Home on Earth

Ty Cole is an award-winning photographer who is driven by a passion for design, technology and a curiosity about how humans connect with each other and their environments, built or natural.

“BLDUS’s book Home on Earth is not only a visual feast, but a profound reminder that the Earth itself is humanity’s true home. While buildings protect us from the elements, they can also distance us from the natural world. BLDUS has designed a series of structures, many fitting remarkably in tiny alley lots, that reconnect their residents with the earth through innovative cladding materials—cork, bark—and the gifts of natural light and air. It’s a beautiful book worthy of every home.”

— Thomas Fisher, Chair in Urban Design, University of Minnesota; Director, Minnesota Design Center

“Home on Earth crystalizes the unique blend of natural materials, sustainable design, and timeless warmth that characterizes the work of BLDUS. Based in Washington D.C., the firm is creating a new model of domestic life for the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Their alley houses inject serene retreats into the urban fabric, while additions, ground-up houses, and multi-unit designs scale this approach across family types, budgets, and settings. Architects will delight in the book’s model concoctions and material palettes, while the broader public will find a down-to-earth approach that makes forward-thinking, contemporary ideas feel both tempting and accessible.”

— Katie MacDonald, AIA, Cofounder, After Architecture, LLC; Director, Before Building Laboratory; Assistant Professor, University of Virginia

“The work of BLDUS demonstrates the power of architecture as a regenerative force that connects material stewardship to rich spatial experiences.”

— Thomas Robinson, Principal, LEVER Architecture

“Home on Earth offers a clever perspective on BLDUS’s design approach. Treating material selections as a healthy diet, their buildings express a natural environment for a better way of life. They explore the inner qualities of the materials, creating a unique, raw language that feels refined and comfortable. Their execution of each project is thoughtful, consistent, and refreshing to see in an expanding world of artificial materials.”

— Paul Masi, Principal, Bates Masi + Architects

Size: 8” x 8” Square
ISBN: 978-1-961856-51-6
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 338pp
Publication Date: March 2025
World Rights: Available