Tag Archives: Sustainable Architecture

This $2,500 Home Uses Clay Pots to Beat the Heat

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When you think of award-winning architecture, your mind probably jumps to glass towers or sleek minimalist villas with price tags that could fund a small country. But here’s something that’ll flip that script: designer Xinyun Li just proved that brilliant design doesn’t need a massive budget. In fact, she did it for less than the cost of a decent used car.

The $2,500 Vernacular Home sits in Para Dash, a bamboo village in Modonpur, Bangladesh, and it’s basically a masterclass in working with what you’ve got. Built for a multigenerational family of four (parents, their son, and his wife), this isn’t some stripped-down minimalist box. We’re talking two bedrooms, a kitchen, toilet, two cow sheds, a future child’s room, a weaving space, and even a roadside teahouse and shop. All for under $2,500. That includes materials and labor.

Designer: Xinyun Li

So how did Li pull this off? By going hyperlocal. Every single material came from the surrounding area. Mud, straw, and bamboo were literally gathered from nature, while bricks and tin sheets were produced nearby using local resources. No shipping costs, no imported materials, just what the land and community could provide. It’s the kind of approach that sounds simple but requires serious design chops to execute well.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. Bangladesh isn’t exactly known for mild weather. The climate is hot, the monsoon season is long, and flooding is a legitimate concern. Li didn’t just slap together some walls and call it a day. She designed the entire house to work with (not against) these environmental challenges. The structure sits on raised plinths to protect against flooding, while steeply pitched roofs ensure rainwater runs off efficiently rather than pooling. The room layout itself is strategic, arranged to maximize cross-ventilation. Windows are placed at varying heights on windward and leeward sides, creating a natural airflow that pushes hot air out. No AC needed.

Then there’s my favorite detail: those clay pots you can see dotting the mud walls of the teahouse. They’re not decorative (though they look pretty cool). These locally made pots from a neighboring village are actually functional. When inserted into the wall, they compress airflow and help cool the incoming air, creating a more comfortable microclimate inside. It’s ancient technology meets contemporary design thinking, and it’s genius.

Since electricity is limited in the area, Li integrated something called “liter bottles of light” into the roof. These simple devices (basically plastic bottles filled with water) refract sunlight and illuminate interior spaces during the day without requiring any power. It’s the kind of low-tech, high-impact solution that reminds you innovation doesn’t always mean adding more technology.

The layout also reflects a deep understanding of how this family actually lives. The daughter-in-law has a small weaving space on an upper-level balcony right outside her bedroom. She can work on her craft while staying connected to what’s happening with the rest of the family below. Meanwhile, the parents’ teahouse and shop sit at the edge of the courtyard along the village road. It’s positioned perfectly to give the main home privacy while remaining accessible to community members who stop by.

What makes this project so compelling isn’t just the low price tag (though that’s impressive). It’s that every decision, from materials to building methods, is rooted in local knowledge and ecology. The brick openings aren’t random; they’re carefully designed to enhance ventilation. The bamboo screens filter light beautifully while maintaining privacy. Even the tin roofs, which might seem like a purely practical choice, become part of the home’s aesthetic identity.

This is what true vernacular architecture looks like when it’s done right. It’s not about imposing some outside design vision onto a place. It’s about listening to the land, the climate, the culture, and the people who will actually live there. Li created a home that’s resilient, adaptable, and beautiful, all while proving that thoughtful design can be radically affordable.

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3 Rammed Earth Homes in Brazil Just Solved Sustainable Living

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Picture this: walls made of compressed earth, windows that frame the Brazilian hillside, and a roof that collects rainwater like nature always intended. It sounds like something from a utopian novel, but Arquipélago Arquitetos just turned it into reality with the Piracaia Eco-Village, and honestly, it might be the coolest thing happening in sustainable architecture right now.

