Greenhouse by Joost (also known as Future Food System) is a self-sufficient and self-sustaining home.

Designed and built with zero waste, and producing zero waste in its occupation, it’s an inspiration for future homes everywhere.

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Joost Bakker about Future Food System, and the zero waste choices made in its detailing and materials.

Learn more here …

Hello! This is Episode 267, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Joost Bakker, and learning more about his Future Food System, and approach to building and living without waste.

If you haven’t listened to Episode 266 and Part 1 of this conversation, I recommend you head back and catch that episode first, as this episode will then make a LOT more sense! You can head here to do that now.

In this episode, we talk about the nuts and bolts of some of the materials and construction of Future Food System, particularly reviewing the floor and wall systems and the choice of products and materials to meet Joost’s criteria of recyclability and biodegradability at end of life.

And at the end of the conversation, Joost actually gives us a walk around of his own home to explain some of the design decisions he makes and suggests for your project.

(You can check out that video extract here now …)

Now, let’s dive in!

In Episode 266, I gave some background about Joost’s career, so have a listen to that if you wish to hear that again. As a refresher, Joost describes himself as a florist and artist – as he says, he creates stuff. 

And in Part 1, he shared with me how, in his search to create a low tox, sustainable and zero waste home for his own family, he dived into the world of building. And since then, has created a range of hospitality and residential projects, both temporary and permanent, that test and demonstrate zero waste construction, use and living.

Joost’s work is all about innovation and invention, and shaping the future he believes in. However, he’s also the first to say that he hopes these projects seed others. He speaks of the analogy of a dandelion with its seeds blowing and dissipating, and that his own experiments act as opportunities for others to take his ideas and run. It’s why he does his work as open source, and lets us in so closely to the what and how.

I left off Part 1 of my conversation with Joost where we were discussing his belief in agroforestry as a huge opportunity for Australia to have a sustainable timber industry that’s very different from the one we have today. 

And so, I kick off this Part 2 by asking Joost how homeowners can tap into the right kind of teamwork to realise these types of alternative approaches in their own home project. 

We talk about that, and then Joost generously shares a lot of the detail around specific materials and construction methods used in Future Food System, and his testing and experimentation that’s led to decisions in this project.

Whether it’s about how you’ll design, renovate or build, or your lifestyle in your home and how you grow food or manage your waste, there’s so many different ways we can apply the ideas and inspiration Joost demonstrates in his projects.

And yes, I know it can be overwhelming. You can see how much Joost dives into the research and discovery for his projects, and for many homeowners, that can feel too much, and too hard. 

It’s worth remembering though, that this isn’t an all-or-nothing exercise.

As Joost said at the end, going back to basics is key.

Then you can see what feels right, and what else you might like to explore or adopt in your own project.

Joost is also someone who is clearly incredible at cultivating relationships and finding great people to collaborate with. 

Delivering projects like his, and like your own ambitious project … you definitely need great, like minded people on your team and in your corner to help you bring those ambitions to reality. So, find a team that is on board with your ambitions too.

It was such a buzz to be able to have this conversation with Joost for the Get it Right podcast. I literally could have kept asking him so many, many more questions! 

I’m really excited to see what’s next in the work he keeps doing to explore zero waste and sustainable design and building practices, and helping improve the way we live.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE NOW.

RESOURCES:

Future Food System Resources:

Website >>> Including a virtual tour
Instagram >>> Check the Highlights
YouTube >>> Interviews and tours

Joost Bakker >>> Instagram

Other resources:

ABC video about fire testing of Joost’s test building >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBkUb_QgJLc

Joost’s own family home >>> The Design Files with Joost Bakker

Agroforestry:

• Rowan Reid >>> Bambra Agroforestry Farm
• Yan Yan Gurt Farm >>> Tours and Info

The Earthing Movie >>> Watch The Earthing Movie on YouTube

Other materials and products:

Rescom Magnesium Oxide >>> Rescom website

Concrete Collaborative >>>
In USA
In Australia

Stiebel Eltron Heat Pumps / Hydronic Heating >>> Stiebel Eltron Website

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Learn more about how to get started with your home design with the Happy Home Design mini-course >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/happy-home-design

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan