Soma Earth TEAM
In the Natural Building industry, it is more common that a sustainable Architect works in a co-operative and collaborative nature with a Natural Builder from the beginning of the design phase rather than finishing the drawings without any input and getting bids. Each builder has a unique process and experience that is important to understand in order to streamline the entire process. Often, you also need to reserve or book a builder at least a year in advance as they are in great demand these days. This also gives enough time for an integrated design including time for permits or for any other authorities (Conservation, Heritage, Committee of Adjustment, etc.) that may need to review the project. The following natural builders are ones that I have worked with in various capacities and recommend highly;
EcoNest
P.O. Box 864
Tesuque, NM, USA 87574
505.989.1813
info@econest.com
www.econest.com
Health, ecology and sustainability begin at home in an EcoNest. These elegant, hand-crafted homes utilize natural building techniques including: timber framing, clay/straw walls, earth plastering and natural, non-toxic finishes throughout. The clay/straw walls of each home are built during a 4-day workshop lead by the EcoNest Building team. See our Portfolio of homes. Now on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and affiliated with Joshua Thorton of naturalbuild.ca .
Fourth Pig Worker Co-op
Melinda Zytaruk
416-778-5223
info@fourthpig.org
www.fourthpig.org
The Fourth Pig Worker Co-op (a non-profit organization) specializes in sustainable building design, education and construction, natural building materials design and installation as well as renewable energy installation. Toronto & Muskoka offices.
Harvest Homes
Ben Polley
519-242-4681
ben@harvesthomes.ca
www.harvesthomes.ca
Harvest Homes offers a full range of ecological construction and renovation services to clients in Ontario, Canada and Central America. Strawbale construction, product sourcing, teaching and consulting, as well as expertise incorporating ecological systems—wind and solar power, water collection, waste, and energy efficiency—into homes new and old.