Located about two hours from São Paulo in the village of Piracaia, this project isn’t just another eco-home talking the talk. It’s three distinct residences built using rammed earth construction, a building technique so old it’s new again. We’re talking walls made by literally compressing soil into wooden frames, creating structures that are both load-bearing and breathtakingly beautiful.

Designer: Arquipélago Arquitetos

The genius behind this approach comes from Arquipélago Arquitetos, who developed a modular system that makes sustainable building actually scalable. They created three different home sizes (a studio at 538 square feet, a one-bedroom at 1,076 square feet, and a two-bedroom at 1,245 square feet) using the same basic building blocks. Think of it like architectural Lego, except instead of plastic bricks, you’re working with earth and wood.

What makes these homes special isn’t just the eco-friendly materials. The architecture firm cracked the code on making rammed earth construction repeatable and adaptable. They use wooden frames repeatedly to build foundations and walls, then grow the number of rooms with each consecutive plan. The rammed earth walls aren’t just pretty; they’re the primary load-bearing elements supporting wooden roof panels through compression. Steel tie rods connect the roof to the footings, balancing all those forces to keep everything stable.

The homes nestle into the hillside with a row of clerestory windows at the back, letting in natural light while maintaining privacy. The aluminum roofs do double duty, collecting rainwater that the homes use throughout. It’s that kind of thoughtful design where form and function aren’t just friends; they’re best friends who finish each other’s sentences.

This project had a pretty interesting start. A psychologist named Lia, living alone in São Paulo, watched a Netflix documentary about rammed earth houses and thought, “That’s it. That’s what I want.” She wasn’t just looking to escape the city; she wanted a home that connected her to nature in a meaningful way. After experiences with psychedelics that deepened her understanding of how humans relate to the natural world, she sought a living space that embodied that connection. Lia built one home for herself and two others to sell to people who share her vision, creating an actual ecovillage rather than just a single sustainable home. There’s something powerful about that; building community around shared values instead of just personal retreat.

The construction process itself is fascinating. Artesania Engenharia and engineer Alain Briatte consulted on the rammed earth work, bringing specialized knowledge to compress local soil into walls that will last generations. The wooden structures came from Stamade Estruturas, with detailed installations by Jarreta Projetos. Photography by Pedro Kok captures how these earthy structures seem to grow organically from the landscape rather than imposing on it.

What’s striking about Piracaia Eco-Village is how it challenges our assumptions about sustainable living. We often think going green means sacrificing aesthetics or comfort, but these homes prove you can have both. The natural materials create spaces that feel warm and lived-in, not sterile or performative. The modular design means this approach could theoretically be replicated anywhere with suitable soil conditions.

Projects like this feel important since we’re living in a time of climate anxiety and housing crises. They show us that sustainable architecture doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or ugly. Sometimes the answer is literally beneath our feet: good old dirt, thoughtfully compressed and beautifully arranged. Arquipélago Arquitetos took an ancient building technique, applied modern engineering, and created something that feels both timeless and urgently necessary.

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Governors Point is the Ultimate Eco-Luxury Escape You’ll Wish You Lived In

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Governors Point, an exclusive residential enclave, sits on a pristine 125-acre peninsula in Washington’s Salish Sea. Envisioned by acclaimed architect Omer Arbel, this unique community offers an exquisite mix of luxury living and deep respect for the environment. The development features 16 custom waterfront homes that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Each home is crafted to celebrate the raw beauty of the area, ensuring it complements rather than overpowers the natural setting.

Designer: Omer Arbel

Image credit: Governors Point

Governors Point’s history adds depth to its current form. Originally, the site was slated for over 300 homes and multiple marinas, but a transformative partnership between design entrepreneur Randy Bishop and the Whatcom Land Trust shifted its destiny. Their focus was on conservation, turning Governors Point into a haven for both residents and nature.

