natural  building
projects

This project combines bamboo framing, recycled bottles and earthen infill made from clay soil, sand, straw and worksite bamboo sawdust. A woven bamboo frame holds the infill, while sieved clay-lime-egg plaster creates a durable, water-resistant finish. Sculpted reliefs + glass bottles create playful design for natural light to enter.

The Canvas is a living demonstration of a diversity of techniques in earthen construction. The wall is created from a structure of wood and bamboo that was infilled with an earthen mix of soil, sand, and fiber. It was then finished using many different natural plasters that demonstrate the possibilities for indoor and outdoor environments

The Forever Home is a tiny house project in Freeport, Trinidad, created as the future dwelling of Erle and Suz, who live and work on the farm. Our role was to create the earthen wall systems using a hybrid of Cob and Wattle & Daub within a timber frame that was already created by the owners using courses and volunteer experiences.

Omi Devi is a micro earthbag dam project at the GWG Research Center, designed to create a small-scale water catchment system from a natural stream. Built using earthbag construction techniques, the project supports water harvesting for on-site use, demonstrating practical, low-impact infrastructure for sustainable land & building systems

This composting toilet was originally built in 2019. In 2024, we rehabilitated the plaster with students. The walls were restored and protected using a lime-based plaster, extending the life of the building while maintaining breathability and durability.

This outdoor bathroom at Durga’s Den in Jamaica involved the rehabilitation of existing cob walls, finished with a natural lime and sand plaster. The restoration improved durability and moisture resistance while maintaining breathability, creating a refreshed, healthy, and resilient space that honors traditional earthen construction

Integrating Conventional and Traditional Building Systems. Earth Building can be entire structures or additions made to conventional buildings; this space was created blending a mix of both.

This collection of earthen rocket stoves showcases a variety of designs and material combinations, all built using clay as the primary construction medium. Simple yet highly effective, these stoves demonstrate earth-based design to create efficient, low-cost cooking and heating solutions while highlighting the versatility of adobe.

The Dragon’s Den at Wa Samaki, Freeport, Trinidad, underwent an earthen floor rehabilitation following rain damage from a leaking roof. An earthen bench was also installed to help enclose the space, creating a more intimate and interactive environment while restoring function and comfort using natural building techniques.