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VSE will be speaking at the AIA San Francisco’s Circularity in Practice symposium on April 22nd (Earth Day!)

Join us and a panel of industry experts for a dynamic session on Circular Materials: Lessons from Aluminum, Wood, and Emerging Materials.

This panel kicks off PechaKucha-style, with three manufacturers sharing insights on the current state of circularity in building materials. This will be followed by a rapid-fire roundtable exploring:

• What we really mean by recycled, reused, reclaimed, and regenerative
• Why scale matters
• Local vs. global considerations
• End-of-life impacts
• The connection between circular materials, waste reduction, and embodied carbon

We’ll wrap with practical tips for researching, verifying, and specifying low-impact circular products.

Join us if you can!

#AIASanFrancisco #CircularityinPractice #Earthday

🏠 Please join us for this Fundraiser Event focused on supporting the building of ecological homes for the unhoused.

🏠 HSCC’s Executive Director, Elaine Johnson J.D., will be the keynote speaker at this fundraising event.

🏠 Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m., at Vino by the Sea, on the Santa Cruz Wharf.

🏠 Secure your tickets at the Eventbrite link in our bio.

#housingsantacruzcounty #affordablehousing

This Walnut Creek ADU uses a straw bale system called Bale-on-End-Between-Studs (BOEBS)—a hybrid approach that pairs straw bale construction with conventional wood framing. 🔨

A plywood-sheathed exterior stud wall provides the lateral structure, while vertically stacked straw bales sit between the studs as high-performance insulation. 🌾

By working within a familiar framing system, BOEBS makes straw bale construction more accessible, less labor-intensive, and easier for traditional wood framers—with the added benefit of carbon sequestering from locally produced rice straw! 🌍

Architect: Gavin Knowles (@knowles.architect)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Kuhlmann and Cheyne Builders Inc.
Photo credits: Gavin Knowles

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #BOEBS

This Walnut Creek ADU uses a straw bale system called Bale-on-End-Between-Studs (BOEBS)—a hybrid approach that pairs straw bale construction with conventional wood framing. 🔨

A plywood-sheathed exterior stud wall provides the lateral structure, while vertically stacked straw bales sit between the studs as high-performance insulation. 🌾

By working within a familiar framing system, BOEBS makes straw bale construction more accessible, less labor-intensive, and easier for traditional wood framers—with the added benefit of carbon sequestering from locally produced rice straw! 🌍

Architect: Gavin Knowles (@knowles.architect)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Kuhlmann and Cheyne Builders Inc.
Photo credits: Gavin Knowles

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #BOEBS

This Walnut Creek ADU uses a straw bale system called Bale-on-End-Between-Studs (BOEBS)—a hybrid approach that pairs straw bale construction with conventional wood framing. 🔨

A plywood-sheathed exterior stud wall provides the lateral structure, while vertically stacked straw bales sit between the studs as high-performance insulation. 🌾

By working within a familiar framing system, BOEBS makes straw bale construction more accessible, less labor-intensive, and easier for traditional wood framers—with the added benefit of carbon sequestering from locally produced rice straw! 🌍

Architect: Gavin Knowles (@knowles.architect)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Kuhlmann and Cheyne Builders Inc.
Photo credits: Gavin Knowles

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #BOEBS

This week, VSE takes the stage with Luke Lombardi, Massey Burke, Lindsay Baker, and Cameron McIntosh to present "Barriers and Opportunities for Scaling Biobased Materials" at #Greenbuild in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 6, at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Greenbuild website and be part of this impactful event! bit.ly/4k6L2Fg

4 weeks until VSE takes the stage with Luke Lombard, Massey Burke, Lindsay Baker, and Cameron McIntosh to present "Barriers and Opportunities for Scaling Biobased Materials" at #Greenbuild in Los Angeles this November 4-7. The countdown to meaningful conversations about our industry's future has begun! What topics are you most excited to explore? http://bit.ly/46NXJPU

🏡✨ This isn’t your average ADU — it’s a showcase of alternative material use, featuring bamboo like you’ve never seen it before. 🌿

While it may look like just a beautiful wall finish, the laminate bamboo wall panels from Bamcore are doing way more:

1️⃣ It acts as the earthquake-resisting system
2️⃣ Supports the sleeping loft above the bathroom
3️⃣ Functions as an integrated guardrail + suspended stair support
4️⃣ Includes alternating tread stairs with a diagonally oriented center stringer to take full advantage of bamboo’s natural strength 💪

