Natural materials:
1. Bamboo
I chose bamboo for the roof of my project because it is strong, light, and sustainable.
Bamboo grows much faster than trees, so it is renewable. This material is Eco-friendly – It absorbs CO₂ while growing and needs little energy to process. Bamboo is durable but easy to handle, which is good for construction and it keeps house cool – its natural structure allows air to pass, helping in hot climates. Because of these reasons, bamboo is a good material for a roof near the sea in Nauru.
https://www.sciencedirect.com:5037/science/article/pii/S2214785321001681
14 Sustainable Building Materials Used by Eco-lodges - Eco Lodges Anywhere
2. Rammed Earth
I chose rammed earth for the walls of my eco-house because it is natural, strong, and sustainable.
Rammed Earth is Eco-friendly because it is made from local soil, sand, and clay, so it has very low environmental impact. This material keeps the house cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. Walls made from rammed earth last a long time if built properly and using local materials reduces costs and transportation. Because of these reasons, rammed earth is a good choice for sustainable walls in my eco-house by the sea.
https://ongrid.design/blogs/sustainable/rammed-earth-eco-friendly-home-construction
3. Reconstituted coral stone
I chose reconstituted coral stone for the walls of my project because it is durable, natural, and environmentally friendly. Reconstituted coral stone is made from crushed coral and natural binders, which reduces the need for concrete and other high‑carbon materials. It is strong, long-lasting, and resistant to weather, ideal for coastal areas. Like rammed earth, it helps keep the house cool in hot weather. Reconstituted coral stone gives a natural, tropical look suitable for houses by the sea.Because of these reasons, reconstituted coral stone is a good material for sustainable walls in eco-house on Nauru.
https://legacyintech.com/coral-stone-usage-in-coastal-buildings/
Natural pigments
I decided to use pigments for houses because it is one of the cultural traditions on the island. I found natural and safe pigments which do not harm nature and people, and which do not burn out in the sun and are resistant to salty and humid climates.
1. Terra Verde
This is naturally occuring mineral-rich clays. I chose this pigment because it is very stable outdoors (sun, humid, time). Terra Verde is also extremely low toxicity - basicaly colored clay. Works well in reconstitude coral stone. Extraction has low environmental impact because it is mined in small quantities similar to normal clay. Coloir is green to bluish-green.
2. Yellow Ochre
This is natural iron-oxide deposits mixed with clay. I chose it because it is one of the most eco-friendly pigments. Ochre is very stable in sun, salt air and tropical climates. It is non-toxic and safe for soil and water. Colour is yellow to yellow-orange.
Hradil, D., Hradilova, J., Bezdicka, P. (2020) 'MDPI', Clay Minerals in European Painting of the Mediaeval and Baroque Periods. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/10/3/255 (Accessed: 28 November 2025)
This is roots of the plant Rubia tinctorum, processed into a lake pigment. Madder Lake is a 100% natural plant-based colour. It is safe for environment when produced without pesticides. Historically used in warm, sunny regions. So this pigment is also very stable for sun. Colour is rose, purple-rose and violet-red.
Maya Blue
This is ancient Mesoamerican pigment made by heating indigo dye with palygorskite clay. This is one of the most weather-resistant natural blue pigments. Maya Blue is non-toxic and very stable in sun, tropical heat and ocean salt water. Colour is turquoise-blue to aquamarine.
Siddall, R. (2018) 'MDPI', Mineral Pigments in Archaeology: Their Analysis and the Range of Available Materials. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/10/3/255 (Accessed: 28 November 2025)
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