Successful Lime Plastering over Earthen Surfaces

Drawing from my 20+ years of professional experience and responding to repeated accounts of lime plaster failures over earthen substrates, I present what I have found is essential for success.

Feb 01, 2024

The Essence of Breathability in Earth Building: A Practical Guide

This exploration aims to demystify breathability, emphasizing its practical implications and its paramount importance in natural construction.

Jan 30, 2024

Comparison of Rammed Earth and Adobe Brick Construction

Modern Rammed Earth or Adobe Brick? See how they compare to choose the technique that best suits the location, building logistics and resources of your building project.

Jan 14, 2024

Low-density Adobe Construction for Seismic Areas & Temperate Climates

Low-density adobe is building innovation driven by NZ Earth Building Association. It is used in load-bearing walls is seismic zones, and has great thermal performance in temperate climates.

Jan 10, 2024

Earthen Tiny Home Design for first-time Builders

Explore design options for tiny earthen homes and compact living spaces (often as small as 10-30m2 to avoid having to gain a building consent) constructed from natural materials.

Jan 08, 2024

Optimizing Sun Angles and Thermal Mass for Passive Solar Design in Any Climate

The saying “warm in winter, cool in summer” only really works for buildings who are optimized for solar gain and make strategic use of thermal mass and insulation.

Jan 07, 2024

Natural Building for Beginners: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Natural building projects are an exciting adventure but it can be easy to stumble. Here are common pitfalls we have seen, to help you navigate things without having to learn the hard way.

Dec 30, 2023

Air Tightness vs. Breathability: Striking the Right Balance

When it comes to your home, comfort and air quality are a top priority. Achieving the sweet spot between air tightness and breathability is essential for a healthy, energy-efficient living space.

Dec 29, 2023

Non-Toxic Eco Retrofitting: A Blueprint for a Healthier Home

Whether you're a homeowner, a renter, or a building professional, understanding the key principles of non-toxic eco retrofitting can help you create healthy living spaces.

Dec 26, 2023

Locally-Sourced Materials in Retrofitting: A Sustainability Guide

When giving buildings a new lease on life, there's a secret ingredient that's often overlooked: locally sourced materials. This adds character to a retrofitting project and bring a host of benefits.

Dec 25, 2023

Let's Get Mud on Our Hands: Entering the World of Natural Building

Embarking on the journey of natural building is like rekindling a friendship with the Earth. It's a hands-on, feet-on-the-ground adventure that reconnects us with our precious planet.

Dec 24, 2023

How to source raw materials and develop high performing earth building mixes

Are you are thinking of building with earth but wonder where to start? Where to find the materials? How to know if these materials are suitable for the earth building application of choice?

Jul 01, 2023