Builders
Without Borders
is an international network of ecological builders who advocate the use
of straw, earth and other local, affordable materials in construction.
We believe that the solution to homelessness is not merely housing, but
individuals and communities trained to house themselves.
To this end, we organize and promote hands-on workshops and learning events, create educational books, CD-ROMs and videos. and partner with other organizations to build affordable sustainable housing. Since our inception in 1999, we have organized and supported projects from Mexico, to Israel, South Africa, Siberia, and Mongolia, and Native American land… (read more)
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Educational Resources Fund Builders Without Borders created a Strawbale Construction Curriculum, and donates this training manual, plus other books and videos, to worthy people and projects, and offers scholarships to BWB workshops for dedicated students.
Free consultation and educational materials have been provided to Navajo, Hopi, and Lakota tribes, as well as projects in Mexico, Mongolia, China, South Africa, Argentina, and Siberia. To help us continue this educational outreach, you can earmark a Donation to the BWB Educational Resources Fund.
Builders Without Borders is a project of NetWorks Productions, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible.
BWB members designed and led the hands-on construction of two
straw-bale demonstration buildings in the Altai region of southern Siberia. Read more.
Housing Solutions for Haiti
In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Port Au Prince, Builders Without Borders is developing prototype designs for seismically-resistant and regenerative building solutions for Haiti. BWB representative Martin Hammer, an architect from Berkeley, CA, has submitted a proposal to the government of Haiti to create a prototype straw-bale home, in collaboration with other architects and builders. Martin is currently giving a series of presentations to raise awareness, and project funding.
Read more...
Photo by Martin Hammer
BWB natural building workshop is fundraiser for Haiti
On August 14 & 15, in Kingston, NM, Santa Fe architect Alfred von Bachmayr will teach a hands-on workshop on earthen plasters and earthen floor installation. BWB co-directors Derek Roff & Catherine Wanek will also give presentations on Rainwater Harvesting, Composting Toilets and Straw Bale Building Design Essentials. Alfred is the founder of World Hands Project (www.worldhandsproject.org). BWB and WHP have both submitted project proposals to the government of Haiti to create a protoype building system that is seismically-resistant, ecological and empowering to the Haitian people and their economy. All workshop proceeds will go to support rebuilding projects in Haiti. Read more...
The BWB Strawbale
Eco-house
Created for a summer 2008 exhibition in Washington D.C. the Builders Without Borders' Straw-bale Eco-house remained at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) on the National Mall, through the fall and winter. In March 2009, the building was lifted with a crane and lowered onto a waiting trailer, which transported it to a location in nearby Maryland.
See the BWB Ecohouse video on YouTube
Read more about the BWB Ecohouse
The BWB Ecohouse has become part of a Breathwork Healing Center in Upper Marlboro,Maryland.
See up-to-date photos at: www.breathworkstudio.blogspot.com
Last updated on Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Copyright 2006
