In the Aardehuis Ecovillage in the Netherlands, 44 residents live in Earthships that generate almost all their energy, heat with the sun, and treat sewage in their own garden. The construction resembles a hobbit settlement designed to minimize environmental impact as much as possible. In the Dutch cold a heat pump helps in the winter. … Read more
Crooked, forked and curved trees are often treated as second-class timber. They are considered less valuable, and not suitable for load bearing walls or support systems in building. If a tree trunk is not straight enough to become a saw log, it is frequently diverted into pulp production or burned for energy. Architect and researcher … Read more
Natural stone, a material which has shaped civilization for millenia, is seeing a resurgence in construction and interior design because of its timeless quality, durability, beauty and environmentally sound characteristics. It is exceptionally durable and can last for centuries without losing its appeal or integrity. Unique patterns, textures, and colors will be inherent to each … Read more
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are using food scraps to create environmentally friendly alternatives to concrete and epoxy while also reducing the waste going into landfills. First, inedible fibrous and woody materials from plants are collected from the university’s farm on campus. Okra was one of the crops used in the project. Then, senior … Read more
From residential rooftops to utility-scale solar systems, all PV systems share one purpose: generating electricity. This course provides the foundational electrical knowledge needed to understand how these systems function across all scales. You’ll master the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance, learn how electricity is generated and distributed, and understand the critical differences between power … Read more
Rammed earth is an ancient technique that has been dated back to at least 7000 BC in Pakistan. The method compacts moist soil, clay, and aggregates to form dense walls that help keep indoor temperatures stable – a principle applied extensively in ancient China and the Middle East. Rammed earth construction has been used in … Read more