Robert Laporte introduced light clay straw construction to North America, combining it with a family of other hand-crafted techniques including traditional timber framing, earthen floors and natural plasters to create a holistic natural building system. He has built over 50 houses using this system, in climates ranging from the arid deserts of New Mexico to the frigid cold of Manitoba. Together with Paula Baker-Laporte, Robert created the EcoNest concept and has trained hundreds of professional builders and aspiring owner-builders in using the techniques. He is the co-author of "Econest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw and Timber."
Paula Baker-Laporte is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and is considered one of the leading proponents of healthy building in North America. After struggling with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and regaining her own health, she became deeply interested in creating the most health-enhancing built environments possible, eventually turning to the European-based study of Bau-biologie or Building Biology. Together with Robert Laporte, Paula created the EcoNest concept and she has worked as the architect for the EcoNest Company for nearly 2 decades. She is the author of "Prescriptions for a Healthy House" and the co-author of "Econest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw and Timber."
