Episodes

  • Retrofit using Natural Materials Pt2 - Will Stanwix - BS122

    Retrofit using Natural Materials Pt2 - Will Stanwix - BS122
    Apr 22 2024

    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 local projects. Tune in for a deep dive into eco-friendly building materials and construction techniques!


    Episode 122 links:

    • Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024
    • Will Stanwix Website - https://thathempcreteguy.com/
    • Becky Little - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/
    • Becky Little Building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/mud-the-ultimate-building-material-becky-little/
    • Insulation saw ( we used this one and the bread knife type- both great) - https://www.toolstation.com/bahco-insulation-handsaw/p97588
    • Bob Bloore - https://www.hempshed.co.uk/
    • lili.org
    • kings foundation - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programme
    • material cultures - https://materialcultures.org/
    • Ffion & Steve chalk plaster instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chalkplaster


    Connect with me:

    IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

    Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

    Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

    Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Retrofit using Natural Materials - Will Stanwix - BS121

    Retrofit using Natural Materials - Will Stanwix - BS121
    Apr 3 2024

    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.



    • Clayfest 2024 - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024
    • Will Stanwix website - https://thathempcreteguy.com/
    • James Henderson book - https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/earth-render-art-clay/author/henderson-james/
    • Dick Proenneke - https://www.dickproenneke.com/DickProenneke.html
    • HG Mathews - https://www.hgmatthews.com/lime-and-cob/
    • Phoenix Project - https://www.phoenixlewes.com/
    • Ground floors ACAN talk with Will Stanwix and Jeffrey Hart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG-n-rTFoPY&t=2797s
    • Steico flex wood fibre insulation - https://www.steico.com/en/flex
    • Work aid Chesham - https://workaid.org/the-workaid-shop
    • Indinature Hemp insulation - https://www.indinature.co/
    • John Seymour - The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency : The Classic Guide for Realists and Dreamers - https://tinyurl.com/3f749zhk
    Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The past informs the present, the present informs the past - Caroline Nicolay - BS120

    The past informs the present, the present informs the past - Caroline Nicolay - BS120
    Mar 19 2024
    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 modern innovations in clay plastering techniques and the speaker's journey into earth building. Caroline aims to connect archaeologists, open-air museums, and natural builders to showcase shared interests in sustainable practices.Episode LinksBOOK - Sally Coulthard - A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects - https://tinyurl.com/bdh7rn2fCaroline's website - https://www.pariogallico.com/Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024Tammy Hodekiss - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRPYS4LuKjgBOOK - The Natural Paint Book - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Natural_Paint_Book.html?id=rwkprjb5r3oC&redir_esc=yCasein paint recipe - https://naturalearthpaint.com/blogrecipe-natural-casein-paint/How to make Casein - https://www.ehow.com/how_8474158_make-casein-glue.htmlBecky Little - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/Becky Little Building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/mud-the-ultimate-building-material-becky-little/Daniel Postma - https://www.archaeobuild.com/en/Daniel Postma building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/historical-turf-construction-daniel-postma-/Scottish Crannog Centre - https://crannog.co.uk/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • How to Build a Roundhouse Pt2 - Adrian Leaman - BS119

    How to Build a Roundhouse Pt2 - Adrian Leaman - BS119
    Feb 23 2024
    How to Build a Roundhouse - Part 2! Be sure to check out Part 1 first.Episode linksWholewoods - https://wholewoods.co.uk/Buildcamp - https://www.instagram.com/buildcamp/Tony Wrench Roundhouse - https://www.thatroundhouse.info/. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_RoundhouseBuglife (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/2pwaetpdTom Ingall Roundhouse - https://www.instagram.com/tom_merlin_ingall/BOOK - Barbara Jones - Building with straw bales - https://tinyurl.com/mu9xfk4fKings Foundation Building Craft Apprenticeship - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programmeCollect art Fair - https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-fair/collect-art-fair-2024Futurebuild - https://tinyurl.com/4bubkxw6ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference - https://asbp.org.uk/healthybuildings2024Podcast episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/building-with-purpose-the-straw-bale-house-experience-jo-bolton-matt-whitaker-bs102/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    54 mins
  • How to Build a Roundhouse Pt1 - Adrian Leaman - BS118

