Building Sustainability Podcast

In this episode of the Building Sustainability podcast, I am excited to welcome back architect Janna Laan Lomas, who shares her journey of building a sustainable home in Herefordshire alongside her partner, Seb, and her parents. We discuss the unique multi-generational aspect of their project, the thoughtful design considerations that have shaped their vision, and the innovative construction methods they are using, such as screw pile foundations and timber frames filled with cellulose insulation. Janna emphasises the importance of minimising embodied carbon, reusing materials, and creating a home that is both functional and environmentally friendly. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the practicalities of sustainable architecture and the emotional journey of turning a lifelong dream into reality!Grain Architecture - https://www.grainarchitecture.co.uk/Architype - https://www.architype.co.uk/Llamacroft - https://www.llama-croft.com/Seb Twitter - https://twitter.com/SebLaanLomasCO2 monitor - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/air-quality-monitors/2676379No more digging - https://nomoredigging.co.uk/Stop Digging - https://stopdigging.co.uk/Firth Construction - https://www.firthconstruction.co.uk/Centre for Alternative Technology CAT - https://cat.org.uk/IndiNature - https://www.indinature.co/Insulation Saw! - https://www.toolstation.com/bahco-insulation-handsaw/p97588John Gilbert Architecture - http://www.johngilbert.co.uk/21 Degrees (windows) - https://www.weare21degrees.co.uk/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bonus episode with Archeologist Caroline Nicolay.The conversation explores building sustainable structures with chalk and earth materials, sharing experiences with chalk as a construction material and unique techniques like milk and cheese curd floors. The dialogue dives into experimentation with lime washes, thatching roofs with bracken, and the traditional practice of thatching within communities.They also touch on the circular evolution of housing practices and the symbolism of spoons in historical contexts. Topics include community involvement in thatching projects, the reuse of materials in buildings, and the layers of history created in landscapes through generations.Episode linksCaroline's website - https://www.pariogallico.com/Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/ Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Will Stanix joins me to delve into details of his barn conversion and upcoming clay plaster product. The discussion includes insights on hempcrete applications, clay mixes for roofs, and practical sustainable building practices. We touch on maintaining a raw yet functional look, and incorporating natural materials for a biophilic boost.The conversation highlights the process of renovating with authenticity, using lime mortar finishes, and creating cozy spaces with acoustics and visual appeal. Will also shares experiences with kitchen and bathroom renovations, earth floors, balancing family time, and transitioning to local projects. Tune in for a deep dive into eco-friendly building materials and construction techniques!Episode 122 links:Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024Will Stanwix Website - https://thathempcreteguy.com/Becky Little - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/Becky Little Building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/mud-the-ultimate-building-material-becky-little/Insulation saw ( we used this one and the bread knife type- both great) - https://www.toolstation.com/bahco-insulation-handsaw/p97588Bob Bloore - https://www.hempshed.co.uk/lili.orgkings foundation - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programmematerial cultures - https://materialcultures.org/Ffion & Steve chalk plaster instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chalkplasterConnect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me and special guest Will Stanwix as we uncover the secrets of retrofitting a 300-year-old barn with crushed clay roof tiles for stunning finishes in vibrant hues.Dive deep into the history of a saw pit turned wheelwright's house, exploring artefacts and building techniques from the past. Learn about sustainable construction materials like clay blocks, hempcrete, and wood fibre insulation for eco-friendly and cosy spaces. