SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION AND SELF-BUILT HOUSING
At the Sustainable Livelihoods Learning Center, structure protoypes for improved living and social conditions were developed, using pattern language design, mainly local resources, minimizing pollution, and fitting within local culture. Food supply is integrated with settlement. These include dormitories, cafeteria, composting toilets, guesthouses, classroom, event hall, seed-bank, office, and sweatlodge.

Earth was the most readily available building material. Tests and structures include rammed earth, cob, adobe, Egyptian vaults, Earthship technology, compressed earth blocks, pisé, recicled waste materials, as well as strawbale construction.
Of special mention is a bamboo structure that was erected on site in a partnership with Studio Prix from the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Viena. Seven students spent six months building an environmentally performing high-tech structure that catches and stores water that falls from the sky.