The Bark House, Sustainable and Beautiful

One look at these rustic homes and you’re struck by the awesome beauty of natural building materials. But a deeper look will also let you in on the wonderful sustainability of bark houses.

Bark House Style: Sustainable Designs from Nature, by Chris McCurry, explores the history and unique building techniques of these homes.

Lost for almost 65 years, the use of poplar bark shingles had been all but forgotten until Chris McCurry and her husband, Marty McCurry. decided to resurrect this traditional building style. Inspired by historic chestnut bark shingles in Linville NC, they began manufacturing and selling Yellow Poplar bark shingles under the Bark House brand in 1999.

Although building methods have changed considerably since bark shingles were used 100 years ago, the McCurrys have nurtured and developed a new industry based on sound and sustainable building practices.

I love the unprocessed look of the materials used in the construction of the houses. The rustic elegance is so appealing. The bark can be removed or left intact to create a different look. And everything seems to be used in the construction process, including twigs, logs, poles, massive wooden slabs, and stumps with stems.

From the Bark House website:

“We are a “green” building company, and proud members of the US Green Building. Through the Arbor Day Foundation, we plant a tree for every job done. Many of our Bark House materials and products use zero water and very little energy in their manufacturing process. By 2010, we will use water exclusively from rainwater catchment systems. If glues or sealers are needed, we educate clients about quality green products to use. HC offers FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) products as well.”

The houses and interior elements are earthy, yet luxurious. The perfect combination of green and beautiful.

Greenopolis.com is dedicated to our users. We focus our attention on changing the world through recycling, waste-to-energy and conservation. We reward our users for their sustainable behaviors on our website, through our Greenopolis Tracking Stations and with curbside recycling programs.

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