Building Materials and Methods

William “Bill” Starkey is an established business leader in Montgomery, Texas, who guided Starkey Construction, LLC for many years and provided high-end residential project management solutions. William Starkey focuses on sustainability and green building mandates, such as the use of non-toxic, ethically sourced materials that help preserve the environment,

When it comes to green construction alternatives involving traditional concrete, one option is grasscrete, a type of structure used for laying driveways, walkways, and flooring. It provides open patterns and space within the concrete for plants, such as grass and perennials, to thrive. Using grascrete enhances drainage and absorption of storm overflow and a reduced amount of concrete required.

Another unique building material is mycelium. Comprised of the root structure of mushrooms and other fungi, the building material is crafted from mycelium that has been cultured to grow within forms and molds around natural composites. The air-dried bricks and other building shapes that result combine strength and lightweight qualities.

Other next-generation building materials include recycled plastic, ashcrete, rammed earth, and even hempcrete. They are alternatives to concrete that have been designed using unconventional materials from tightly packed earth to natural hemp.