Blog
Should I be my own general contractor to build my home?
Part of the Frequently Asked Question series: Should you be your own general contractor for your natural building build? Here is a brief overview of things to consider when contemplating how to get your home built.
How much does a natural Building Cost?
Part of the Frequently Asked Questions Series: Here is a quick(ish) video that goes over what your typical square footage costs for a natural build in Southern Oregon. It also covers what costs to expect, consideration and ways to save money.
Light straw Clay Video presentations
Some of us are visual learners, myself included, and when I wrote the book Light Straw Clay Construction, my intention was that it would appeal to those of us who loath to ‘read’ the instructions! For those of you who would like video formats for gathering information, below are links to various Light Straw Clay related videos. Thanks for watching!
Book release Portland 2018
Mother Earth News Video
Verge Permaculture
Biobased wall systems as a tool to mitigate climate change
Click the link below to watch an 50 minute presentation on natural wall systems as a tool to mitigate climate change. It might sound impossible that the building industry could have a positive environmental and carbon impact, but it’s not! How we build could actually sequester more carbon that it takes to produce the building, making for ‘carbon negative’ building. Thanks to SOCAN (Southern Oregon Climate Action Network) for having me as a guest speaker to share this vital information and an extra special thank you to Chris Magwood from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) for doing the math and sharing the slides.
Building for fire Resiliency
Click the link for a 45 minute presentation going over how natural wall systems, despite the misconception of natural materials being more flammable, can be both highly fire resistant, as well as potent tool for mitigating climate change.
Natural Plasters
A well-organized estate is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave your family.
I have so much to say on this, but no time to say it…..
More words coming winter of 2025…..
Project Planning
Minimize your tax bill with some smart planning that will leave more money in your pocket come April 15.
How to make a natural building project more affordable, more effecient and a heck of a lot more fun- GOOD PLANNING!
So you want to be a natural Builder?
Retirement may seem a long way off, but it’s never too soon to begin saving. Let us talk you through the available options.
“How do I become a natural builder?” is a question I get a lot. Not only is natural building a less toxic facet of the construction realm, but it is also it’s own very unique culture of passionate, smart, open-source oriented craftspeople committed to making the world a better place. Where conventional construction can only boast 2-6% women in a very male populated industry, natural building has an excellent balance of women practitioners at nearly 50%. There is a lot to write about all of this! In the meantime, here is a short video talking about the many paths to get to a career in natural building.