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects (@arkintilt)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Good Space Builders (@goodspacebuilders)
Photo credits: Jeanie Ward-Waller

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Bamboo

🏡✨ This isn’t your average ADU — it’s a showcase of alternative material use, featuring bamboo like you’ve never seen it before. 🌿

While it may look like just a beautiful wall finish, the laminate bamboo wall panels from Bamcore are doing way more:

1️⃣ It acts as the earthquake-resisting system
2️⃣ Supports the sleeping loft above the bathroom
3️⃣ Functions as an integrated guardrail + suspended stair support
4️⃣ Includes alternating tread stairs with a diagonally oriented center stringer to take full advantage of bamboo’s natural strength 💪

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects (@arkintilt)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Good Space Builders (@goodspacebuilders)
Photo credits: Jeanie Ward-Waller

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Bamboo

🏡✨ This isn’t your average ADU — it’s a showcase of alternative material use, featuring bamboo like you’ve never seen it before. 🌿

While it may look like just a beautiful wall finish, the laminate bamboo wall panels from Bamcore are doing way more:

1️⃣ It acts as the earthquake-resisting system
2️⃣ Supports the sleeping loft above the bathroom
3️⃣ Functions as an integrated guardrail + suspended stair support
4️⃣ Includes alternating tread stairs with a diagonally oriented center stringer to take full advantage of bamboo’s natural strength 💪

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects (@arkintilt)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Good Space Builders (@goodspacebuilders)
Photo credits: Jeanie Ward-Waller

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Bamboo

🏡✨ This isn’t your average ADU — it’s a showcase of alternative material use, featuring bamboo like you’ve never seen it before. 🌿

While it may look like just a beautiful wall finish, the laminate bamboo wall panels from Bamcore are doing way more:

1️⃣ It acts as the earthquake-resisting system
2️⃣ Supports the sleeping loft above the bathroom
3️⃣ Functions as an integrated guardrail + suspended stair support
4️⃣ Includes alternating tread stairs with a diagonally oriented center stringer to take full advantage of bamboo’s natural strength 💪

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects (@arkintilt)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Good Space Builders (@goodspacebuilders)
Photo credits: Jeanie Ward-Waller

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Bamboo

🏡✨ This isn’t your average ADU — it’s a showcase of alternative material use, featuring bamboo like you’ve never seen it before. 🌿

While it may look like just a beautiful wall finish, the laminate bamboo wall panels from Bamcore are doing way more:

1️⃣ It acts as the earthquake-resisting system
2️⃣ Supports the sleeping loft above the bathroom
3️⃣ Functions as an integrated guardrail + suspended stair support
4️⃣ Includes alternating tread stairs with a diagonally oriented center stringer to take full advantage of bamboo’s natural strength 💪

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects (@arkintilt)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Good Space Builders (@goodspacebuilders)
Photo credits: Jeanie Ward-Waller

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Bamboo

🏡✨ This isn’t your average ADU — it’s a showcase of alternative material use, featuring bamboo like you’ve never seen it before. 🌿

While it may look like just a beautiful wall finish, the laminate bamboo wall panels from Bamcore are doing way more:

1️⃣ It acts as the earthquake-resisting system
2️⃣ Supports the sleeping loft above the bathroom
3️⃣ Functions as an integrated guardrail + suspended stair support
4️⃣ Includes alternating tread stairs with a diagonally oriented center stringer to take full advantage of bamboo’s natural strength 💪

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects (@arkintilt)
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Good Space Builders (@goodspacebuilders)
Photo credits: Jeanie Ward-Waller

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Bamboo

We're excited to represent VSE at the 2025 Net Zero Conference hosted by @Verticalgroup at the Los Angeles Convention Center on October 1. This event will feature global sustainability experts in Climate, Net Zero, ESG, Equity, Carbon, and Resilience. Come find us in the exhibit hall!

Join us at the AIA East Bay 2025 Lecture Series Thursday, August 21st at 6pm!

VSE Principal, Anthony Dente, will join 3 other designers in a conversation about the essential elements of seamless collaboration between architects and structural engineers.

@aiaeastbay

Meet Oceanspray — a beautifully crafted multi-family home nestled in Ashland, Oregon. 🌿🏠

This project includes 4 units spread across two floors, plus a fully occupiable attic.

