Building Sustainability Podcast

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

• Caroline's website - https://www.pariogallico.com/
• Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024
• Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-2024
• Will 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/p97588
• Bob Bloore - https://www.hempshed.co.uk/
• lili.org
• kings foundation - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programme
• material cultures - https://materialcultures.org/
• Ffion & Steve chalk plaster instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chalkplaster

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted 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.

• Clayfest 2024 - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024
• Will 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.html
• HG 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=2797s
• Steico flex wood fibre insulation - https://www.steico.com/en/flex
• Work aid Chesham - https://workaid.org/the-workaid-shop
• Indinature 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

• BOOK - Sally Coulthard - A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects - https://tinyurl.com/bdh7rn2f
• Caroline's website - https://www.pariogallico.com/
• Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024
• Tammy Hodekiss - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRPYS4LuKjg
• BOOK - The Natural Paint Book - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Natural_Paint_Book.html?id=rwkprjb5r3oC&redir_esc=y
• Casein paint recipe - https://naturalearthpaint.com/blogrecipe-natural-casein-paint/
• How to make Casein - https://www.ehow.com/how_8474158_make-casein-glue.html
• Becky 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 - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Build a Roundhouse - Part 2!

Be sure to check out Part 1 first.

Episode links

• Wholewoods - https://wholewoods.co.uk/
• Buildcamp - https://www.instagram.com/buildcamp/
• Tony Wrench Roundhouse - https://www.thatroundhouse.info/. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Roundhouse
• Buglife (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/2pwaetpd
• Tom Ingall Roundhouse - https://www.instagram.com/tom_merlin_ingall/
• BOOK - Barbara Jones - Building with straw bales - https://tinyurl.com/mu9xfk4f
• Kings Foundation Building Craft Apprenticeship - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programme
• Collect art Fair - https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-fair/collect-art-fair-2024
• Futurebuild - https://tinyurl.com/4bubkxw6
• ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference - https://asbp.org.uk/healthybuildings2024
• Podcast episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/building-with-purpose-the-straw-bale-house-experience-jo-bolton-matt-whitaker-bs102/

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 links

• Wholewoods - https://wholewoods.co.uk/
• Buildcamp - https://www.instagram.com/buildcamp/
• Tony Wrench Roundhouse - https://www.thatroundhouse.info/. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Roundhouse
• Buglife (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/2pwaetpd
• Tom Ingall Roundhouse - https://www.instagram.com/tom_merlin_ingall/
• BOOK - Barbara Jones - Building with straw bales - https://tinyurl.com/mu9xfk4f
• Kings Foundation Building Craft Apprenticeship - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programme
• Collect art Fair - https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-fair/collect-art-fair-2024
• Futurebuild - https://tinyurl.com/4bubkxw6
• ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference - https://asbp.org.uk/healthybuildings2024

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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._Hattersley
• The luddites - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite
• Woven 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/yzrdh75c
• Richard Anderson - https://www.richardandersonltd.com/

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paloma Gormley continues our conversation, focusing on the use of clay as a sustainable alternative to lime and cement. We explore the versatility of clay as a material and its use in various forms, such as unfired clay blocks and light earth constructions.

We also delve into the challenges and potential solutions of using non-standard construction timber, such as coppice timbers. Emphasising the need for collaboration between construction and agriculture, and the importance of social and land justice. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of certification and testing for low-carbon solutions and the limitations of the circular economy narrative.

Episode Links

• Material Cultures - https://materialcultures.org/
• HG Mathews - https://www.hgmatthews.com/lime-and-cob/natural-building-blocks/strocks/
• Studio Gil - http://studiogil.org/portfolio/wolves-lane-community-centre/
• Flat House - https://materialcultures.org/flat-house/
• Earthen floor in Artist Studio - https://materialcultures.org/artist-studio/
• Rowland Keable - https://rammedearthconsulting.com/
• Podcasts with George and Summer - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/changing-construction-materials-and-cultures-in-the-waste-age-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs062/ https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/a-circular-bioregional-construction-economy-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs066/
• Hook Park - https://hookepark.aaschool.ac.uk/
• https://wakelyns.co.uk/ Wakelyns farm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Architect, Paloma Gormley from Material Cultures joins me to discus the importance of regenerative materials in building design. The conversation explores plant-based materials like hemp and reed, their uses in construction, and their positive impact on wetlands. Paloma also highlights the need for improved working conditions, diversity, and inclusivity in the construction industry

We discuss the challenges and opportunities of introducing alternative materials and rethinking construction education. The episode concludes with a discussion on the ethical considerations of large companies entering the sustainable products space.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on shifting perceptions and creating a more sustainable built environment.

Episode links

• Material Cultures Website - https://materialcultures.org/
• BOOK - Material Reform - https://materialcultures.org/material-reform/
• George & Summer Episodes - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/changing-construction-materials-and-cultures-in-the-waste-age-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs062/
• https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/a-circular-bioregional-construction-economy-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs066/
• Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
• Will Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/about
• Magnesium oxide - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_oxide
• MCMake - https://materialcultures.org/make/
• Indinature Hemp Batts - https://www.indinature.co/
• BOOK - Tom Woolley - Natural Building Techniques : A Guide to Ecological Methods and Materials - http://tinyurl.com/ycyyratw
• Human Nature Places - https://www.humannature-places.com/
• The Phoenix - https://www.phoenixlewes.com/

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by natural builder Julz Baker from Unearthed to talk about the lessons he learned from running a natural building company. It's a frank chat about some of the pitfalls that may await new natural building businesses ... and a whole load of tangents and material chat.

Episode links

• Unearthed - https://www.instagram.com/unearthed_build/
• Lewes Bonfire Society - https://www.lewesbonfire.com/
• Kind Supply - https://www.kindsupply.uk/
• Old Tree Brewery ( Kombucha - not a sponsor! Just happened to be featured) https://www.oldtreebrewery.co.uk/?page=2
• Will Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/about
• ACAN - https://www.architectscan.org/
• Denim Insulation - https://www.kindsupply.uk/blogs/sustainability-journal/sustainable-sound-proofing-with-recycled-denim

BOOKS

• Nature's Calendar - http://tinyurl.com/jbuct93s
• The Magical Year - http://tinyurl.com/3h3533zy
• The Dispossessed - http://tinyurl.com/yz6s8f6z

PODCAST

• Witch - BBC Sounds - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mc4p

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.