Below are a few different innovations and companies that were very important on my house making journey. You can find more information, including Useful Vocabulary and Building Standards, to the right.

Vox on Biomimicry

  Biomimicry references nature in order to create new materials, structures, and systems. This way, scientists and engineers get to take advantage of the time-tested results of nature's laboratory.
  One example of biomicry being used to create more efficient architecture includes the Eastgate [Shopping] Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, which uses a ventilation system modeled after termite mounds to circulate air throughout the large, nine-level structure. Similarly, bees have also developed a ventelation system of their own, allowing hives to maintain ideal temperatures.
 Beavers come to mind when thinking about Natural homes... Beaver dens are partially underwater, made of sicks, and completely covered in mud. They do all of this to insulate their homes and stay warm all winter long. Other animals may also prefer to live in burrows, underground or in the snow, avoiding harsh weather conditions like extreme heat and cold.

Permaculture Principals

  Check out this channel for detailed breakdowns and visuals of various permaculture methods, ranging everywhere from companion planting to gravity watered crops. Lots of Great Sciencey Stuff!

The Strawbale Studio Tour by Cooper Green at Natural Building

  The Michigan based Strawbale Studio hosts a variety of workshops for those looking to learn how to use cob. Students can visit for the weekend and learn how to make a Rocket Mass Heater, Cob Oven, or Building Basics like Framing and Floors. They also host a multi-month workshop to learn the particulars of strawbale building. They offer multiple worktrade opportunities to reduce or eliminate the cost of your classes. There are companies all across the U.S. that offer classes on how to use Natural Materials to build (the ones closest to you will probably have the materials best suited to your climate).

Off the Cuff's Tour of the Nevada Earthships by Mike Renyolds.

  Earthships were the first Natural-Passive homes I came across when I began the long journey of creating my own home. They utilize natural phenomena, including garbage, to build and maintain a comfortable place to live, and they've been doing it since the 70s. I plan on using many of the stratagies found in Earthships in my own Strawbale house. Some things I found especially helpful include the "AC System", Grey Water System, Recycled Glass & Cans, and Greenhouses for Heat and Plants. Check out Youtube for more videos on Earthships (and their parts).

MyLittleHomestead's Rocket Mass Heater 3-Year Review

  MyLittleHomestead's Youtube channel is a great resource for building inspiration; their family created tiny homes for each of their children using Earthbags, so their vlogs cover many different features and styles that you can include in your builds. Be sure to always check the local laws and get proper permits before building.

Pinterest

  Pintrest is great for finding diagrams of passive houses, homestead & garden layouts, gardening contraptions, pictures & recipes, and of course, basically everything else. It has been my number one source for designs taking wind into account for the Passive house and surrounding plants, and it offers countless ideas for room building & interior design!