about us
The Natural Builders are licensed contractors offering design, build and consultation services. Contact
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about our friends (links)
These are just a few of our regular collaborators, each one skilled in their respective fields. Web links are given for those who have websites. Others may be reached through info@thenaturalbuilders.com
DeBoer Architects: Architects specializing in the design of natural homes and remodels that include the use of straw bale, bamboo, poured earth and green materials. Darrell's skills as a craftsman show in every house as he often contributes to the finish work himself purely for the joy of crafting. A unique architect to be sure.
BambooDNA: Founder Gerard Minakawa's talents range from industrial and furniture design to large scale public sculptures using bamboo and other natural and man-made materials. Bamboo DNA sells ecologically treated bamboo poles and fencing made from bamboo imported from Central America and Asia.
Architecture For Humanity: Building a more sustainable future using the power of design.
Through a global network of building professionals, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction and development services to communities in need.
Design Ecology: In addition to professional design services, the team conducts ongoing research to innovate effective light-weight roof soils, vegetated walls, passive stormwater management, water recycling applications, and carbon sequestering soil and grow media.
Leslie Jackson: This multi-talented East Bay resident specializes in earthen and lime plasters,
is associate editor for Home Energy magazine, plays mbira and Irish fiddle, and dances a lot. She teaches workshops on rocket stoves, and, with Ianto Evans, co-produced Rocket Mass Heaters: Fuel-Efficient Woodstoves You Can Build Yourself (and Snuggle Up To), available on Leslie's website:
Floating Islands West: unparalleled expertise with BioHaven® floating islands, which can be useful in mid-sized to large ponds, and in lakes. The functions of floating islands include visual amenity; shading to reduce water temperature and algal growth; refuge for frogs, turtles, birds, and other wildlife; and removal of nitrate and ammonium from the water.
Bertotti landscaping, inc: Over its 35-year history, Bertotti has achieved a leadership position in the landscape construction industry - recognized as one of the premier landscaping companies in the Bay Area, extending north from San Francisco to Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties.
Nils Hammerbeck: An architect who offers design and management solutions for a variety of project parameters. He incorporates a permaculture-inspired design process and brings a clean, well thought out appeal to everything he touches.
KLEIWERKS: an international non-profit dedicated to teaching Natural Building. Their current focus is a sustainable education center in Ashville, North Carolina (The Ashvillage Institute.)
San Francisco Institute of Architecture is now teaching workshops on "everything eco" bringing teachers from multi-disciplinary backgrounds together with students aspiring to heal the world and be good designers.
Builders Without Borders: A non-profit specializing in building with straw bale & other natural materials. The group brings together people who know and people who need to know through a unique web of networks. www.BuildersWithoutBorders.org
Bay Localize , A non-profit dedicated to creating a sustainable Bay Area. www.baylocalize.org
Merritt College Hort Dept. , Oakland, CA: Offers classes in Natural Building & Permaculture
Solar Living Institute: Offers progressive workshops and classes in natural building (bamboo, earth & straw construction), solar power and a full range of sustainability practices.
GHA: Geoffrey Holton and Associates
