<p>In this episode of the <em>Building Sustainability Podcast</em>, Sigi Koko of <strong>Down to Earth Design</strong> shares her deeply personal journey of transforming a historic farmhouse into a fully natural, sustainable home. From retrofitting with hempcrete to creating stunning clay archways, Sigi discusses the challenges, surprises, and joys of renovating a home with natural materials.</p><p>We explore:</p><ul><li>The differences between renovation and retrofit—and why Sigi sees her project as the ultimate retrofit.</li><li>Creative solutions for insulating, incorporating mass, and optimizing indoor air quality.</li><li>The unique decision-making process required for retrofits, including balancing budget, structural concerns, and environmental impact.</li><li>Why clay, hemp, and other natural materials are so transformative for homes and the people who inhabit them.</li><li>Hosting workshops during a build to empower others in the natural building movement.</li></ul><p>This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and fascinating insights into natural building techniques that work for both new builds and retrofits.</p><br><p>Show Links:</p><ul><li>Sigi's website - <a href="https://www.buildnaturally.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.buildnaturally.com/</a></li><li>Jeffrey's Earthen Floor Company - <a href="https://www.theearthenfloorcompany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theearthenfloorcompany.com/</a></li><li>Sigi's first Building Sustainability Episode - <a href="https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-to-design-the-natural-home-of-your-dreams-sigi-koko-bs070/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-to-design-the-natural-home-of-your-dreams-sigi-koko-bs070/</a></li><li>Will Stanwix - <a href="https://thathempcreteguy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thathempcreteguy.com/</a></li><li>The Earthen Floor book</li><li>Hemptecture - <a href="https://www.hempitecture.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hempitecture.com/</a></li><li>Podcast Patreon - <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/buildingsustainability" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/c/buildingsustainability</a></li><li>Nettlecombe Craft School - <a href="https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Support the Podcast:</strong> If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with your friends, and help spread the word about sustainable building!</p><br><p><strong>Connect with me:</strong></p><p>IG -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffreythenaturalbuilder/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jeffreythenaturalbuilder</a></p><p>Facebook -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JeffreytheNaturalBuilder" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeffreythenaturalbuilder</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>