Bulding Better with Riley Carter

A Deep Dive into Ecological Architecture


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Ready to move past “green bling” and into architecture that actually gives back? In this special episode of Building Better with Riley Carter, Dr. Carter unpacks the big ideas in his latest book Ecological Architecture: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Design, Natural Building Materials, and Holistic Environmental Strategies for Healthy Living Spaces .
We trace every layer of a project’s life—from reading the site like an ecosystem, to choosing carbon-storing envelopes, to weaving daylight, water, and fresh air into the heart of the home. Along the way Riley explains:
Emplacement over footprint – why honoring microclimate and culture beats chasing generic “green” checklists.
Bio-based skins and bones – how straw bale, hempcrete, and timber can sequester carbon while keeping you comfortable and quiet.
Life-cycle thinking – the simple questions that reveal a material’s hidden energy, water, and waste costs.
Passive first, tech second – pairing thermal mass, solar orientation, and natural ventilation with next-gen heat pumps and HRVs for resilient comfort.
Regenerative futures – circular-economy strategies and biomimicry lessons that turn buildings into long-term ecological assets.
Whether you’re an architect, builder, or curious homeowner, this conversation will sharpen your design lens and inspire you to see every project as a living participant in its landscape. Grab your notebook—Riley’s pragmatic tips and real-world anecdotes will have you sketching smarter, healthier spaces before the episode ends.
https://rileycarter-architecture.com/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8BCWT97
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Bulding Better with Riley CarterBy Riley Carter