They are boldly sustainable, with self-contained sewage treatment, autonomous solar and wind electricity, and systems for water harvesting and storage. ie, specialises in building exposed trusses and traditional frames, and he is committed to showcasing this ancient skill to self-build enthusiasts. “In Ireland we grow good-quality building timber, which then locks up carbon from the atmosphere in the building itself. They are now a well-established training centre for sustainability, but also teach a range of natural building courses based on their own experience of learning how to build healthy, attractive homes that don’t cost the earth. Cowman offers workshops and online courses based around the idea of “living” architecture, in which he guides people through the process of learning how to design and construct affordable eco-buildings (livingarchitecturecentre.com).

Source: The Irish Times June 08, 2019 04:00 UTC