Drive west out of Taos, New Mexico, past the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and the landscape does something strange. The houses disappear into the earth. You can miss them entirely from the road, buried behind berms of packed dirt, their walls built from old tires and glass bottles, their rooftops harvesting rain. These are not … Read more
An ingredient that gives ice cream a creamier texture could make natural earthen materials like clay and sand easier to 3D-print into durable structures, according to scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder. In nature, termites construct towering mounds. Wasps build intricate nests, and honeycomb worms create reef-like structures along coastlines. Rather than relying on … Read more
Tucked away within native bushland, this secluded retreat offers a rare sense of peace and privacy. Positioned to capture natural light and stunning surroundings, the home features a spectacular curved timber roof and a striking stone fireplace. The rammed earth construction, paired with beautiful hardwood timber interiors, ensures the home stays naturally cool in summer … Read more
Marc Neu, a passionate advocate for sustainable building, has built his own home in Luxembourg using natural materials such as wood, straw, clay, and lime. He says, “A straw bale like this, about 1.1 metres long, costs five or six euros. I managed to insulate my entire house, from the floor slab up to the … Read more
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