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Building Sustainability Podcast


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  • 123. Chalk as a building material - Caroline Nicolay - BS123

    01:00:31
    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/

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  • 122. Retrofit using Natural Materials Pt2 - Will Stanwix - BS122

    01:11:24
    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
  • 121. Retrofit using Natural Materials - Will Stanwix - BS121

    01:05:52
    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
  • 120. The past informs the present, the present informs the past - Caroline Nicolay - BS120

    01:17:53
    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
  • 119. How to Build a Roundhouse Pt2 - Adrian Leaman - BS119

    53:45
    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
  • 118. How to Build a Roundhouse Pt1 - Adrian Leaman - BS118

    57:08
    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
  • 117. Woven in the bone - Sam Goates - BS117

    01:11:18
    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