to 1000 CE, but the formations have stood the test of time. Archaeologists have wondered why they were in such good condition. Was it a special kind of rock that served as the foundation? Were there ancient principles … Read more
Mari Miranda has been investigating the ecological benefits of bamboo since enrolling in University of Southern Queensland’s Master of Engineering in 2017. An engineering officer by trade, Mari said green building material could be the solution to skyrocketing construction costs and play a key role in Australia’s efforts to reduce carbon emission by 2030. “Bamboo … Read more
The folks at Good Earth Global prepared a guide titled How to Build an Earthquake-Resistant Home: An Earthbag Construction Manual for Engineering for Change’s members and readers and it was published at engineeringforchange.org It starts out with this introduction: Earthbag technology has emerged as the building method best suited to rebuild rural Nepal after its … Read more
When visitors to the San Luis Valley in Colorado stay at the Frontier Drive-Inn, they have access to a circle of unique structures that blend ancient materials with modern technology. Cylindrical silos with open air ceilings called Skylos are made out of locally-harvested adobe—sand, silt, clay, water, and straw. Designed and built by architect Ron … Read more
Chukum is an ancient stucco technique that fits in with modern design trends that highlight nature and simplicity. The material comes from Chukum trees, native to the Yucatan Peninsula. They are characterized by a thorny bark that is resin-rich in tannins, giving it a reddish hue similar to wine. Chukum has been widely adopted in … Read more
