Building upon the chemistry that oysters use in miles-long reefs, scientists have found a way to create cement that is stronger and cures faster. Jonathan Wilker, a professor of chemistry in Purdue University’s College of Science has long been interested in formulating new, more sustainable and better materials. “Our lab studies materials that shellfish make,” Wilker … Read more
Set among 40 acres of native woodland, this three bedroom mud brick house offers a peaceful off-grid lifestyle in the heart of Central Victoria, Australia. Built in 2000, the house was designed for passive solar heating. The residence enjoys lovely views across the garden, surrounding bushland and one of the property’s two dams. A Trust … Read more
It is common knowledge that German bombs during the Blitz of 1940 caused untold damage to Coventry, U.K., killing hundreds and destroying thousands of buildings in the process. But there is one building still standing that we only know about because those same bombs uncovered it. Known as the Medieval Stone Building, the ruin is … Read more
In Gaza, Israeli attacks have destroyed or damaged over 90% of homes and displaced more than 90% of the population. The destruction has created over 60 million tonnes of rubble – which is equivalent to 10 Great Pyramid of Gizas. Green Rock, a community initiative in Gaza, is turning that rubble into bricks to build … Read more
To reduce the reliance of earthbag construction on polypropylene, an environmentally detrimental material, and simultaneously address the urgent issue of fast fashion waste, this research explores the suitability of using earthbag construction to reduce postconsumer clothing waste in landfills. Three approaches to generating new earthbag geometries were explored using sewn domestic craft: alternate modular arrays, … Read more
The ethos of Masons Ink, the Bengaluru-based sustainable architecture firm helmed by Sridevi and Rosie, lies in ensuring sustainability gets a voice through all of their projects. Elaborating on how they bonded over their shared interest in sustainability in architecture, Sridevi says, “Our story goes all the way back to our undergraduate days in college. … Read more