composite image of wooden stairs, hempcrete materials, and lattice exterior wall

In Three Buildings Around the World, Old Methods Find New Purpose

In France, Sweden, and China, architects are drawing on old techniques like biomaterials and natural airflow to build the next generation of sustainable buildings.

Advanced sustainable technologies—from hyper efficient renewables to automated building management systems—continue to advance at breakneck speed. But that doesn’t mean simple, time-tested materials and techniques like wood framing, biocomposite insulation, and natural ventilation can’t be part of the green building conversation. In fact, as three new projects reveal, pushing such proven ideas beyond their expected boundaries can make them more relevant than ever. 

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