Building Sustainability Podcast

Swifts are among the most remarkable birds on Earth — they sleep on the wing, migrate thousands of miles, and return each year to nest in the same tiny holes in our buildings. But as we insulate, repoint, and renovate, those nesting sites are vanishing — and so are the birds.This week, Jeffrey speaks with Hannah Bourne-Taylor — author, activist, and the powerhouse behind the campaign to mandate “swift bricks” in all new UK homes. From raising wild birds in Ghana to walking naked through Westminster with painted feathers, Hannah’s journey is as bold as it is heartfelt.Full Show Notes: https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/blog/saving-swifts-a-brick-for-the-birds---hannah-bourne-taylor---show-notes/Support the early day motion (MP action)Find your local MP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, we are joined by Chloe Donovan, founder of Natural Building Systems. She discuss the exciting potential of hemp and other bio-based materials in construction, how modular systems can reduce waste and speed up building, and the complexities of bringing sustainable solutions to market.Topics covered:Chloe’s journey from the voluntary sector to sustainable constructionThe origins of Natural Building Systems and its missionWhy hemp is such a powerful material for carbon capture and sustainabilityThe challenges of making natural materials commercially viableHow modular building systems can be reconfigured, adapted, and disassembledThe future of digital manufacturing and sustainability in constructionThe balance between affordability and sustainability in housingIf you’re interested in how we can rethink construction for a more sustainable future, this is a must-listen episode!Show LinksNatural Building Systems Website - https://naturalbuildingsystems.com/Dr Mike Lawrence - https://www.uos.ac.uk/about/get-in-touch/people-directory/research/mike-lawrence/Back To Earth - https://www.backtoearth.co.uk/Liner Free paper airtightness tape - https://www.backtoearth.co.uk/product/liner-free-paper-airtightness-tape-ampacoll-easy/Hempen - https://www.hempen.co.uk/IndiNature - https://www.indinature.co/Centre for high carbon capture cropping (CHCx3) - https://www.carboncapturecropping.com/Installershow - https://www.installershow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sigi Koko, founder of Down to Earth Design, specializes in sustainable building techniques that use natural materials like clay and hemp. She shares her journey of transforming spaces with eco-friendly renovations, emphasizing creativity sparked by design constraints. Sigi discusses the game-changing effects of clay plaster and hemp insulation on indoor air quality and the importance of reclaiming existing housing. The conversation also delves into the growing acceptance of natural building methods and the power of language in promoting sustainable practices.

Sigi Koko, founder of Down to Earth Design, shares her transformative journey as she retrofits a historic farmhouse using natural materials. She highlights the unique challenges of balancing budget with sustainability, showcasing innovations like hempcrete and clay archways. The discussion emphasizes the significance of indoor air quality and creative insulation techniques. Sigi also delves into the value of workshops in the natural building movement, offering practical advice and insights for aspiring eco-friendly renovators.