What makes Oceanspray truly unique?
✨ The exterior walls use a sustainable BOEBS system — Bale on End Between Studs — combining conventional wood framing, plywood, and straw bale insulation.
✨ Inside, the partition walls are made from structural bales with plastered mesh — no studs needed.

And don’t miss the staircase, built with reclaimed wood salvaged from the original building that once stood on this site. ♻️💫

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Earth Dragon Natural Building LLC
Photo credits: Lydia Doleman @lydia_doleman

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Strawbale #Ashland

Meet Oceanspray — a beautifully crafted multi-family home nestled in Ashland, Oregon. 🌿🏠

This project includes 4 units spread across two floors, plus a fully occupiable attic.

What makes Oceanspray truly unique?
✨ The exterior walls use a sustainable BOEBS system — Bale on End Between Studs — combining conventional wood framing, plywood, and straw bale insulation.
✨ Inside, the partition walls are made from structural bales with plastered mesh — no studs needed.

And don’t miss the staircase, built with reclaimed wood salvaged from the original building that once stood on this site. ♻️💫

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Earth Dragon Natural Building LLC
Photo credits: Lydia Doleman @lydia_doleman

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Strawbale #Ashland

Meet Oceanspray — a beautifully crafted multi-family home nestled in Ashland, Oregon. 🌿🏠

This project includes 4 units spread across two floors, plus a fully occupiable attic.

What makes Oceanspray truly unique?
✨ The exterior walls use a sustainable BOEBS system — Bale on End Between Studs — combining conventional wood framing, plywood, and straw bale insulation.
✨ Inside, the partition walls are made from structural bales with plastered mesh — no studs needed.

And don’t miss the staircase, built with reclaimed wood salvaged from the original building that once stood on this site. ♻️💫

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Earth Dragon Natural Building LLC
Photo credits: Lydia Doleman @lydia_doleman

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Strawbale #Ashland

Meet Oceanspray — a beautifully crafted multi-family home nestled in Ashland, Oregon. 🌿🏠

This project includes 4 units spread across two floors, plus a fully occupiable attic.

What makes Oceanspray truly unique?
✨ The exterior walls use a sustainable BOEBS system — Bale on End Between Studs — combining conventional wood framing, plywood, and straw bale insulation.
✨ Inside, the partition walls are made from structural bales with plastered mesh — no studs needed.

And don’t miss the staircase, built with reclaimed wood salvaged from the original building that once stood on this site. ♻️💫

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects
Engineer: Verdant Structural
Builder: Earth Dragon Natural Building LLC
Photo credits: Lydia Doleman @lydia_doleman

#Greatengineeringisgreen #VerdantStructural #StructuralEngineering #Strawbale #Ashland

The Mesa Sky Disk is a one-of-a-kind home in Yucca Valley. This project blends conventional building materials with carbon-sequestering elements, starting with the unique curved exterior walls made of 20" thick straw bales with reinforced plaster to resist seismic forces. 🌿

This project uses a mix of sawn and engineered lumber, including custom curved glulam beams. 🪵

The roof features a butterfly shape, with its lowest point near the center of the building, creating a distinct architectural profile to fit the land. 🦋

As for the foundation, it's designed with a large cavity in the center to reduce concrete use. The best part? The cavity was filled with industrial metal components that would have otherwise been discarded. A creative way to reuse what otherwise would be considered trash! ♻️

Architect: Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Structural Engineer: Verdant Structural
Master Builder: Signature Builders, Twentynine Palms
Photography: Kevin Cain skydisk.shop

#MesaSkyDisk #GreatEngineeringisGreen #StructuralEngineering #VerdantStructural

The Mesa Sky Disk is a one-of-a-kind home in Yucca Valley. This project blends conventional building materials with carbon-sequestering elements, starting with the unique curved exterior walls made of 20" thick straw bales with reinforced plaster to resist seismic forces. 🌿

This project uses a mix of sawn and engineered lumber, including custom curved glulam beams. 🪵

The roof features a butterfly shape, with its lowest point near the center of the building, creating a distinct architectural profile to fit the land. 🦋

As for the foundation, it's designed with a large cavity in the center to reduce concrete use. The best part? The cavity was filled with industrial metal components that would have otherwise been discarded. A creative way to reuse what otherwise would be considered trash! ♻️

