Sustainable Architecture - Building Renewable

A long-span engineered wood ceiling with long beams running the entire length of the room and cross-members at regular intervals. The ceiling above the engineered wood members is made from a series of wood panels. Gray ceiling fans hang from the cross-members. The wood is a light brown color. Across the top of the image are the words "Engineered Wood - The 10 Most Common Questions Answered" in white letters. There are three white question marks overlain at the bottom of the image.

Engineered Wood – The 10 Most Common Questions Answered

ByJim Pritchard April 7, 2023January 7, 2025

Engineered wood can be found in all sorts of building products, and for some uses, it is even more popular than natural wood. This article answers the most common questions about this versatile and sustainable material.

Two Photographs side by side showing decking areas made from TimberTech (left) and Trex (right). The left hand deck has dining furniture on it and is light brown. The deck on the right is light gray and has a city skyline in the background. Across the top are the words "Which Is Better, Trex or TimberTech? Composite Decks Compared." The letters "VS" are in the center.

Decking Recycled Plastic Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture

Which Is Better, Trex or TimberTech? Composite Decks Compared

ByJim Pritchard April 6, 2023May 4, 2024

These two are the heavyweights of the composite decking world, but which is better – Trex or TimberTech? This article compares the two brands across a range of the most common features so you can decide which is better for your next project.

A photograph of a stylish decking area with a balcony that juts out over a green lawn. The deck has a gray glass outdoor dining table and six gray mesh-backed chairs. The decking boards are light brown and have a visible grain. The building the deck abuts has large windows along its length. There is also a large overhang on the building with prominent wooden beams that partially covers the decking area. The railing around the decking has black metal posts, steel wire cross-pieces and wood-effect handrail. In the bottom right hand corner is an icon showing a person reading a book. The words "TimberTech Composite Decking - Everything You Need To Know" appear across the top of the image.

Decking Recycled Material Recycled Plastic Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture

TimberTech Composite Decking – Everything You Need To Know

ByJim Pritchard April 5, 2023August 27, 2024

TimberTech composite decking is a good choice for a durable and eco-friendly deck for your home. But with all the different options and features available at different price points, choosing the right one for your home can be confusing. This article guides you through the types, price points, and features available to help you decide.

A picture of engineered wood siding on the side of a house. It is light gray in color and oriented horizontally. Across the top of the image are the words, "Engineered Wood Siding - Advantages and Disadvantages." At the bottom of the image is a set of scales with a red cross on the left and a green tick on the right.

Wood Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture

Engineered Wood Siding – Advantages and Disadvantages

ByJim Pritchard April 4, 2023January 7, 2025

Engineered wood siding is available in lots of different finishes. But is it the right choice for your home? We find out in this article, looking at all the pros and cons.

Two photographs of wood flooring products. The photo on the left features engineered hardwood flooring with the different layers of plywood and veneer clearly visible and being pointed out by a person holding a pencil to the side of the wood piece. The photo on the right shows solid hardwood flooring with a single wood grain visible throughout the entire thickness of the product. There are indicator gauges and a yellow question mark in the center of the image to indicate the question of which is better. Along the bottom of the image are the words "Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Better Than Solid Hardwood?"

Recycled Wood Flooring Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Better Than Solid Hardwood?

ByJim Pritchard April 3, 2023November 8, 2024

Engineered hardwood flooring is gaining popularity as a cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring. But is it better than solid hardwood? In this article, we find out.

A photograph of shredded plastic bottles ready for recycling with a drawing of a blue roll of recycled plastic insulation and a photo of three plastic bottles overlain. The plastic bottles are arranged in a circular "recycling symbol" shape. Across the top of the image are the words "All About Recycled Plastic Insulation (Should You Use It?)"

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

All About Recycled Plastic Insulation (Should You Use It?)

ByJim Pritchard March 31, 2023October 13, 2024

Recycled plastic insulation is becoming more popular by the day, but should you use it in your home? In this article, we tackle all the pros and cons of recycled plastic insulation and answer the most common questions about its use.

A large green house icon with multi-colored plastic pellets in the background. The pellets are arranged in vertical stripes of the same color going from gold on the left, through orange, green, pink, white, and yellow on the right. There are orange bricks along the bottom and the words "The Real Costs of Recycled Plastic Homes (3D and Bricks Too)"written at the bottom of the image in white letters on a semi-transparent orange background.

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

The Real Costs of Recycled Plastic Homes (3D and Bricks Too)

ByJim Pritchard March 30, 2023October 13, 2024

Recycled plastic is popping up in more and more building products, making it possible to build a house entirely from recycled plastic. In this article, we look at the costs of recycled plastic homes, including 3D printed homes and homes built using recycled plastic bricks.

A collage of four photographs showing different styles of building made with recycled plastic. There is an image of plastic water bottles overlain; the water bottles are crumpled up and in the shape of a recycling icon (circular). The example buildings include the use of recycled plastic water bottles filled with dirt or other plastics as well as recycled plastic bricks and 3d printed recycled plastic. Across the bottom of the image are the words "Can You Build a House Out of Recycled Plastic? 7 Examples."

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Can You Build a House Out of Recycled Plastic? 7 Examples

ByJim Pritchard March 29, 2023November 2, 2024

There are many examples of people who have been able to build a house out of recycled plastic. This article presents 7 of our favorites. Prepare to be amazed!

A photograph of a construction site where they are using recycled plastic bricks to build a house. The house has a timber frame and the plastic bricks are serving the same function as concrete blocks in making the walls of the house. In the bottom right hand corner of the image are two arrows with "pros" and "cons" written on them. Across the top of the image are the words "The Pros and Cons of Using Recycled Plastic Bricks to Build."

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

The Pros and Cons of Using Recycled Plastic Bricks to Build

ByJim Pritchard March 28, 2023January 9, 2025

More and more companies and their clients are using recycled plastic bricks to build with these days. In this article, we examine the reasons for this, the advantages of plastic bricks, and their drawbacks.

A segment of cork insulation sitting atop a full sheet.

Cork Insulation Sustainable Architecture

Your Ultimate Guide To Cork Insulation: All You Need To Know

ByErin Shine March 27, 2023October 13, 2024

Cork is an excellent alternative to bulkier insulation materials such as fiberglass and rock. As it is easily attainable, cork is an eco-friendly option for insulating the modern home. So what do you need to know before using cork insulation to increase your home’s energy efficiency?