Building Sustainability Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Sigi Koko, founder of Down to Earth Design, to explore the world of natural renovations. Sigi shares her journey of blending sustainability and health into home retrofits, highlighting the transformative power of materials like clay and hemp in creating spaces that feel alive, healthy, and grounded.We dive into:The challenges and creativity sparked by constraints in renovation projects.Why natural materials like clay plaster and hemp insulation are game-changers for indoor air quality, sound, and moisture control.The importance of reclaiming and reimagining our housing stock for a sustainable future.The emotional and sensory transformation of spaces through natural building techniques.The growing mainstream awareness of natural building methods and how to communicate their value effectively.Whether you’re considering your own renovation, curious about natural materials, or looking for inspiration in sustainable design, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.Show Links:Sigi's website - https://www.buildnaturally.com/Sigi's first Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-to-design-the-natural-home-of-your-dreams-sigi-koko-bs070/Jeffrey's Earthen Floor Company - https://www.theearthenfloorcompany.com/Will Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/The Earthen Floor bookHemptecture - https://www.hempitecture.com/Podcast Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/buildingsustainabilityNettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with your friends, and help spread the word about sustainable building!Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Sigi Koko of Down to Earth Design shares her deeply personal journey of transforming a historic farmhouse into a fully natural, sustainable home. From retrofitting with hempcrete to creating stunning clay archways, Sigi discusses the challenges, surprises, and joys of renovating a home with natural materials.We explore:The differences between renovation and retrofit—and why Sigi sees her project as the ultimate retrofit.Creative solutions for insulating, incorporating mass, and optimizing indoor air quality.The unique decision-making process required for retrofits, including balancing budget, structural concerns, and environmental impact.Why clay, hemp, and other natural materials are so transformative for homes and the people who inhabit them.Hosting workshops during a build to empower others in the natural building movement.This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and fascinating insights into natural building techniques that work for both new builds and retrofits.Show Links:Sigi's website - https://www.buildnaturally.com/Jeffrey's Earthen Floor Company - https://www.theearthenfloorcompany.com/Sigi's first Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-to-design-the-natural-home-of-your-dreams-sigi-koko-bs070/Will Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/The Earthen Floor bookHemptecture - https://www.hempitecture.com/Podcast Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/buildingsustainabilityNettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with your friends, and help spread the word about sustainable building!Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

In this episode, we sit down with Becky Little, an artist, builder, and earth enthusiast, who shares her journey from traditional building to her deeply rooted, place-based art. Becky discusses her Orkney project, EarthBound Orkney, which draws on the land’s Neolithic history, combining locally sourced earth materials to create tactile art pieces that celebrate and reflect the landscape.Becky explains the influence of geology and place on her work, touching on the ancient methods and materials she integrates, including soil samples, clay mortars, and stone. She explores the philosophy of call and response, as she adapts to the materials and surroundings in a practice that is as much about process as it is about the final product. Additionally, we delve into her fascination with seaweed, which she's woven into her art, embodying the transient nature of materials and place.Beyond the technicalities of working with earth and natural materials, Becky speaks passionately about the narrative power of her art to connect viewers with the history and future of sustainable, local building practices. This episode captures the essence of art born from nature, sustainability, and an artist’s journey to discover deeper, timeless connections to the earth.BS129 LinksRebearth - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/EBUKI Earthbound Orkney- https://www.ebuki.co/projects-1/earthbound-orkneyEarthbound Orkney BOOK - https://www.orcadian.co.uk/shop/orkney-history/1520-earthbound-orkney.htmlOrcadian basin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcadian_BasinSkara Brae - https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/overview/Ness of brodgar - https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/Maeshowe - https://www.orkneyology.com/maeshowe.htmlDaniel Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/historical-turf-construction-daniel-postma-/Art and Archaeology masters degree - https://archaeologyorkney.com/2023/07/24/art-archaeology-2023/Rowland Keable - https://rammedearthconsulting.com/Sand Talk - Tyson-Yunkaporta BOOK - https://assets.ikhnaie.link/click.html?wgcampaignid=1615880&wgprogramid=10671&wgtarget=https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Tyson-Yunkaporta/Sand-Talk--How-Indigenous-Thinking-Can-Save-the-World/29943931books donated by - https://www.instagram.com/steve_brown_ceramics?igsh=bWphNzQxeGFhb280

