Building Sustainability Podcast

Are you ready to embark on a journey that blends architectural innovation with environmental sustainability? Come along as I engage in a vibrant discussion with the gifted duo, Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker of Abundant Earth. We delve into the captivating process of constructing a straw bale house that exists in harmony with its natural surroundings. It's not just a house, but a tribute to human ingenuity and a testament to the beauty of nature.
The tale doesn't stop at the mere structure; it's the life force that fueled its creation that forms the crux of our conversation. We reminisce about the energetic team that breathed life into the project, from the dedicated participation of the community to the unique challenges and delightful surprises encountered along the way. Unearth the inspiration behind the design, be it the Nebraska-style straw bale construction, timber frame, turf roof or the unparalleled retaining wall crafted from truck tires.
As we tread the path of understanding the deep connection between the house and its environment, we’ll also immerse in the beauty of waking up to buzzards wheeling in the sky. This episode isn't merely about creating a house; it’s about forging a relationship with Mother Nature and the indomitable human spirit. Become a part of this journey, as we explore the union of nature, architecture and human resilience.
Episode Links

• Jo Bolton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joimbolc/
• Matt Whittaker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
• Time Lapse of Frame Raising - https://youtu.be/JMlqLREh49k
• Beautiful 17m video of frame raising - https://youtu.be/vhU6qDBmN9E
• Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
• Building With Bales - Barbara Jones - https://tinyurl.com/236u65ss
• Building the Timber Frame House : The Revival of a Forgotten Craft - https://tinyurl.com/2658n4n5
• The Last Straw Journal - https://www.thelaststraw.org/
• European Straw Bale Gathering - https://strawbuilding.eu/
• Woodland Pioneers - http://www.coppiceapprentice.org.uk/pioneersbook.php

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the process of constructing a house using a unique block system and the challenges faced along the way. From the use of robotics and CNC machines to the benefits and limitations of cork as a building material, the speaker shares their experience and insights. We also delve into the considerations of a circular economy, fire performance, and the use of timber in tall buildings. Join us as we dive into the world of innovative construction methods and sustainable design.

Episode Links

• Matthew Barnett Howland website - https://www.matthewbarnetthowland.com/cork-house
• Design Museum exhibition - https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/how-to-build-a-low-carbon-home
• BOOK - Buildings must die, a perverse view of architecture - https://tinyurl.com/yn5k37at
• A birdseye view of the bank of england (Joseph Michael Gandy) - https://collections.soane.org/object-p267
• Wup Doodle - http://wupdoodle.com/
• Targetting Zero - Simon Sturgis - https://www.targetingzero.co.uk/
• Arup - https://www.arup.com/
• Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/
• Nettlecombe Craft School Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nettlecombe_craft_school/
• Building Sustainability Podcast Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
• ACAN Natural Materials Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG-n-rTFoPY

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, our guest, Matthew Barnett Howland, a Director of Research and Development at an architecture firm and Associate Professor, discusses the whole life approach to architecture and environmental sustainability. We delve into the use of cork as the main material in a cork house, exploring its limitations and the decision-making process behind it. Mathew shares insights on working with materials like straw, hemp, timber, and cork, and his shift towards sustainable building methods.

The episode also covers structural considerations, challenges faced, and the connection between the design of the building and the life cycle of the material used. Tune in for an engaging conversation on architecture, materials, and sustainability.

Episode Links

• Matthew Barnett Howland website - https://www.matthewbarnetthowland.com/cork-house
• Design Museum exhibition - https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/how-to-build-a-low-carbon-home
• BOOK - Buildings must die, a perverse view of architecture - https://tinyurl.com/yn5k37at
• A birdseye view of the bank of england (Joseph Michael Gandy) - https://collections.soane.org/object-p267
• Wup Doodle - http://wupdoodle.com/
• Targetting Zero - Simon Sturgis - https://www.targetingzero.co.uk/
• Arup - https://www.arup.com/
• Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/
• Nettlecombe Craft School Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nettlecombe_craft_school/
• Building Sustainability Podcast Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
• ACAN Natural Materials Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG-n-rTFoPY

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have a conversation with mud mason, Becky Little from Rebearth.
"Rebearth is a Scottish company founded by mud mason Becky Little. We specialise in building, art and education using raw earth and natural materials.