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation on traditional building methods, woodwork skills, brick-making techniques, and the importance of community collaboration in sustainable construction practice.Clayfest 2024 - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024Will Stanwix website - https://thathempcreteguy.com/James Henderson book - https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/earth-render-art-clay/author/henderson-james/Dick Proenneke - https://www.dickproenneke.com/DickProenneke.htmlHG Mathews - https://www.hgmatthews.com/lime-and-cob/Phoenix Project - https://www.phoenixlewes.com/Ground floors ACAN talk with Will Stanwix and Jeffrey Hart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG-n-rTFoPY&t=2797sSteico flex wood fibre insulation - https://www.steico.com/en/flexWork aid Chesham - https://workaid.org/the-workaid-shopIndinature Hemp insulation - https://www.indinature.co/John Seymour - The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency : The Classic Guide for Realists and Dreamers - https://tinyurl.com/3f749zhk Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Nicolay discusses natural building and archaeology. We explore ancient techniques like mineral pigments and casein paints, debunking stereotypes of primitive living. Caroline shares her experiential archaeology journey, transitioning from historical food research to pigments in prehistory.We delve into ancient paint usage, lime in construction and making paint from natural materials like clay and minerals. The conversation touches on tempera paint, historical recipes using dairy products, and making paint from cheese curds and chalk powder. We discuss the durability of ancient paints and the importance of practicality in historical building practices.The episode highlights modern innovations in clay plastering techniques and the speaker's journey into earth building. Caroline aims to connect archaeologists, open-air museums, and natural builders to showcase shared interests in sustainable practices.Episode LinksBOOK - Sally Coulthard - A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects - https://tinyurl.com/bdh7rn2fCaroline's website - https://www.pariogallico.com/Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024Tammy Hodekiss - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRPYS4LuKjgBOOK - The Natural Paint Book - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Natural_Paint_Book.html?id=rwkprjb5r3oC&redir_esc=yCasein paint recipe - https://naturalearthpaint.com/blogrecipe-natural-casein-paint/How to make Casein - https://www.ehow.com/how_8474158_make-casein-glue.htmlBecky Little - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/Becky Little Building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/mud-the-ultimate-building-material-becky-little/Daniel Postma - https://www.archaeobuild.com/en/Daniel Postma building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/historical-turf-construction-daniel-postma-/Scottish Crannog Centre - https://crannog.co.uk/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Build a Roundhouse - Part 2! Be sure to check out Part 1 first.Episode linksWholewoods - https://wholewoods.co.uk/Buildcamp - https://www.instagram.com/buildcamp/Tony Wrench Roundhouse - https://www.thatroundhouse.info/. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_RoundhouseBuglife (invertebrate roofs) - https://www.buglife.org.uk/Center for ancient technology - https://ancienttechnologycentre.com/Bill Coperthwaite - https://www.insearchofsimplicity.net/BOOK - Bill Copperthwaite - A handmade life - https://tinyurl.com/2pwaetpdTom Ingall Roundhouse - https://www.instagram.com/tom_merlin_ingall/BOOK - Barbara Jones - Building with straw bales - https://tinyurl.com/mu9xfk4fKings Foundation Building Craft Apprenticeship - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programmeCollect art Fair - https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-fair/collect-art-fair-2024Futurebuild - https://tinyurl.com/4bubkxw6ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference - https://asbp.org.uk/healthybuildings2024Podcast episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/building-with-purpose-the-straw-bale-house-experience-jo-bolton-matt-whitaker-bs102/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adrian Leaman from Wholewoods delves into the world of roundhouses and sustainable building practices. The conversation spans from building advice to foundation methods and the importance of using the right timber species in construction. We also discuss different types of roundhouses, techniques for building ring beams and the practicality and sustainability of round structures. Join us as we share experiences and insights into the unique world of roundhouse construction.Episode linksWholewoods - https://wholewoods.co.uk/Buildcamp - https://www.instagram.com/buildcamp/Tony Wrench Roundhouse - https://www.thatroundhouse.info/. