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...

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...

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.

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...

How to Build a Roundhouse - Part 2!

Be sure to check out Part 1 first.

Episode links

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

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:

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...

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...

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