Exterior Design: Blending With Nature

The exterior of each home at Governors Point reflects Omer Arbel’s innovative approach to merging architecture with nature. The homes are placed strategically along the peninsula, with some landward facades partially buried to reduce their visual presence and make them part of the landscape.

Image credit: Governors Point

On the west-facing side, a “cloudlike” exterior skin made from cedar burl offcuts adds a striking visual feature. These cedar pieces, described as “boulder-shaped modules,” are mounted on metal standoffs and gently sway, creating a kinetic effect. Over time, moss and lichens will grow on these surfaces, adding a living, evolving element to the design.

Roofs are designed to allow the forest to grow over them, making the homes seem like natural extensions of the landscape. This design choice also offers energy efficiency, as the forest provides natural insulation.

Paths leading to the homes are discreet, guiding residents through nature in a way that contrasts the enclosed feeling of the homes—often opening up dramatically to views over the cliffs. These paths are set between retaining walls, enhancing the contrast between entering underground spaces and emerging to cliff-edge views. Landscaping is restricted to just 3,000 square feet per 1.5-acre lot, ensuring that most of the natural flora is preserved. This careful planning maintains the native beauty of Governors Point, keeping ecological integrity at the forefront.

Image credit: Governors Point

The design also respects the existing kayak route along the shoreline, ensuring that the natural recreational pathways remain unobstructed and inviting for kayakers.

Interior Design: Seamless Flow Indoors and Out

The interior of each Governors Point home reflects Arbel’s commitment to creating harmony between luxury and nature. The homes are capped at 2,900 square feet, maintaining a modest size that fits within the environment.

Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows bring in sweeping views of the Salish Sea and San Juan Islands, flooding rooms with natural light. These windows create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, making the landscape a natural part of the home’s interior.

The living room design beautifully showcases this philosophy, featuring woven leather chairs and a low-profile marble coffee table. The living area opens directly to the outdoors, framed by boulder-like modules connecting the home to the natural world. The use of earthy tones and tactile fabrics throughout the living room maintains a sense of warmth and cohesion, while built-in shelves add functionality without overwhelming the space.

The materials used throughout the homes, like locally sourced wood and stone, add warmth and texture, while low-VOC paints and reclaimed wood floors keep the building process eco-friendly.

Fixtures from Arbel’s design firm, Bocci, are featured throughout, including custom glass pendants that bring a unique glow to the rooms. The collaboration between Omer Arbel and Bocci goes back nearly two decades, allowing Bocci’s luxurious finishes to integrate seamlessly into Arbel’s architectural projects. Skylights and open floor plans ensure that natural light fills every corner, enhancing the spaciousness while connecting each room to the outdoors.

Image credit: Governors Point

In the kitchen, an elegant concrete finish defines the space, with natural textures continuing to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This description is based on conceptual design elements rather than a confirmed source from the images or documents provided. Large windows frame views of the sea, while the design focuses on subtle built-in features, such as hidden storage and a minimalist aesthetic, ensuring the kitchen is functional and stylish.

The Parametric Approach: Architecture With Variation

Omer Arbel takes a parametric design approach at Governors Point—meaning the homes are crafted within a set of guidelines that allow for natural variations. Each home follows core principles but adapts to the specific conditions of its location.

Image credit: Governors Point

For example, cedar burl offcuts on the west-facing facades are arranged within set parameters but come together in unique compositions. This gives every home its personality while maintaining a consistent architectural language across the community.

Arbel’s process involves setting constraints and letting materials and site-specific factors guide the final design. This approach allows the architecture to adapt to the environment, making each home a reflection of its surroundings.

It turns construction into a creative, evolving process that celebrates unpredictability and uniqueness. Arbel also extends this parametric philosophy to interior fixtures, using materials like copper and glass to adapt to the living spaces’ flow.

Image credit: Governors Point

The master bedroom continues the organic design language with a feature wall that mimics the boulder-shaped modules seen outside. The furniture, including the bed and integrated shelving, balances the ruggedness of natural materials and refined craftsmanship. Custom Bocci lighting adds a sculptural quality, casting soft light that enhances the serene atmosphere.