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_RoundhouseBuglife (invertebrate roofs) - https://www.buglife.org.uk/Center for ancient technology - https://ancienttechnologycentre.com/Bill Coperthwaite - https://www.insearchofsimplicity.net/BOOK - Bill Copperthwaite - A handmade life - https://tinyurl.com/2pwaetpdTom Ingall Roundhouse - https://www.instagram.com/tom_merlin_ingall/BOOK - Barbara Jones - Building with straw bales - https://tinyurl.com/mu9xfk4fKings Foundation Building Craft Apprenticeship - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programmeCollect art Fair - https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-fair/collect-art-fair-2024Futurebuild - https://tinyurl.com/4bubkxw6ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference - https://asbp.org.uk/healthybuildings2024Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, host Jeffrey Hart sits down with Sam Goates from Woven in the Bone, a company that creates woven cloth on pedal-powered looms in Scotland. Sam discusses her love-hate relationship with her looms, the challenges of the industry, and the satisfaction she derives from weaving. We also delve into the process of starting a business, the importance of building relationships with customers, and the impact of rejection. Tune in to hear Sam's journey in the world of cloth-making and her pursuit of sustainable practices.Episode links:Woven in the bone Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/woveninthebone/Woven in the bone website - https://www.woveninthebone.com/George Hattersley - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo._HattersleyThe luddites - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LudditeWoven in the bone poem - https://www.woveninthebone.com/heritage/Weaving songs book - https://www.isle20.com/product/weaving-songs/BOOK - Bespoke : Savile Row Ripped and Smoothed http://tinyurl.com/yzrdh75cRichard Anderson - https://www.richardandersonltd.com/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paloma Gormley continues our conversation, focusing on the use of clay as a sustainable alternative to lime and cement. We explore the versatility of clay as a material and its use in various forms, such as unfired clay blocks and light earth constructions.We also delve into the challenges and potential solutions of using non-standard construction timber, such as coppice timbers. Emphasising the need for collaboration between construction and agriculture, and the importance of social and land justice. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of certification and testing for low-carbon solutions and the limitations of the circular economy narrative.Episode LinksMaterial Cultures - https://materialcultures.org/HG Mathews - https://www.hgmatthews.com/lime-and-cob/natural-building-blocks/strocks/Studio Gil - http://studiogil.org/portfolio/wolves-lane-community-centre/Flat House - https://materialcultures.org/flat-house/Earthen floor in Artist Studio - https://materialcultures.org/artist-studio/Rowland Keable - https://rammedearthconsulting.com/Podcasts with George and Summer - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/changing-construction-materials-and-cultures-in-the-waste-age-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs062/ https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/a-circular-bioregional-construction-economy-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs066/Hook Park - https://hookepark.aaschool.ac.uk/https://wakelyns.co.uk/ Wakelyns farm Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Architect, Paloma Gormley from Material Cultures joins me to discus the importance of regenerative materials in building design. The conversation explores plant-based materials like hemp and reed, their uses in construction, and their positive impact on wetlands. Paloma also highlights the need for improved working conditions, diversity, and inclusivity in the construction industryWe discuss the challenges and opportunities of introducing alternative materials and rethinking construction education. The episode concludes with a discussion on the ethical considerations of large companies entering the sustainable products space.Tune in for an insightful conversation on shifting perceptions and creating a more sustainable built environment.Episode linksMaterial Cultures Website - https://materialcultures.org/BOOK - Material Reform - https://materialcultures.org/material-reform/George & Summer Episodes - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/changing-construction-materials-and-cultures-in-the-waste-age-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs062/https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/a-circular-bioregional-construction-economy-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs066/Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainabilityWill Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/aboutMagnesium oxide - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_oxideMCMake - https://materialcultures.org/make/Indinature Hemp Batts - https://www.indinature.co/BOOK - Tom Woolley - Natural Building Techniques : A Guide to Ecological Methods and Materials - http://tinyurl.com/ycyyratwHuman Nature Places - https://www.humannature-places.com/The Phoenix - https://www.phoenixlewes.com/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by natural builder Julz Baker from Unearthed to talk about the lessons he learned from running a natural building company. It's a frank chat about some of the pitfalls that may await new natural building businesses ... and a whole load of tangents and material chat. Episode linksUnearthed - https://www.instagram.com/unearthed_build/Lewes