Architect: Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Structural Engineer: Verdant Structural
Master Builder: Signature Builders, Twentynine Palms
Photography: Kevin Cain skydisk.shop

#MesaSkyDisk #GreatEngineeringisGreen #StructuralEngineering #VerdantStructural

The Mesa Sky Disk is a one-of-a-kind home in Yucca Valley. This project blends conventional building materials with carbon-sequestering elements, starting with the unique curved exterior walls made of 20" thick straw bales with reinforced plaster to resist seismic forces. 🌿

This project uses a mix of sawn and engineered lumber, including custom curved glulam beams. 🪵

The roof features a butterfly shape, with its lowest point near the center of the building, creating a distinct architectural profile to fit the land. 🦋

As for the foundation, it's designed with a large cavity in the center to reduce concrete use. The best part? The cavity was filled with industrial metal components that would have otherwise been discarded. A creative way to reuse what otherwise would be considered trash! ♻️

Architect: Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Structural Engineer: Verdant Structural
Master Builder: Signature Builders, Twentynine Palms
Photography: Kevin Cain skydisk.shop

#MesaSkyDisk #GreatEngineeringisGreen #StructuralEngineering #VerdantStructural

The Mesa Sky Disk is a one-of-a-kind home in Yucca Valley. This project blends conventional building materials with carbon-sequestering elements, starting with the unique curved exterior walls made of 20" thick straw bales with reinforced plaster to resist seismic forces. 🌿

This project uses a mix of sawn and engineered lumber, including custom curved glulam beams. 🪵

The roof features a butterfly shape, with its lowest point near the center of the building, creating a distinct architectural profile to fit the land. 🦋

As for the foundation, it's designed with a large cavity in the center to reduce concrete use. The best part? The cavity was filled with industrial metal components that would have otherwise been discarded. A creative way to reuse what otherwise would be considered trash! ♻️

Architect: Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Structural Engineer: Verdant Structural
Master Builder: Signature Builders, Twentynine Palms
Photography: Kevin Cain skydisk.shop

#MesaSkyDisk #GreatEngineeringisGreen #StructuralEngineering #VerdantStructural

The Mesa Sky Disk is a one-of-a-kind home in Yucca Valley. This project blends conventional building materials with carbon-sequestering elements, starting with the unique curved exterior walls made of 20" thick straw bales with reinforced plaster to resist seismic forces. 🌿

This project uses a mix of sawn and engineered lumber, including custom curved glulam beams. 🪵

The roof features a butterfly shape, with its lowest point near the center of the building, creating a distinct architectural profile to fit the land. 🦋

As for the foundation, it's designed with a large cavity in the center to reduce concrete use. The best part? The cavity was filled with industrial metal components that would have otherwise been discarded. A creative way to reuse what otherwise would be considered trash! ♻️

Architect: Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Structural Engineer: Verdant Structural
Master Builder: Signature Builders, Twentynine Palms
Photography: Kevin Cain skydisk.shop

#MesaSkyDisk #GreatEngineeringisGreen #StructuralEngineering #VerdantStructural

🌿 Exciting news for the City of Austin, TX! As of April 2025, Austin has officially adopted the hempcrete a.k.a hemplime, appendix (Appendix BL) into its building codes - and we're proud to be the lead engineers helping make this appendix possible. 🏗️💚

Want to learn more?
👉 Visit: https://loom.ly/lkKZR5c

#Hempcrete #AustinTX #GreatEngineeringisGreen #StructuralEngineering #VerdantStructural

This week the LA Times published an excellent article about recent efforts to bring extremely fire safe and low carbon adobe and earthen building techniques to the fire rebuild effort in Los Angeles. In writing the article, Lila Seidman interviewed VSE Principal and several of our close colleagues. She illuminates the history of our building code development efforts and how it's now paying off with pathways to building permits for safe and effective earthen building designs.

https://loom.ly/00_XqZg

This week the LA Times published an excellent article about recent efforts to bring extremely fire safe and low carbon adobe and earthen building techniques to the fire rebuild effort in Los Angeles. In writing the article, Lila Seidman interviewed VSE Principal and several of our close colleagues. She illuminates the history of our building code development efforts and how it's now paying off with pathways to building permits for safe and effective earthen building designs.

https://loom.ly/00_XqZg