Bamboo as a Structural Building Material and Where It Works Best
# Bamboo as a Structural Building Material and Where It Works Best I’ve spent years explaining to clients why I keep coming back to bamboo for certain projects, especially when…
Why Recycled Steel Is One of the Most Sustainable Structural Materials
# Why Recycled Steel Is One of the Most Sustainable Structural Materials I’ve been in countless meetings where the architect presents their “sustainable” design featuring timber from questionable sources, exotic…
Rammed Earth Walls and the Ancient Technique Making a Comeback
I first encountered rammed earth walls on a project in Devon three years ago. The client had this gorgeous 18th century cottage with a crumbling stone extension that needed replacing,…
How Mycelium Insulation Is Grown From Mushrooms Not Manufactured
I bought my first house in 2004 and immediately started ripping out walls to add proper insulation. Standard stuff, you know? Fibreglass rolls, rigid foam boards, the usual suspects. Spent…
What Is Ferrock and Can It Really Replace Portland Cement
I first heard about Ferrock about eight years ago when I was knee-deep in researching every possible alternative to the concrete I was planning to use for a small extension.…
Reclaimed Timber and Why Salvaged Wood Outperforms New Every Time
# Reclaimed Timber and Why Salvaged Wood Outperforms New Every Time I used to think buying new timber was the responsible choice. You know, supporting sustainable forestry and all that.…
Cork Insulation and Why Portugal Leads the Way in Sustainable Homes
I first encountered cork insulation while working on a green building project in 2019. The client had specifically requested “no synthetic materials whatsoever” for insulation, which immediately ruled out the…
Building With Hempcrete and Why It Could Replace Concrete
**Building With Hempcrete and Why It Could Replace Concrete** I’ve watched construction projects spend six months planning a sustainability strategy, only to pour 200 cubic metres of Portland cement the…
Straw Bale Construction and How It Went From Novelty to Certified Building Method
I still remember the first time I saw a straw bale house being built. This was fifteen years ago, and I was working on a conventional extension project nearby. The…
What Is Cross Laminated Timber and Why Architects Are Obsessed With It
I’ve spent the last five years watching architects discover cross laminated timber with the enthusiasm of children finding out they can build actual treehouses. The conversations follow a predictable pattern.…