Buildings

Embracing Off-Grid Living in Taos, New Mexico: A Sustainable Haven of Natural Beauty

Taos New Mexico OffGrid

Living off-grid has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a more sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle. Taos, New Mexico, with its breathtaking natural surroundings, unique cultural heritage, and abundant renewable energy resources, offers an ideal setting for individuals and families looking to embrace off-grid living. In this article, we will explore the compelling reasons … Read more

Off-grid Earthship for sale in Johnson, Vermont

Earthship-style house for sale in Johnson Vermont

In 2021, Cymone Bedford bought a piece of land in East Johnson and built an Earthship-style house on the hill. The entire front facade is made of greenhouse glass while tires bound in concrete make up the back wall. The home was purposefully built with these materials so that warming sunlight magnified by the glass, … Read more

the Mystery of How the Maya Made Plaster So Strong

Examples of head-scratchingly impressive building material can be found throughout the ancient world, and Maya lime plaster ranks high among them. Scientists from the University of Granada in Spain explored why this plaster was a step above the building materials of its mesoamerican peers. The secret ingredient was sap from nearby trees, introduced during the … Read more

What architects can do to curb climate change?

Montana Earthship greenhouse corridor with planters and a kitchen bar

Architects play a crucial role in addressing climate change through the design and construction of buildings. Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and architects have the power to create structures that are energy-efficient, use renewable energy sources, and promote sustainable transportation options. One of the most effective ways architects can … Read more

Chating with ChatGPT about Sustainable Design

What is an Earthship? An earthship is a type of sustainable and self-sufficient building, typically made from natural and recycled materials. Earthships are designed to be energy-efficient and to use renewable resources, such as solar and wind power, to provide electricity and heating. They are often built using earth-filled tires as a form of thermal … Read more

Under construction continues… High Desert, High Performance Home 2

Joshua Tree sustainable buildings

Our High Desert Home continues to make progress…. Kitchen cabinetry, shelves and interior trim are now in. One of the big advantages of a Design-Build approach is that final details are worked out with the respective subcontractor or craftsperson on site – this ensures that the highest level of expertise is present, minimizes translation errors … Read more

Under construction… High Desert, High Performance Home

Joshua Tree sustainable buildings

The first of several sustainable projects in the larger Joshua Tree California area is nearing completion! This sustainable home consists of two separate buildings, each with a high performing envelope built with conventional construction materials. An extra layer of continuous exterior mineral wool insulation, an R-54 roof and an exposed concrete floor + interior plaster, … Read more

Codes & Laws for Green Buildings

earthship greenhouse greywater planter

Generally speaking, building codes are developed by well intentioned people who are actively involved in the construction industry. Their original purpose, as stated in the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, is “to provide minimum standards for the protection of life, limb, property, environment and for the safety and welfare of the consumer, general … Read more