Image credit: Governors Point

A Commitment to Sustainability

Governors Point is a model of sustainable architecture, with 98 of the 125 acres set aside as a nature reserve managed by the Whatcom Land Trust. This area features a 2.5-mile public access loop trail, allowing residents and visitors to explore the peninsula’s stunning natural beauty, including access to beaches and viewpoints on both sides.

Image credit: Governors Point

Keeping most of the land as a nature reserve helps protect local ecosystems, balancing development and conservation.

Each residence is capped at 2,900 square feet, with an additional 1,100 square feet allowed for garages or outbuildings. By limiting the size of the homes and restricting manicured landscaping, the development ensures that the natural surroundings remain untouched as much as possible.

Using sustainable materials, such as repurposed cedar burl offcuts for exterior cladding, reduces waste and promotes regional resource efficiency. Governors Point also bans using pesticides and harmful chemicals, protecting the local flora and fauna.

Image credit: Governors Point

Energy efficiency is key in architectural planning, with large windows designed to optimize passive solar heating while offering stunning views. The project maintains a low-density footprint by limiting the development to only 16 homes on the 27 developed acres, reducing habitat disruption and preserving wildlife corridors.

The design blends the homes into the landscape with natural features like buried facades and forest-covered roofs, setting a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.

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Summer house in Denmark is inspired by fisherman’s houses in the area

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One of my ultimate dreams is to be able to own a summer or vacation house in an area surrounded by nature. At the rate my life plans are going that will remain a dream but it doesn’t hurt to look at all the well-designed summer houses, specifically the ones in Europe. Most of these use sustainable materials and are built to be part of the natural landscape so those are major plus points.

Designer: Jesper Kusk Arkitekter

At Følle Strand in Denmark, they built the Strandvejen 35 Summer House, a “tiny” space measuring just 46 square meters and inspired by the fisherman’s houses that you can find in the area. Well, of course, a more expensive and spacious version. It’s actually made up of three small buildings that are overlooking the bay of Kalø and with all the spaces optimized so that 7 guests will be able to sleep there. You get all the basic spaces that you need in a house like sleeping areas, a kitchen, and of course a beautifully designed shower area.

The windows and walkways located around the house have also been turned into loving areas and they used sliding doors to separate the various interior spaces. Since the location is surrounded by nature, they have incorporated it into the over-all design. You have skylights and high ceilings to ensure a healthy indoor climate while the large windows show off the beauty of the surroundings which you can enjoy while sitting on the built-in benches and sofas.

The house was built using locally sourced materials, mostly wood and then using Danish oak to clad the facades and roof. This way the overall CO2 footprint is reduced and in fact, they are placed in the Danish voluntary low-emission category. The Strandvejen 35 Summer House lets you commune with nature while inside the comfort of your sustainably built space.

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Stay in eco-friendly and sustainable luxury villas in the Red Sea

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As we start to feel all sorts of effects from climate change, we’ve become more conscious about our relationship with nature in all aspects of our lives. Well, that is, if you actually care about this planet’s future of course. Sustainable ecotourism has become a buzzword as we’re seeing all sorts of structures being built that want to have a harmonious relationship with its surroundings.

Designer: Kengo Kuma for Red Sea Global

However, we have to admit that a lot of these sustainable projects fall under the category of luxury tourism since it takes a considerable amount of money to design and construct things like these. The Ummahat AlShaykh Island project in the middle of the Red Sea is one such undertaking. The 22 islands are located in the west coast of Saudi Arabia and has several luxury tourist villas and othe structures that are designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable.

The “Land Villas” have curved roofs that are inspired by the contours of the dunes in the area and have a helical structure with a great view of the surrounding waters. To make sure that it minimizes disturbance in the environment, prefabrication is the key. They also used spruce timber and clay plaster with the roofs using natural cedar wood shingles to make it resilient against salt water and other extreme weather conditions.

