Blue Dot Farm is a sustainable business dedicated to equitable practices - both for the environment and the farm workers who tend the land.  In replacing their farmworker housing, they wanted to developed a flexible prototype that is sustainable, efficient, and comfortable. It is designed for agricultural communities and made with agricultural materials: primarily straw and sheep’s wool, in addition to salvaged wood siding and trim, and remnant earth masonry units.

esalen meeting room

After two years of design, fifteen months and two phases of construction, we are thrilled that the renewed Lodge - the heart of Esalen - is full of people and life once again!

esalen terrace

esalen dining

Evening view of residence in rural Healdsburg copyright Edward Caldwell

medium_SWSmonarch.jpg

Finally had our photographer, Ed Caldwell, out to capture the beauty of this off-the-grid residence in rural Healdsburg, featuring straw bale and Watershed Blocks (earth masonry units).  While we were there 6 monarch butterflies emerged from chrysalises right outside the front door! Kudos to the beautiful edible and habitat-based landscape by Angelica Papio.  The project is now viewable in the residential category.

sweetwater

Sweetwater Springs Ranch is an off-grid Straw Bale and Watershed Block (earth masonry unit) home in Sonoma County, California. Located in a sensitive watershed area, the design and construction of the home took great measures to ensure a harmonious fit with minimal impact on the landscape. The house is for a couple with young twin girls.