In this episode, we dive into the ancient and evolving craft of earth building with Kate Edwards, a seasoned sculptor and passionate teacher. Join us as Kate shares her journey from art therapy to building with cob, a natural and age-old construction material. Discover how she turns humble mud into beautiful, sustainable homes, all while inspiring a global community to embrace this timeless technique. From working on historic restorations to teaching hands-on workshops, Kate’s stories blend the practical with the poetic. Whether you're a seasoned builder or simply curious about sustainable living, this episode is packed with insights on building with clay, creating lasting community connections, and the unexpected joy of getting your hands dirty.Episode Links:Kate's Website - https://www.cobcourses.com/ACAN - https://www.architectscan.org/naturalmaterialshttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acan-natural-materials-presents-paint-whats-in-the-tin-tickets-1076970811689Cambridge cob model village - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-27668655BOOK Clay a human History - https://assets.ikhnaie.link/click.html?wgcampaignid=1615880&wgprogramid=10671&wgtarget=https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Jennifer-Lucy-Allan/Clay--A-Human-History/30048887Becky Little Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/mud-the-ultimate-building-material-becky-little/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Join me in conversation with one of the founding members of Lammas Eco Village - Tao Wimbush.Tao Paul Wimbush is the co-founder of the Lammas Ecovillage in West Wales. He has a wealth of experience in alternative communities across West Wales – including the anarchic Tipi Valley, and the farm community Brithdir Mawr. He has lived in tipis, yurts and roundhouses, and travelled by horse-drawn wagon. With a background in architecture and carpentry and a passion for social structures, his experience in alternative sustainable communities is unique and insightful. He has presented the internet TV series ‘Living in the Future’, and is author of the book ‘The Lammas Ecovillage’. Tao runs his private consultancy practice, helping people make the shift from mainstream to land-based lifestyles. He is an expert on One Planet Development and Off-grid Homesteading.Lammas Eco Village - https://lammas.org.uk/en/welcome-to-lammas/ Lammas Earth Centre (Tao) - https://www.lammasearthcentre.co.uk/Off Grid Homesteading Club - https://www.lammasearthcentre.co.uk/off-grid-homesteading-clubTao's Book - The Lammas Ecovillage by Tao Paul Wimbush | 9781839457869Goodbye Horses https://www.goodbyehorses.london/Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/Wild Service Book (Nick Hayes) - https://assets.ikhnaie.link/click.html?wgcampaignid=1615880&wgprogramid=10671&wgtarget=https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Nick-Hayes/Wild-Service--Why-Nature-Needs-You/29981136Centre For Alternative Technology - https://cat.org.uk/One Planet Council - https://www.oneplanetcouncil.org.uk/Permaculture Design Certificate - https://www.permaculture.org.uk/education/permaculture-design-certificate-pdcBrithdir Mawr - https://brithdirmawr.co.uk/Tipi Valley - https://www.stemajourneys.com/tipi-valley

Tony and Faith wanted to live a simple low-impact life, so built a little roundhouse on some land in Wales. Little did they know that the lengthy resulting battle to stay in their home would be part of the beginning of the flagship One Planet Policy. We talk about building the roundhouse, filled with tips and learnings before discussing the legal battles with an incredibly inspiring tale. Many thanks to Tony and Faith - Have a listen and let me know what you think!Tony’s book - https://tinyurl.com/yr6erxvnTony’s website: https://www.thatroundhouse.info/Episode LinksLloyd Kahn Shelter Book - https://tinyurl.com/awm8cek6Lloyd Khan Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/45-years-of-building-inspiration-lloyd-kahn/Mandan house - https://www.nps.gov/places/mandan-hidatsa-arikara-tourism-earth-lodge-village.htmBrithdir - https://brithdirmawr.co.uk/Simon Fairlie - https://www.resilience.org/resilience-author/simon-fairlie/https://www.ecos.org.uk/ecos-interviews-simon-fairlie/Ben Law - https://ben-law.co.uk/Kiko Denzer Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/earth-ovens-philosophies-and-stories-kiko-denzer/Adrian Leaman Building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/guests/adrian-leaman/Pomo Roundhouse - https://noehill.com/mendocino/nat1990001360.aspOne planet policy - https://oneplanet.com/about/one-planet-living-framework/Chris Vernon One Planet Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/one-planet-development-chris-vernon/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

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

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/