I love these community projects that are not perfect but are just GOOD, and…they are made from local materials by the towns’ people. Read more.
Outdoor Classroom by Al Borde Arquitectos (Ecuador)
The most interesting thing about this raised platform structure is the canvas canopy with a sprayed-on high-strength cementitious mortar that will help endure inclement weather and sun exposure. Through a lifecycle analysis, it was determined that the cementitious covering provides a 68% reduction in a roof's carbon footprint, compared to a concrete tile roof. Read more.
Namasté Solar
We just signed up with this Denver/Boulder outfit to move forward with photovoltaics (PV). So far the team has been exceptional to work with and I’ll plan to do some updates along the way. Reach out (to me) if you have any questions that may not be clear from their website.
Proposed Canada Earth Tower by Perkins + Will (Vancouvers)
This 40 floor timber project is designed along the City’s Central Broadway corridor and transforms a 1.3-acre lot - aiming to become a new benchmark for green building construction. Read more.
Charred House by Rider Stirland Architects (UK)
On this small but strong remodel/addition I’m impressed with the contrasting material choices, the proportions of the glazing (glass) and overall composition. The large rear window also nicely connects inside to outside. More here about this interesting tiny project.
Off-Grid Micro Cabin (Canada)
Industrial designer and former paramedic, Nathalie & Greg Kupfer designed/built a 100sf, solar-powered dwelling from recycled and repurposed materials for about $50. More inspiring photos and story here.
Non-Extractive - On Designing without Depletion (Volume 1)
Where did those components come from and where will they go (eventually)? Probably a question we should all be asking ourselves with any purchase. Architect, Joseph Grima, proposes a new type of non-extractive architecture that does not exploit the planet in his manifesto. Find it not at Amazon here.
Industrial Site Converted to Urban Wetland by eLandscript (China)
This impressive landscape firm collaborated with various practices to connect multiple banks created by the convergence of these four Shenzhen rivers with a series of paths and elevated promenades.
The Rainbow Bridge, which crosses two of the rivers, was completed by German practice Schlaich Bergermann Partner and the Flora Trellis Cafe was designed by LAAB Architects, and features glass curtain walls sheltered by a white rhombus-coffered canopy.
More here about this project.
Proposed Largest Sustainable (and Affordable) Block in Amsterdam
Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center by Architect Hiroshi Nakamura (Japan)
In 2003, this became the first municipality (in Japan) to pursue zero waste, with 45 recycling categories. Today, the village reuses nearly 80 percent of the garbage it generates.
The facility is comprised mostly of upcycled materials, including 700 donated windows. More about this impressive undertaking on the architects website here.
Zero Carbon Cultural Center by Yasmeen Lari's Heritage Foundation (Pakistan)
This pavilion was built by local tradespeople with sustainable materials from the region. More here. Also, love the small surrounded structures too.
Boyan Slat - 27 year old behind The Ocean Cleanup
Slat is the inspiring young Dutch inventor, entrepreneur, founder/CEO of The Ocean Cleanup; a Dutch foundation which develops advanced systems to rid the world’s oceans of plastics.
The Endemic House / ESEcolectivo (Ecuador)
Despite the availability of local materials and the fragile conditions of the Galapagos ecosystem, Endemic House is only the second project built with bamboo in San Cristóbal - most of the island homes are made of metal and concrete. Read more here.
100 Bio-Based House Materials at Dutch Design week
Great examples of int/ext materials in this modular house. The Dutch should be put in charge of greening the world and the company Biobased Creations should lead the way. Read more here.
Farm + Solar Farm
Maja Off-Grid (Helsinki) by Littow Architects
This looks to be just the right size for a eco cabin. More here.
Casa Jardin by Al Borde (Ecuador)
Another small rammed earth brick studio with some eccentric touches, especially the glass outhouse. More info here.
Seed Cathedral at Shanghai World Expo 2010 by Thomas Heatherwicks (UK)
Yes, each rod contains different seeds from around the world, and each rod would eventually be distributed to a different school.
Rammed Earth Bricks by DUST Architects (Texas)
Small, simple and elegant. I’m particularly drawn to structures that are made from local materials, in this case, clay from Marfa, TX. Also, notice how the foundation becomes baseboard and the drywall on the ceiling is offset an inch or so from the walls.
