What Most Homes Are Still Missing

I recently attended the Ontario Natural Building Conference, a gathering dedicated to building healthier homes using natural materials.

Organized by the Ontario Natural Building Coalition (ONBC), this annual event brings together builders, designers, and homeowners who are exploring more sustainable and regenerative ways to build. I left feeling both inspired and hopeful about what is possible when we begin to rethink the materials and systems we rely on.

Here are a few highlights that stayed with me.

Rethinking What We Build With

One of the most striking takeaways was the use of natural building materials such as straw bale, hempcrete, and rammed earth. These materials are not only beautiful and low-impact, they also perform exceptionally well.

They are naturally fire-resistant, resistant to pests and mold, and offer strong thermal performance. It challenges the idea that naturalsustainable materials are somehow less durable or less efficient. In many cases, they outperform conventional options.

Designing for Repair, Not Replacement

A workshop led by Sebastian Renel introduced the concept of repairability through natural finishes.

We explored materials such as lime plaster, tadelakt, American clay, and earthen floors. These finishes are alive in a way that conventional materials are not. They can evolve over time, and more importantly, they can be repaired.

Yes, plaster can chip or scratch. But instead of replacing the entire surface, it can be buffed and restored with ease.

Compare this to materials like PVC or vinyl siding and flooring. Once damaged, they cannot be repaired. They are removed and sent straight to the landfilldiscarded.

It raises an important question. What if we designed homes with the expectation that they will age, and that we can care for them rather than replace them?

The Rise of Regenerative Materials

Another exciting area of exploration is the development of regenerative materials.

Chloe Doesburg of Seafoam Materials and Garrett Johnson of Hundred Year Materials are researching innovative ways to use materials such as seaweed and local agricultural byproducts to create insulation. These approaches go beyond sustainability. They begin to restore and give back to ecosystems rather than simply reduce harm.

It opens the door to a future where our homes are not just less damaging, but actively beneficial.

From Demolition to Deconstruction

Meredith Moore from Ouroboros Deconstruction shared her journey from interior designer to founder of a company focused on deconstruction and material salvage.

Her work diverts up to 90 percent of construction materials from landfills by carefully dismantling buildings instead of demolishing them. Materials are then sorted, reused, or repurposed.

Our current system is built for demolition. It is faster and often cheaper in the short term, but it comes at a significant environmental cost.

Deconstruction offers an alternative. It reduces waste, preserves valuable materials, and creates opportunities for reuse. It also encourages a shift in mindset. Instead of seeing buildings as disposable, we begin to see them as resources.

A Shift in Perspective

“The more you learn, the more you realize what you didn’t know.” – Albert Einstein

Sebastian Renel quoted this during his presentation, and tThis idea stayed with me throughout the conference.

The more we explore sustainable building practices, the more we begin to question the materials and methods we have taken for granted. It is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about staying curious and making more informed choices over time.

For me, this experience reinforced something I already believe deeply. The spaces we create have a direct impact on how we feel, how we live, and our long-term health.

And that starts with what they are made of.