Discover the beauty and empowerment of building low impact. Readily available low-cost natural materials are there to be used. From a straw-bale, earth, or lime/hemp, the versatility of natural materials is wide. There can be a misconception with these methods of building but they have stood the test of time and can conform to the latest building regulations easily.

Building, using natural materials can be very forgiving and is a relatively simple and enjoyable experience. As with all building, workmanship and attention to specific details are important. Natural materials are very good regulators of internal temperature and air quality and lend to a very comfortable and warm interior atmosphere.

I have been involved in a number of projects and have researched and lectured extensively on the subject.

Wiseman Designs received planning permission for a straw-bale classroom in 2011. This was the first commercial straw-bale structure to get planning in Ireland.

Lime Hemp Building: Lime has been used as the preferred binder of building materials in many cultures throughout history.

Strawbale Building: Straw-bale construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly wheat, rice, rye, and oats straw) as structural elements, building insulation, or both.

Green Roofs: Green roofing is a way to create a contained green space on top of a structure to support drainage, thermal performance, and the environment.

Earth Building: Materials such as cob offer flexibility, strength, energy efficiency, and support environmental balance and health.

You can learn more about natural building through the variety of courses I offer.

Straw Bale

Earth Building

Green Roof

Lime Hemp