The most sustainable building is the building that already exists. Natural materials including straw insulation, clay plaster, and cob can easily be installed in your current space. Retrofits and renovations are our favorite projects because we make improvements that are energy efficient and healthier for inhabitants without starting from scratch.

We offer a full range of services from preconstruction consulting through occupancy. All of our new builds contain a cob, hempcrete, or straw bale wall system finished with natural plasters and standing seam aluminum roofs for rainwater catchment. We prefer to build solar powered, off grid ready homes with passive heating and cooling practices in mind.

Natural building, while alternative, is in many ways superior to conventional construction. We offer services for those interested in learning more about natural building, including contractors, homeowners, and researchers. Pictured: cob wall fire testing (ASTM E119) with Cob Research Institute and Quail Springs in 2021.

What differentiates traditional plaster from stucco is a lack of Portland cement. Traditional plaster has a lower carbon footprint than stucco, but also requires technical understanding for proper installation. Traditional, natural plasters are crucial for natural wall systems because conventional finishes such as hardi and latex paint aren’t suitable. We offer clay, lime, and tadelakt plaster installation on both conventional and natural projects.

Natural building and permaculture go hand in hand. Both practices focus on development that is symbiotic with the land — building and planting with local materials and native species. These methods utlize whole systems thinking to design sustainably, regenerate the soil and establish bioregional economies. We offer permaculture design, consuting, and install services with a focus on the Central Texas biome.