What has drawn you to operating your construction company within the Driftless Region, particularly in the Soldiers Grove, WI area?<\/b><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sustainabledriftlessmag.com\/unicdn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ecospirit_img1_1021.jpg\")
Bryan:<\/b>I was drawn to the Driftless area because of the beauty and vast supply of natural resources.\u00a0 As an ecological designer and natural builder, I incorporate local timber, lumber, straw, clay and stone into my projects, all of which can be sustainably harvested.\u00a0 I set up shop in Soldiers Grove because I prefer a small-town atmosphere with plenty of trees and wildlife right outside my door.<\/p>\n
Your business is based on technical skills, mastering of green and environmentally sensitive technologies, and a philosophical approach to creating shelter.\u00a0 I can’t think of a better mindset, but what are you seeing in the Driftless Region–what type of client are you connecting with–what are the limitations, and the opportunities for like-minded clients?<\/b><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sustainabledriftlessmag.com\/unicdn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ecospirit_img2_1021.jpg\")
Bryan:<\/b> I meet and work with a range of clients.\u00a0 The two most common are retired baby boomers looking to build their forever home and younger people looking to take an active role in building a small eco-home.\u00a0 Both types are usually familiar with green and natural building techniques.<\/p>\n
Typically, the retired baby boomers can afford to do what they want, without many limitations or restrictions.\u00a0 My role is to design and build a sustainable and healthy home, customized to their needs.<\/p>\n
The younger clients are a bit more challenging, because they are usually limited to a small budget.\u00a0 So, the goal is to design a space that meets their needs and budget.\u00a0 One way to overcome budget limitations is for the client to do as much work as they can, given their skill set and availability.\u00a0 Another is to phase-in–create the \u201cbones\u201d, and over time, detail it out.\u00a0 For the most part, it comes down to time and money.\u00a0 Holding workshops is another way of helping to reduce the overall cost of a project.<\/p>\n
Is your way of building more expensive than the typical? I see the use of post and beam, sustainable materials (local, which is really interesting given our current supply chain issues), and use of actual trees within the space at times.\u00a0 Are there challenges in combining your construction techniques with other trades?<\/b><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sustainabledriftlessmag.com\/unicdn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ecospirit_img3_1021.jpg\")
Bryan:<\/b> Green\/Natural building is indeed more expensive than conventional construction, but a completely different \u201canimal\u201d is you will. \u00a0 The main reason for the higher cost is that the natural building systems I use are much more labor intensive and the green building technologies(solar panels, HRV’s, etc…) can add to cost where it doesn\u2019t happen in conventional.\u00a0 Initially, there were challenges integrating electrical and plumbing systems into timber frame and straw bale structures, but.I’ve worked with talented and open-minded subcontractors who have helped develop systems to meet the state’s building codes and we haven’t had any major issues. It is just different.<\/p>\n
As a designer, builder, and may I add, philosopher, how do you see providing shelter evolving over the coming years?<\/b><\/p>\n
Bryan: <\/b>I believe the future of my industry needs to be based on sustainable models.\u00a0 To me, this means using local non-toxic materials(timber, lumber, stone, clay, straw, etc…) and hiring local tradespeople to do the work.\u00a0 We need to move away from toxic synthetic materials, manufactured and produced thousands of miles away.\u00a0 Case studies have shown that modern homes made from synthetic materials release VOC’S(volatile organic compounds) that can cause serious health problems for the inhabitants.<\/p>\n
Are you interested in training others, perhaps through an internship?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
I have thought about starting an internship program, but haven’t had the type of project work to support one in the traditional sense.\u00a0 I’ve taught natural building workshops on timber frame, rubble trench foundations and slip form masonry in the past and really enjoyed the experience.\u00a0 I plan to continue to teach workshops when the appropriate project turns up.\u00a0 Also, I’ve been a presenter at the annual MREA fair, lecturing on ecological design and green\/natural building systems.<\/p>\n
I’m a firm believer in the idea of using education as an agent for change, so I’m always looking for opportunities to teach and pass along what I’ve learned to others.<\/p>\n
–Bryan Dalstrom<\/b><\/p>\n
Founder, Designer, Builder<\/p>\n
Eco Spirit Design Studio<\/p>\n
608-345-0916<\/p>\n
bryan@ecospiritstudio.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"