2023-11-08
Much of our research and experience involves cold climates, but what about passive solar design for warmer or more humid areas? If you dive into most […]
2023-10-06
What is an earthship? An earthship is a variety of off-grid passive solar home—or community of homes— made of natural and recycled materials such as old […]
2023-10-02
What is a water-sensitive design? A water sensitive home is one in which the dwelling and its surrounding land are designed and used so as to […]
2023-09-16
Natural Building and Higher Education For years there has been an issue with finding good help in the natural building trades. Many people can’t locate good […]
2023-09-03
What exactly is rammed earth building ? As a building method, rammed earth is one of the most sustainable materials to choose in home design. Rammed […]
2023-08-28
Natural Building Tourism -What is it ? In 2015, I helped convene a tour of southern India with a focus on natural building. I felt that […]
2023-08-10
Once called Solar Homes, passive solar design has been around for thousands of years. Neolithic Chinese home builders originated much of the passive solar heating techniques […]
2023-08-06
Passive solar design – the fundamentals Passive solar design (or passive design) takes advantage of a building’s site, climate, and materials to minimize energy use. A […]
2023-07-24
How to navigate planning and regulations at the Off-Grid Festival 2023 In April this year, myself (Rachel – town planner, researcher and natural building consultant) and […]
2023-07-18
Natural building materials and the National Construction Code (NCC) There has long been tension between the lived experience and knowledge of those who have lived in […]
2023-07-17
Historic Mudbrick Tour Goes Online In March 2023, the Nillumbik Mudbrick Association pivoted to host their first virtual mudbrick house tour to great success. For many […]
2023-07-05
Building material of the month: Strawbale Strawbales have been a popular and favoured exterior wall choice for many natural builders since the 1990s. They can be […]