In this episode, we sit down with Becky Little, an artist, builder, and earth enthusiast, who shares her journey from traditional building to her deeply rooted, place-based art. Becky discusses her Orkney project, EarthBound Orkney, which draws on the land’s Neolithic history, combining locally sourced earth materials to create tactile art pieces that celebrate and reflect the landscape.Becky explains the influence of geology and place on her work, touching on the ancient methods and materials she integrates, including soil samples, clay mortars, and stone. She explores the philosophy of call and response, as she adapts to the materials and surroundings in a practice that is as much about process as it is about the final product. Additionally, we delve into her fascination with seaweed, which she's woven into her art, embodying the transient nature of materials and place.Beyond the technicalities of working with earth and natural materials, Becky speaks passionately about the narrative power of her art to connect viewers with the history and future of sustainable, local building practices. This episode captures the essence of art born from nature, sustainability, and an artist’s journey to discover deeper, timeless connections to the earth.BS129 LinksRebearth - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/EBUKI Earthbound Orkney- https://www.ebuki.co/projects-1/earthbound-orkneyEarthbound Orkney BOOK - https://www.orcadian.co.uk/shop/orkney-history/1520-earthbound-orkney.htmlOrcadian basin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcadian_BasinSkara Brae - https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/overview/Ness of brodgar - https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/Maeshowe - https://www.orkneyology.com/maeshowe.htmlDaniel Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/historical-turf-construction-daniel-postma-/Art and Archaeology masters degree - https://archaeologyorkney.com/2023/07/24/art-archaeology-2023/Rowland Keable - https://rammedearthconsulting.com/Sand Talk - Tyson-Yunkaporta BOOK - https://assets.ikhnaie.link/click.html?wgcampaignid=1615880&wgprogramid=10671&wgtarget=https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Tyson-Yunkaporta/Sand-Talk--How-Indigenous-Thinking-Can-Save-the-World/29943931books donated by - https://www.instagram.com/steve_brown_ceramics?igsh=bWphNzQxeGFhb280 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the ancient and evolving craft of earth building with Kate Edwards, a seasoned sculptor and passionate teacher. Join us as Kate shares her journey from art therapy to building with cob, a natural and age-old construction material. Discover how she turns humble mud into beautiful, sustainable homes, all while inspiring a global community to embrace this timeless technique. From working on historic restorations to teaching hands-on workshops, Kate’s stories blend the practical with the poetic. Whether you're a seasoned builder or simply curious about sustainable living, this episode is packed with insights on building with clay, creating lasting community connections, and the unexpected joy of getting your hands dirty.Episode Links:Kate's Website - https://www.cobcourses.com/ACAN - https://www.architectscan.org/naturalmaterialshttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acan-natural-materials-presents-paint-whats-in-the-tin-tickets-1076970811689Cambridge cob model village - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-27668655BOOK Clay a human History - https://assets.ikhnaie.link/click.html?wgcampaignid=1615880&wgprogramid=10671&wgtarget=https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Jennifer-Lucy-Allan/Clay--A-Human-History/30048887Becky Little Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/mud-the-ultimate-building-material-becky-little/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me in conversation with one of the founding members of Lammas Eco Village - Tao Wimbush.Tao Paul Wimbush is the co-founder of the Lammas Ecovillage in West Wales. He has a wealth of experience in alternative communities across West Wales – including the anarchic Tipi Valley, and the farm community Brithdir Mawr. He has lived in tipis, yurts and roundhouses, and travelled by horse-drawn wagon. With a background in architecture and carpentry and a passion for social structures, his experience in alternative sustainable communities is unique and insightful. He has presented the internet TV series ‘Living in the Future’, and is author of the book ‘The Lammas Ecovillage’. Tao runs his private consultancy practice, helping people make the shift from mainstream to land-based lifestyles. He is an expert on One Planet Development and Off-grid Homesteading.Lammas Eco Village - https://lammas.org.uk/en/welcome-to-lammas/ Lammas Earth Centre (Tao) - https://www.lammasearthcentre.co.uk/Off Grid Homesteading Club - https://www.lammasearthcentre.co.uk/off-grid-homesteading-clubTao's Book - The Lammas Ecovillage by Tao Paul Wimbush | 9781839457869Goodbye Horses https://www.goodbyehorses.london/Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/Wild Service Book (Nick Hayes) - https://assets.ikhnaie.link/click.html?wgcampaignid=1615880&wgprogramid=10671&wgtarget=https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Nick-Hayes/Wild-Service--Why-Nature-Needs-You/29981136Centre For Alternative Technology - https://cat.org.uk/One Planet Council - https://www.oneplanetcouncil.org.uk/Permaculture Design Certificate - https://www.permaculture.org.uk/education/permaculture-design-certificate-pdcBrithdir Mawr - https://brithdirmawr.co.uk/Tipi Valley - https://www.stemajourneys.com/tipi-valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony and Faith wanted to live a simple low-impact life, so built a little roundhouse on some land in Wales. Little did they know that the lengthy resulting battle to stay in their home would be part of the beginning of the flagship One Planet Policy. We talk about building the roundhouse, filled with tips and learnings before discussing the legal battles with an incredibly inspiring tale. Many thanks to Tony and Faith - Have a listen and let me know what you think!Tony’s book - https://tinyurl.com/yr6erxvnTony’s website: https://www.thatroundhouse.info/Episode LinksLloyd Kahn Shelter Book - https://tinyurl.com/awm8cek6Lloyd Khan Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/45-years-of-building-inspiration-lloyd-kahn/Mandan house - https://www.nps.gov/places/mandan-hidatsa-arikara-tourism-earth-lodge-village.htmBrithdir - https://brithdirmawr.co.uk/Simon Fairlie - https://www.resilience.org/resilience-author/simon-fairlie/https://www.ecos.org.uk/ecos-interviews-simon-fairlie/Ben Law - https://ben-law.co.uk/Kiko Denzer Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/earth-ovens-philosophies-and-stories-kiko-denzer/Adrian Leaman Building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/guests/adrian-leaman/Pomo Roundhouse - https://noehill.com/mendocino/nat1990001360.aspOne planet policy - https://oneplanet.com/about/one-planet-living-framework/Chris Vernon One Planet Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/one-planet-development-chris-vernon/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second part of my conversation with Janna. In this episode we get into the nitty gritty of airtightness, and how we've come to appreciate its need, while not being 100% happy about the materials needed to achieve it. We talk about the importance of fresh air in your building, how C02 will make us unhealthy and sluggish, plus the best way to get the fresh air without losing all your heat.Grain Architecture - https://www.grainarchitecture.co.uk/Architype - https://www.architype.co.uk/Llamacroft - https://www.llama-croft.com/Seb Twitter - https://twitter.com/SebLaanLomasCO2 Monitor - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/air-quality-monitors/2676379No more digging - https://nomoredigging.co.uk/Stop Digging - https://stopdigging.co.uk/Firth Construction - https://www.firthconstruction.co.uk/Centre for Alternative Technology CAT - https://cat.org.uk/IndiNature - https://www.indinature.co/Insulation Saw! - https://www.toolstation.com/bahco-insulation-handsaw/p97588John Gilbert Architecture - http://www.johngilbert.co.uk/21 Degrees (windows) - https://www.weare21degrees.co.uk/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport 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, I am excited to welcome back architect Janna Laan Lomas, who shares her journey of building a sustainable home in Herefordshire alongside her partner, Seb, and her parents. We discuss the unique multi-generational aspect of their project, the thoughtful design considerations that have shaped their vision, and the innovative construction methods they are using, such as screw pile foundations and timber frames filled with cellulose insulation. Janna emphasises the importance of minimising embodied carbon, reusing materials, and creating a home that is both functional and environmentally friendly. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the practicalities of sustainable architecture and the emotional journey of turning a lifelong dream into reality!Grain Architecture - https://www.grainarchitecture.co.uk/Architype - https://www.architype.co.uk/Llamacroft - https://www.llama-croft.com/Seb Twitter - https://twitter.com/SebLaanLomasCO2 monitor - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/air-quality-monitors/2676379No more digging - https://nomoredigging.co.uk/Stop Digging - https://stopdigging.co.uk/Firth Construction - https://www.firthconstruction.co.uk/Centre for Alternative Technology CAT - https://cat.org.uk/IndiNature - https://www.indinature.co/Insulation Saw! - https://www.toolstation.com/bahco-insulation-handsaw/p97588John Gilbert Architecture - http://www.johngilbert.co.uk/21 Degrees (windows) - https://www.weare21degrees.co.uk/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.