Dot Earth Blog at the New York Times reports that schools in USA’s tornado zone could affordably build domed structures to survive storms. They also happen to be good candidates for green houses. They are cost-efficient, earth-friendly, extremely durable and easily maintained. Most importantly, a Monolithic Dome uses about 50% less energy for heating and cooling than a … [Read more...]
A House Made of Corn Cobs
There’s always something new out under the sun. This unique structure uses corn cobs to fill the volume of its walls. It's a concept house – there’s no kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, or weather-proofing – but it’s also an interesting exercise in building lower-cost, sustainable houses. Characterized by the presence of a light shaft in its middle, the indoor set-up has … [Read more...]
They call it “The Pod” – a small house in Australia
I'm not sure if this qualifies as a sustainable home, but it could be – and it certainly looks like a good place to live. This project dubbed 'The Pod' by its owners, is a modern interpretation of the traditional timber framed fibro granny flat. It helps a family of four plus grandparents from overseas, who come to stay with the family over summer, meet their unique needs with … [Read more...]
Seawer, the garbage removing seascraper
One of our planet's most discouraging features is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The GPGP, also known as the Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch and the Pacific Trash Vortex, lies in the middle of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre—a circular ocean current perfect for capturing debris. The GPGP conjures up an image of a floating landfill, but the debris is largely composed … [Read more...]
The tallest vertical garden in the world
On a more exclusive sustainable building note, Clearpoint Residencies will be the first sustainable apartment complex in Sri Lanka – and at 46 stories and a planned height of 186 m (610 ft), it will also be the tallest vertical garden in the world. Construction is underway and expected to reach completion in 2016. The structure will house 164 apartments, and the vertical … [Read more...]
Shipping container student housing at Mill Junction
This is undoubtedly the biggest shipping container housing structure yet – 63 shipping containers stacked on top of several grain silos: There is reuse, and then there is reuse. The Mill Junction student dormitories in Johannesburg, South Africa, are taking the reclamation of shipping containers to places straight out of a science-fiction movie. The 11-story grain silos and 63 … [Read more...]
Build a sustainable cob house for £150
This cottage was built by Michael Buck in Oxfordshire, England, over the period of a couple years. It’s a delightful building, brightly lit by its many windows, and with a satisfying, organic form. It also cost £150 to build. He wanted to build the house for zero cost, but Michael needed a little more thatch than anticipated for the roof. He also had to buy some nails. The … [Read more...]
A shipping container home grows in Brooklyn
While preparing a series on the pros and cons of building shipping container homes, this cheerful video from May 2013 caught my attention. Michele Bertomen and David Boyle owned an empty lot in Brooklyn, NY, and found themselves unable to afford a regular home. When they priced the masonry envelope (the building structure without utilities or anything else), bids came back … [Read more...]
Green Building Jobs at Dancing Rabbit
Have you been looking for Green Building Jobs, but don't know where to turn? You might want to try living off the grid at the Dancing Rabbit Village. Recently we spoke with a new friend there, Nathan Brown, and he has been giving us the lowdown on what they have to offer. Are you tired of going through the motions with clients who want to appear 'green' but really all it … [Read more...]