We have 25 years of experience in earth building techniques including mudwall (cob), wattle and daub, light clay and hemp, turf building, soft capping, clay plasters, earth sculpture and decoration.

By learning from the past and working with nature, we celebrate and develop the skills and traditions of earth building."

Building with mud has got to be the most sustainable way to create a home. In terms of embodied carbon, it's got to be one of the lowest materials available. In terms of performance it's actually one of the best performing materials with regards to moisture buffering, heat buffering and removal of VOCs from the air.
I think the biggest issue, is that mud has an image problem! People see it as medieval, and peasant technology that we (with all our technological advances) have moved on from and bettered. But the truth is we haven't... we have created materials that are faster or cheaper to build with, but not that are good for human health or that of the planet.
Massive thanks to Becky for the conversation - Enjoy the episode!
Support this podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Becky Little Podcast Links

• Rebearth
• Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
• Historic Scotland
• Kevin McCabe (Cob Builder)
• Kevin McCabe - Grand designs house
• Article on CO2 emissions of cement production
• Cobbauge (cob research project)
• Earth Building UK and Ireland
• Ianto Evans Book - Hand Sculpted House - https://tinyurl.com/2b7yc3bp
• Cob Cottage Company
• Thomas Hoblyn (Chelsea flower show garden designer)
• The Dubai Majlis Garden (Chelsea flower show garden)
• Guy Valentine (Clay plasterer)

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by Clare Nash who describes herself as an "Architect creating dream eco-homes, barn conversions plus environmental and community focused housing schemes"
Today we are talking about how to find a work/life balance.
Design Your Life Book - https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Clare-Nash/Design-your-life--An-architects-guide-to-achieving-a-worklife-balance/26380240
Bursting with tips, ideas and how-tos on all aspects of designing a working life that suits you and your business, this book explains in clear and accessible language how to avoid the common pitfalls of long hours and low pay. It explores how to juggle work with family commitments, how to set your own career path and design priorities, and how to instil a flexible working culture within a busy lifestyle.
About Clare Nash Architecture:
Clare Nash Architecture Ltd is a 5 person architecture practice based in Brackley in rural South Northamptonshire on the Oxfordshire border. Specialising in energy efficient rural design and project management, particularly eco-refurbishment and new build, CNA's design focus takes inspiration from the vernacular.
Focusing on people, site, climate, location, context, sustainable and beautiful materials to produce buildings that sit well in their surroundings and suit the people who reside in them. This means CNA is involved from the initial concept design, through to planning and building control and continuing right through to working with builders to final completion. CNA's level of involvement is tailor made to each project depending upon an individual client's requirement whilst always ensuring close collaboration with each client in every project.
They are a small team and operate a flexible working model which means they do not work from an office but do have regular design meetings. This a superb business model for both financial and time efficiency reasons. Working remotely also gives us a degree of flexibility as our different working locations keep us inspired and feeling fresh to approach projects with renewed focus and lots of ideas.
Podcast Episode Links:

• Clare Nash Architecture - https://clarenasharchitecture.co.uk/
• The E Myth - https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Michael-E-Gerber/The-E-Myth-Revisited--Why-Most-Small-Businesses-Dont-Work/2674004
• The Artists Way - https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Julia-Cameron/The-Artists-Way--A-Course-in-Discovering-and-Recovering-Your-Creative-Self/19465022
• Ikigai - https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Hector-Garcia/Ikigai--The-Japanese-secret-to-a-long-and-happy-life/21003608

Connect

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.