In some of the world’s harshest desert landscapes, people learned to build entire cities using mud. Made by mixing earth, water, and straw, mudbricks were shaped by hand and dried under the sun, creating a building material that was inexpensive, accessible, and surprisingly effective in extreme climates. Described below are ten of those desert cities. … Read more
Architect Yasmeen Lari‘s practice is driven by the belief that design can help people rebuild their own worlds with the materials, skills, and knowledge already around them. This Pakistani architect has shaped a body of work that reduces harm, shares power, and harnesses architecture for climate resilience, social dignity, and collective repair. For Lari, design … Read more
Homeowners, architects, builders, and policymakers have begun to recognize that they have the capacity to not just reduce environmental impact but also to improve quality of life and long-term cost savings. Achieving sustainability in this context involves consideration of everything from design innovations, materials, and energy efficiency to water conservation and changes in life styles. … Read more
The owners’ passion for European food and architecture helped shape this two-story residence, designed more than 30 years ago. Set on 22 acres of farmland, this four-bedroom rammed earth house delivers not only excellent thermal performance but also breathtaking views. The owners primarily live on the ground floor that includes an open-plan living area featuring … Read more
For Arkin Tilt Architects, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation of every project. Their signature “farm-to-wall” approach merges thoughtful design with ecology by transforming straw into high-performance, low-carbon buildings. To bring these innovative structures to life, precision and data-driven insight are key. Discover how the team uses Vectorworks to model and document custom wall systems, … Read more
A California nonprofit says centuries-old straw bale building could help tackle the housing crisis as property prices spiral out of control. In Santa Cruz County, the Soquel neighborhood’s Mount Calvary Lutheran Church is teaming up with nonprofits Just Places and People First to build a “village” of straw-bale homes for people coming out of homelessness. … Read more