At Nomad City, people sometimes ask if building with natural materials is sustainable, especially when compared to traditional brick and concrete structures that can last much longer. Currently we’re experimenting with various building techniques to explore different natural materials, and while our projects are still in their educational phase, each new build improves in durability and design.
Too often people seem to highlight the durability of a building when talking about sustainability. However, in my view, the impact of the building process, the materials used, and the waste produced are equally important. Cement production, for example, accounts for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions due to its energy-intensive nature, whereas wood, a renewable resource, can sequester carbon and be recycled in multiple ways — from timber reuse to composting. Concrete, though recyclable, cannot be composted and often ends up in landfills, where it contributes to long-term pollution.
At Nomad City, we think beyond durability. We immediately consider how every building will be deconstructed and reused in the future. While it may seem counterintuitive, we embrace the reality that nothing lasts forever. We want our buildings to return to the earth without causing harm — something that's often overlooked in traditional deconstruction, where materials are moved far away for processing, creating additional environmental risks for the local people.
Our focus is on using as much natural materials as possible. At first these structures may not seem to last as long as those built with conventional methods, but natural buildings like cob houses can endure for centuries with the right care. The cracks in their walls can easily be repaired, and their thatched roofs can be replaced every 15-25 years, composting naturally at the end of their life.
Just as humans evolve and adapt, so should our homes. By using natural materials, we give ourselves the freedom to reshape our living spaces as our needs change, without compromising the environment. Sustainability isn't just about how long a building stands — it's about how it fits into the cycle of life and how we interact with it.