Shelterworks

Rural Oregon Faswall Home — Where Biobased Materials Meet Structural Carbon Storage

When Joseph Becker of Shelterworks Ltd. introduced this project, the vision was clear: build a home that honored both environmental responsibility and long-term durability. As the exclusive manufacturer of Faswall, Shelterworks has long championed high-performance building systems made from mineralized recycled wood chips bonded with cement to create highly energy-efficient, healthy structures. Faswall blocks are designed to regulate humidity, resist mold, and reduce energy demand through thermal mass — benefits that support comfortable interiors with minimal ongoing energy use.

Located in the remote hills of Oregon, this circular residence reflects a deeply intentional approach to sustainable living. The homeowners took on the build themselves, prioritizing durable materials and construction practices that would stand the test of time. Faswall’s composition — approximately 85% recycled wood fiber with a cement binder — embodies Shelterworks’ commitment to environmentally responsible materials while avoiding plastics, glues, and harmful additives often found in conventional systems.

Solid Carbon extended this biobased philosophy into the structural core of the home. Concrete enhanced with carbon-sequestering technology was poured into the Faswall block cavities, transforming the wall assembly into more than just a high-performance envelope. Together, the materials demonstrate the confluence of two climate-aligned innovations: a recycled wood-cement form that reduces operational energy needs and a concrete solution that addresses embodied carbon by storing stable carbon within the structure itself.

The collaboration illustrates an important shift in residential construction. Sustainability is no longer defined by a single product or strategy, but by integrated systems working in concert. By pairing Faswall’s breathable, resilient building shell with carbon-storing concrete, this project shows how even remote, owner-built homes can contribute meaningfully to climate progress — proving that thoughtful material choices today can shape a far more durable and responsible built environment for generations.