By Jeffrey Hart
4.8
2323 ratings
The podcast currently has 137 episodes available.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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/yr6erxvn
Tony’s website: https://www.thatroundhouse.info/
Episode Links
Lloyd Kahn Shelter Book - https://tinyurl.com/awm8cek6
Lloyd 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.htm
Brithdir - 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.asp
One 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 - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Support the show and get bonus content on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Support the show and get bonus content on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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!
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Support the show and get bonus content on PatreonHosted 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 links
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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:
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Support the show and get bonus content on PatreonHosted 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.
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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 Links
Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Support the show and get bonus content on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The podcast currently has 137 episodes available.
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