Harvest House Construction Guide

The work collated here is a practical synthesis of research, prototyping and collective building undertaken by Material Cultures through the development of Harvest House as part of the Growing Place project. It brings together lessons from the design and construction of a low-impact, adaptable structure, grounded in the realities of working with land, materials and communities. This guide sets out a step-by-step approach to constructing a flexible, ultra-low-carbon building using natural and widely available materials such as timber, straw and clay. It demonstrates how simple construction methods, combined with careful detailing, can produce a high-performing, breathable and durable building that can be assembled by small teams using basic tools. At its core, the guide makes accessible the knowledge required to build with bio-based materials, framing construction as an open, adaptable process shaped by site, use and community. Through drawings, schedules and sequenced instructions, the guide aims to bridge the gap between design and making, offering a framework that supports self-building and collective construction. It positions building as part of a wider ecological and social practice, where materials are sourced responsibly, knowledge is shared openly, and the act of construction becomes a means of engaging with land, labour and future ways of living.