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My name is Chris Magwood, and I've spent the past two decades passionately working to make the best buildings possible.
Here's my story, briefly... |
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A straw bale house to start.
In 1998, I built my family a house. It was the first permitted straw bale house in Ontario, Canada. And did I ever learn a lot! By making every possible mistake, I learned a lot about how straw bale building could be done better. I learned about living off the grid and building systems. I also learned that I wanted to do more of this, and so the adventure began...
In 1998, I built my family a house. It was the first permitted straw bale house in Ontario, Canada. And did I ever learn a lot! By making every possible mistake, I learned a lot about how straw bale building could be done better. I learned about living off the grid and building systems. I also learned that I wanted to do more of this, and so the adventure began...
A contractor.
By 1999, I was building full time under the guise of Camel's Back Construction. Along with Pete Mack and Tina Therrien, we spent the next seven years working together on dozens of straw bale buildings, learning how to make natural building materials and renewable energy systems practical and efficient.
By 1999, I was building full time under the guise of Camel's Back Construction. Along with Pete Mack and Tina Therrien, we spent the next seven years working together on dozens of straw bale buildings, learning how to make natural building materials and renewable energy systems practical and efficient.
An author.
In 2000, I co-authored the book Straw Bale Building with Mack and Therrien. This was the first of seven books I've written to date. I published articles in magazines, contributed to other books and acted as editor of The Last Straw Journal. Check out all the books here. |
A teacher. In 2012, I helped to found The Endeavour Centre, where I worked as and instructor and curriculum developer, working with students from construction newcomers to experienced professionals, in workshops and long-form courses. Prior to Endeavour, I proposed a curriculum for a Sustainable Building Design and Construction certificate program to Fleming College in 2005, and was the lead instructor for that program until 2011. |
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A researcher.
Research about building science, new materials and techniques and innovative systems has always been a key part of my work. A growing interest in climate change and buildings led me to undertake a Master's degree at Trent University's Sustainability Studies program. My thesis, Opportunities for Carbon Capture and Storage in Building Materials, Is now available HERE. |
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A speaker.
I enjoy bringing my knowledge about sustainable building to a wide variety of audiences. I try to make my presentations entertaining, concise and informative. From building conferences to natural building colloquia to local citizen's groups, I will tailor a presentation to suit the needs of the audience. |
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