Building Sustainability Podcast

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

The second part of my conversation with Janna. In this episode we get into the nitty gritty of airtightness, and how we've come to appreciate its need, while not being 100% happy about the materials needed to achieve it. We talk about the importance of fresh air in your building, how C02 will make us unhealthy and sluggish, plus the best way to get the fresh air without losing all your heat.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

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/

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

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