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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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_merli ..read more

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 Roundh ..read more

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 t ..read more

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 l ..read more

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 enteri ..read more

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://thathempcre ..read more

Happy solstice everyone! This episode I'm once again joined by Mike Hill for a festive episode. Join us for an eggnog while we give a very lighthearted review of our year and answer listener questions. There are cracker jokes, mince pies and mulled wine - Plus we talk tiny house details, self-care, stoves, hemp insulation, top 5 tools and much more. Hope everyone enjoys the festive period, normal podcast schedule resumes in January with some incredible guests. Jeffrey xx Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more