Blog - Building Renewable

A bamboo framework held together with bamboo lashings. Most of the bamboo members are at right angles to each other, forming a square lattice. There are occasional rows of diagonal members to provide rigidity. There are also many lines of red cord running down vertically. The words "Bamboo Density for Building: Which Is Strongest (With Chart)" are written across the top of the image.

Bamboo Density for Building: Which Is Strongest (With Chart)

ByJim Pritchard March 4, 2023October 14, 2024

Bamboo is a popular building material in many parts of the world. This article looks at the best bamboo density for building the strongest structures. Click to learn more.

A photograph of straw bales being arranged on the sill plate of a straw bale house. The word "Comfort" is written in handwriting style in the bottom left corner with a cartoon thermometer showing medium a temperature. Across the top are the words "Straw Bale Insulation - Straw Bale Houses More Comfortable?"

Straw Bale Insulation – Straw Bale Houses More Comfortable?

ByJim Pritchard March 2, 2023May 16, 2024

Straw bale insulation has been around for many years, but can it improve the comfort of your home by controlling temperatures more effectively than other types of insulation? We find out in this article.

A collage of photographs showing different earthbag houses. The one in the bottom left is built into the ground and covered with grass. The one in the top left has smooth, brown domes with pointed arched windows. The one on the right, which is the full height of the image shows the interior of an earthbag home with the inside of the dome finished in a thin layer of plaster that makes the rows of earthbags visible and creates a nice feature. There is also a large skylight in the top of the dome. Across the bottom of the image are the words "Awesome Affordable Modern Earthbag Homes to Check Out."

Earthbag Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture

20 Awesome Affordable Modern Earthbag Homes to Check Out

ByJim Pritchard February 28, 2023June 29, 2024

Modern earthbag homes are not just easy to build and sustainable, but they offer the opportunity to create some exciting and modern designs. In this article, we take a look at 20 earthbag homes with real individuality.

A photograph of a straw bale house being built. The frame is completed and the roof is on but the walls have yet to be filled with straw bales. There are photos of a man and a woman looking amazed with a "wow" speech bubble above the man, who is on the left. There is also a row of straw bales along the bottom of the image and the words "The 10 Most Amazing Straw Bale Houses in the World" across the top of the image.

Straw Bale Insulation Sustainable Architecture

The 10 Most Amazing Straw Bale Houses in the World

ByJim Pritchard February 27, 2023September 18, 2024

You might have heard that straw bale houses are very thermally efficient thanks to the high R-values of their walls. They can also offer fantastic freedom of design, which I showcase in this article, presenting the 10 most amazing staw bale houses in the world.

A photograph of a straw bale house under construction. The photo is taken from the inside of the building, looking through the wooden frame towards a rural countryside. There is a stack of straw bales in the building. The words "The Top 11 Eco-Friendly Straw Bale House Builders in the US" are written across the bottom of the image.

Straw Bale Sustainable Architecture

The Top 11 Eco-Friendly Straw Bale House Builders in the US

ByJim Pritchard February 24, 2023October 27, 2024

There are plenty of eco-friendly straw bale house builders in the US, you just need to know where to look. This article gives you a roundup of the top 11 straw bale builders in the US.

Two photographs side-by-side showing an earthbag root cellar at different stages of construction. The image on the right has the roof frame in position and some cartoon root vegetables overlain to create the impression of produce storage. The words "Using Earthbags To Make a Root Cellar (Plus How-To Steps)" are written along the bottom of the image.

Earthbag Sustainable Architecture

Using Earthbags To Make a Root Cellar (Plus 10 How-To Steps)

ByJim Pritchard February 23, 2023April 30, 2024

You can save money by using earthbags to make a root cellar to store your produce. If you want to learn how to create one of these awesome secret cellars, read our article today.

A stylish straw bale living room. There is a long, narrow window high up on the far wall and a wood burning stove set in a fireplace with rounded plaster corners. The room is furnished with a blue corner sofa and wood coffee table. The ceiling has wood panelling and a woven bamboo light shade. There is a TV in the corner of the room and the space is open plan, with another room visible to the right. Beautiful wooden posts and beams can also be seen with prominent grain. Across the bottom are the words "Straw Bale House Interiors Awesome Straw Bale Decor Tips."

Straw Bale Sustainable Architecture

Straw Bale House Interiors – Awesome Straw Bale Decor Tips

ByJim Pritchard February 21, 2023July 3, 2024

Straw bale house interiors can be finished in several ways. But which is best? We check out the top finishes and sprinkle in some decor tips!

An image of sheep's wool insulation placed between wooden joists in an attic. There is in icon representing water damage with three water drops in the middle of the picture and the words "Sheep's Wool Insulation and Water Damage" across the top.

Wool Healthy Buildings Insulation Sustainable Architecture

Sheep’s Wool Insulation and Water Damage: Key Facts To Know

ByJim Pritchard February 20, 2023September 22, 2024

The issue of sheep’s wool insulation and water damage is something many people ask about because wool is a natural material and they think this makes it more susceptible. In this article, we tackle the common questions and bust a few myths in the process.

An image of a part-built straw bale house. The load bearing frame is visible and the bales of straw are stacked inside under cover thanks to the roof already being in place. The words "Straw Bale Construction Types - Pros and Cons of Each Type" are written across the bottom of the image.

Straw Bale Insulation Sustainable Architecture

Straw Bale Construction Types – Pros and Cons of Each Type

ByJim Pritchard February 19, 2023September 13, 2024

There are several straw bale construction types in use today. This article presents the most common approaches and describes the pros and cons of each.

A screenshot from YouTube of a couple building an underground root cellar from earthbags. Across the bottom of the image are the words "Can You Build an Earthbag Home Underground?"

Earthbag Sustainable Architecture

Can You Build an Earthbag Home Underground? (4 Examples)

ByJim Pritchard February 18, 2023June 23, 2024

Can you build an earthbag home underground? In this article, we answer that question, and give examples to illustrate the reasons for our conclusions about this interesting combination of building techniques.