Dylan is our DIY and construction go-to. With a passion for sustainable construction, he puts his degree to use in each article he writes. While he’s moved away from the architectural field, he still applies everything he has learnt to his writing.

In 2020, Dylan made the best of the situation and began a long-distance course in journalism. He’s been writing since 2015, and his architectural degree fortified his academic writing skills. Using the journalism course, he widened his writing abilities to different types of publications.

“You can never stop learning. Every new skill you gain always has more than one application. If you’ve mastered one skill, it’s time to learn something new.”

DIY projects have become a hobby for him, trying to turn his home into an eco-paradise. His design and model-building skills have translated into a practical hands-on approach to DIY projects. 

You’ll find either hand-drawn or digital sketches when reading Dylan’s articles. He believes that sketches and drawings convey information that accompanies writing perfectly. Using all this, he writes clear step-by-step guides to sustainable DIY projects you can try at home. 

Lastly, he wants to share his knowledge with others so they can also build their own eco-home. One way to be more sustainable is to ensure that you live in a home with a low environmental impact. Each DIY project makes a difference, even if you try one project or a retrofit of your whole home.

Education

2021
Diploma in Freelance Journalism and Travel Writing (Distinction) from the London School of Journalism
2019
Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Pretoria

User Posts: Dylan Crosbie

As water scarcity increases around the globe, it's vital that we look at the way we use water. It also provides us with an opportunity to look into ...

With sweltering summers and freezing winters, it can be hard to stay comfortable indoors. Luckily, with the help of home insulation, you'll be able to have ...

With people spending more time at home than ever before, the need for comfort has become essential for productivity and relaxation. Most homes today have ...

Whether sparked by the interest of living a more sustainable life, immersing yourself in nature or wanting to experience what it may feel like being a hobbit, ...

With the promise to use 90% less energy than your traditional home, the passive house design concept has grown in popularity over the last 5 years.  ...

Browsing All Comments By: Dylan Crosbie
  1. Hi Ryan,

    That’s a great idea if you use the greywater for irrigation.

    However, I’m unsure how often you’d need to change it. Perhaps simply keep an eye on it, and if it begins to clog with oil or smell, it’s time to swap it out.
    Try monthly at first, and if necessary, maybe twice a month or even weekly. You’ll need to play it by ear.

    I’ll shoot you an email, and if you have any other questions, we can chat about them there.

    Kind regards,
    Dylan

  2. Hi Ryan,

    For your sand and aggregate filters, it’s best to change them every 5 to 10 years.

    The frequency that you’ll need to change your biofilter depends on what materials you’ve used. For example, if you’re using mulch, it would be best to change it once a month. However, if you’re using a wetland biofilter, it’s self-sustaining.

    Could you provide me with more detail on what materials your biofilter uses so I can give you a more accurate answer?

    Kind regards,
    Dylan

  3. Avatar
    Dylan Crosbie May 5, 2022 at 10:08 am

    Hi Terces,

    Unfortunately, the image is only a rendering of a passive home. It wasn’t built.
    I’ve tried to find the architects for that render, but since the image is a stock photo, I wasn’t very successful.

    Would you be interested in an article highlighting different passive home designs with links and more information to them?

    Best regards

  4. Hi Josef,
    I’m glad you enjoyed the article!

    It’s always advised to separate the different systems. Not only would the greywater contaminate the rainwater, but there are different legal requirements for each system.
    If you live in the U.S.A, you can check out our rainwater laws article. If not, it’s best to contact your local municipality to see what laws and regulations are in place for both rainwater and greywater.
    It really depends on your budget and what you plan on using the water for. Greywater systems can be more expensive due to the filters required.
    If you’d like to find out more about rainwater systems to see if they fit your planned project, you can check out our rainwater system article.
    I hope this helps.

    Best regards
    Dylan

  5. Hi Claire,
    Thanks for reaching out!

    Unfortunately we can’t give a concrete answer on how much an earth home would cost.
    The price of building an earth home will vary depending on your location and the design.
    Some factors include:
    – How much excavation will you need?
    – What materials are your using?
    – How are you allowing light into your home?

    The best way to get an accurate price would be to contact a pre-fab earth home manufacturer or speaking to a local architect.

    I wish you luck with building a new home!

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