The islands also have specialty restaurants located one over water and another on land, a spa, housekeeping villas, a guest jetty, and a community building for those that prefer to socialize rather than just stay in the privacy of their villas. I don’t even want to think about how much an overnight stay would cost but this is a great idea for those who can afford it and would want to have a more eco-friendly kind of vacation.

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Spirituality and Sustainable Innovation Unite in Architectural Splendor at the MycoTemple

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In a world marked by rapid urbanization and the relentless march of concrete and steel, a unique sanctuary has emerged, standing as a testament to the power of spirituality and sustainable innovation. Côme Di Meglio’s MycoTemple is a transformative living structure that harnesses the astonishing capabilities of mycelium, creating a biodegradable domed space for physical and spiritual transformation.

Designer: Côme Di Meglio

At first glance, MycoTemple is a marvel of art and architecture, a five-meter-wide domed structure that seems to rise from the Earth itself. However, what truly sets it apart is its construction material: mycelium, the intricate underground network of fungi that has the remarkable ability to grow structures. Concealed within this mycelium marvel is a hand-carved wooden structure, hidden from view and only revealed as the mycelium gradually biodegrades over time, returning to the soil from where it came.

Stepping into MycoTemple is like stepping into another realm. Its thick, mycelium-based walls insulate visitors from the clamor of the outside world, creating a serene cocoon of tranquility. Within the semi-darkness, one becomes enveloped by an intriguing material, rich in textures and colors. Some areas feel rough, reminiscent of minerals, while others are soft and velvety, akin to the gentle touch of skin. Every square centimeter is a microscopic landscape meant to be explored, contemplated, and caressed. The immersive scent of the underwood establishes an intimate connection between visitors and the environment, enhancing the sensory experience.

The sensory immersion within this living organism, crafted into an architectural wonder, triggers a heightened state of awareness and a profound sense of presence. MycoTemple invites us to delve deep within ourselves, tapping into something primal and ancient that resides within each of us.

Beyond its artistic and architectural allure, MycoTemple serves a higher purpose as a space designed to foster a diverse range of collective experiences and communal events. It is a place for gatherings, concerts, and quiet moments of contemplation. Di Meglio envisions the dome as a vessel for emotions and dreams, and he notes, “All the emotions and dreams birthed in the dome will nurture this porous material.”

More than just a space for individual introspection, MycoTemple is designed to nurture our essential connection to the living world. It also serves as a place to strengthen our bonds with others. The shape of the dome itself harks back to ancestral dwellings, reminiscent of the caves where early humans sought shelter from external dangers. It’s a form that has been embraced by countless cultures around the world in sacred architecture—places where communities would gather in circles to share stories, ignite shared imaginations, and weave narratives that solidify their sense of belonging to a greater whole.

The gradual biodegradation of MycoTemple is an integral part of its aesthetic experience. It invites visitors to return throughout the seasons, providing an opportunity to witness the passage of time and the organic process of decay and renewal. It’s a reminder that all things are in a constant state of change, and it invites us to reflect on our transient existence.

The entire process of cultivating the mycelium, from its inception to the completion of MycoTemple, unfolded in Di Meglio’s artist studio in Marseille. Utilizing a low-tech approach and repurposed industrial waste, particularly sawdust, the design team grew the architectural-sized dome segments. This exploration of bio-material innovation showcases the potential of sustainable materials and practices in architecture.

MycoTemple is a testament to the power of innovation, sustainability, and spirituality coming together in harmony. It challenges our preconceptions about the permanence of structures and encourages us to reconnect with nature. As we stand in awe of this living sanctuary, we are reminded of the transformative potential that lies at the intersection of art, architecture, and the natural world. MycoTemple is not just a physical structure; it’s a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of the Earth’s remarkable regenerative capabilities.

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