    How to Build a Roundhouse Pt1 - Adrian Leaman - BS118
    Feb 23 2024
    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 linksWholewoods - https://wholewoods.co.uk/Buildcamp - https://www.instagram.com/buildcamp/Tony Wrench Roundhouse - https://www.thatroundhouse.info/. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_RoundhouseBuglife (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/2pwaetpdTom Ingall Roundhouse - https://www.instagram.com/tom_merlin_ingall/BOOK - Barbara Jones - Building with straw bales - https://tinyurl.com/mu9xfk4fKings Foundation Building Craft Apprenticeship - https://www.kings-foundation.org/education/building-craft-programmeCollect art Fair - https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect-fair/collect-art-fair-2024Futurebuild - https://tinyurl.com/4bubkxw6ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference - https://asbp.org.uk/healthybuildings2024Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderTwitter - @JNaturalBuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    57 mins
  • Woven in the bone - Sam Goates - BS117

    Woven in the bone - Sam Goates - BS117
    Feb 6 2024

    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 the bone Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/woveninthebone/
    • Woven in the bone website - https://www.woveninthebone.com/
    • George Hattersley - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo._Hattersley
    • The luddites - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite
    • Woven in the bone poem - https://www.woveninthebone.com/heritage/
    • Weaving songs book - https://www.isle20.com/product/weaving-songs/
    • BOOK - Bespoke : Savile Row Ripped and Smoothed http://tinyurl.com/yzrdh75c
    • Richard Anderson - https://www.richardandersonltd.com/


    Connect with me:

    IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

    Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder

    Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

    LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

    Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

    Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Land/Clay/Timber - Paloma Gormley - BS116

    Land/Clay/Timber - Paloma Gormley - BS116
    Jan 23 2024

    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 of the circular economy narrative.


    Episode Links

    • Material Cultures - https://materialcultures.org/
    • HG Mathews - https://www.hgmatthews.com/lime-and-cob/natural-building-blocks/strocks/
    • Studio Gil - http://studiogil.org/portfolio/wolves-lane-community-centre/
    • Flat House - https://materialcultures.org/flat-house/
    • Earthen floor in Artist Studio - https://materialcultures.org/artist-studio/
    • Rowland Keable - https://rammedearthconsulting.com/
    • Podcasts with George and Summer - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/changing-construction-materials-and-cultures-in-the-waste-age-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs062/ https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/a-circular-bioregional-construction-economy-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs066/
    • Hook Park - https://hookepark.aaschool.ac.uk/
    • https://wakelyns.co.uk/ Wakelyns farm


    Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    40 mins
  • Architecture from Ecology - Paloma Gormley - BS115

    Architecture from Ecology - Paloma Gormley - BS115
    Jan 23 2024
    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 industryWe 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 creating a more sustainable built environment.Episode linksMaterial Cultures Website - https://materialcultures.org/BOOK - Material Reform - https://materialcultures.org/material-reform/George & Summer Episodes - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/changing-construction-materials-and-cultures-in-the-waste-age-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs062/https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/a-circular-bioregional-construction-economy-george-massoud-summer-islam-bs066/Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainabilityWill Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/aboutMagnesium oxide - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_oxideMCMake - https://materialcultures.org/make/Indinature Hemp Batts - https://www.indinature.co/BOOK - Tom Woolley - Natural Building Techniques : A Guide to Ecological Methods and Materials - http://tinyurl.com/ycyyratwHuman Nature Places - https://www.humannature-places.com/The Phoenix - https://www.phoenixlewes.com/Connect with me:IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilderFacebook - JeffreythenaturalbuilderLinkedIn - JeffreythenaturalbuilderSupport this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 7 mins