Welcome! Here you will find our collection of educational documents and well-vetted resources. For nearly a decade, Root Down Designs has been researching alternative building methods and materials that are truly sustainable. As a licensed architectural firm, it is our mission to use these findings to provide healthy, affordable housing options to our community. The best way to do that is to empower YOU with knowledge, and the healthier alternatives that are available.  Whether you are starting from the ground up, or looking to renovate a current home, this information will help you navigate through the building process, and equip you with the information to make decisions that make sense for your budget and meet your individual needs and project goals. 

According to UNEP, buildings and construction together account for 36% of global final energy use and 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when upstream power generation is included…

Information on natural building techiques, resources, and how to make your sustainable, resilient, earth-friendly, healthy home a realilty

The Red List, created by the International Living Future Institute contains the worst in class materials prevalent in the building industry. The intent of this list is to bring awareness to the public as to the research that’s been done on how these materials effect the environment during and after production, how they bio-accumulate up the food chain and in our bodies, and the direct effect on the workers handling them. Although these materials are being regulated in commercial products, we still find them in standard residential products. It is essential to be aware of the ingredients in the products you intend to bring into your home. View their full list of materials here.