Bonfire Society - https://www.lewesbonfire.com/Kind Supply - https://www.kindsupply.uk/Old Tree Brewery ( Kombucha - not a sponsor! Just happened to be featured) https://www.oldtreebrewery.co.uk/?page=2Will Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/aboutACAN - https://www.architectscan.org/Denim Insulation - https://www.kindsupply.uk/blogs/sustainability-journal/sustainable-sound-proofing-with-recycled-denimSilica is a compound derived from silicon commonly found in nature and used in various industrial and consumer applications, including glass production and as a filler in paints, plastics, and rubber.Silicone, on the other hand, is a synthetic polymer derived from siloxane.BOOKSNature's Calendar - http://tinyurl.com/jbuct93sThe Magical Year - http://tinyurl.com/3h3533zyThe Dispossessed - http://tinyurl.com/yz6s8f6zPODCASTWitch - BBC Sounds - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mc4pConnect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy solstice everyone!This episode I'm once again joined by Mike Hill for a festive episode.Join us for an eggnog while we give a very lighthearted review of our year and answer listener questions.There are cracker jokes, mince pies and mulled wine - Plus we talk tiny house details, self-care, stoves, hemp insulation, top 5 tools and much more.Hope everyone enjoys the festive period, normal podcast schedule resumes in January with some incredible guests. Jeffreyxx Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vanessa explores the fascinating world of biophilic design and its potential impact on sustainable and ethical practices. We delve into the use of clay, earth materials, and mushroom mycelium as tactile and eco-friendly alternatives. The episode also touches upon the challenges of promoting green alternatives in mainstream industries and the potential positive effects of biophilic design on employee ethics and productivity.Lastly, Vanessa highlights the growing popularity of biophilic design and its numerous benefits, from improved air quality to increased real estate value.Tune in for an intriguing discussion on incorporating nature into indoor spaces for a more sustainable and enjoyable environment.Episode linksJournal for Biophilic design - https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/Bjorn Bayer Cob - https://www.bearnaturalbuilding.com/Sera of london - https://www.seraoflondon.com/RCZM Architects - http://www.rczm.co.uk/Greengauge environmental - https://www.greengage-env.com/Outside In project example - https://www.outsidein.net.nz/case-study-mcZoom Regenerative - https://fairsnape.com/zoom-regen/Daniel Bell vertical gardens - https://daniel-bell-vertical-garden.format.com/Khoo Teck Hospital - https://living-future.org/case-studies/award-winner-khoo-teck-puat-hospital/NHS forest - https://nhsforest.org/Right to Roam - https://www.righttoroam.org.uk/Nick Hayes (right to roam) podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/trespass-crossing-the-lines-that-divide-us-nick-hayes/Myawaki forests - https://www.creatingtomorrowsforests.co.uk/blog/the-miyawaki-method-for-creating-forestsSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainabilityConnect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, guest Vanessa Champion discusses biophilia and biophilic design, emphasizing the importance of nature connection and its benefits for well-being and the environment. We explore underappreciated biophilic patterns, healthcare benefits, materials, and so much more. Overall, the focus is on improving the built environment for people and the planet through biophilic design.Episode linkshttps://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/BOOK - Designing buildings for people - https://tinyurl.com/yoxn6pulTerrapin bright green - 14 patterns of biophilic design - https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/14-patterns/Terrapin Bright Green Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/biophilic-design-bill-browning-catie-ryan-bs047/Horatios garden - https://ngs.org.uk/who-we-are/beneficiaries/horatios-garden/Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainabilityASBP Awards - https://asbp.org.uk/asbp-news/asbp-awards-2024-shortlistsThe Dreaming (Charlotte Church) - https://www.thedreaming.co.uk/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon 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 LinksMatthew Barnett Howland website - https://www.matthewbarnetthowland.com/cork-houseDesign Museum exhibition - https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/how-to-build-a-low-carbon-homeBOOK - Buildings must die, a perverse view of architecture - https://tinyurl.com/yn5k37atA birdseye view of the bank of england (Joseph Michael Gandy) - https://collections.soane.org/object-p267Wup 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/buildingsustainabilityACAN Natural Materials Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG-n-rTFoPYConnect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.