A Cleverly Converted Barn

remodeled barn

“Interior designer Glenda Martin worked on the offices of some of Silicon Valley’s largest tech companies and, later, on the luxurious homes of the people who founded them. But what she considered her best work was her smallest -a 650-square-foot barn-turned-house that she designed for herself in Sonoma County.

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Popoyo

The Popoyo house is made of locally available natural materials and has all curved walls.
The Popoyo house is made of locally available natural materials and has all curved walls.

“Structurally speaking, the arch and curved walls create a much stronger building system. Just look at how long roman aquaducts have withstood time. By keeping the walls curved, you eliminate the need for costly rebar and concrete.

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Adobe Block Floors

Adobe block floors are among the lowest cost, all natural, easiest to install floor options.
Adobe block floors are among the lowest cost, all natural, easiest to install floor options.

Readers often ask our advice about the most practical floors for do-it-yourselfers. If you’re building your own sustainable home, I suggest building floors on grade. This eliminates the need for posts, beams, floor joists, subflooring, toxic glues and other materials used to build typical wood framed floors.

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