Can Rice Hulls Really Build a House? (Yes, And It’s Genius)

Discover how Modern Mill is transforming the future of building materials with ACRE, a stunning, low-maintenance, sustainable alternative to wood.CEO Chris Guimond joins host Ian Peterman on the Conscious Design Podcast to reveal how upcycled rice hulls are helping create hurricane- and fire-resistant materials that outperform traditional wood in durability, ease of use, and sustainability.If you're a homeowner, builder, architect, or sustainability advocate, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.💡 What You’ll Learn:● Why old-growth wood isn’t a sustainable option anymore● How ACRE performs better than cedar or PVC in extreme climates● The surprising role of rice hulls in creating eco-friendly siding● How ACRE’s biophilic design improves wellness and aesthetics● Where ACRE is being used, from hospitals to million-dollar coastal homes⏩ Jump to your favorite parts: 00:00 - Guest Intro 00:37 - The Origin of ACRE by Modern Mill 01:07 - The Importance of Sustainable Building Materials 02:08 - Why ACRE Beats Traditional Wood and Composites 07:47 - Performance and Installation of ACRE15:23 - Sustainable and Easy-to-Maintain: ACRE’s Benefi ts 22:34 - The High Cost of Home Maintenance 23:58 - Psychological Perks and Biophilic Benefi ts of ACRE 27:13 - ACRE in Medical and Senior Care Facilities 29:10 - ACRE's Versatility in Interior Applications 36:08 - Sustainability and Longevity of ACRE 41:22 - ACRE's Fire and Hurricane CredentialsAbout Chris Guimond & Modern MillChris Guimond is the CEO of Modern Mill, a sustainable building materials company creating eco-friendly wood alternatives from upcycled rice hulls.Modern Mill’s flagship product, ACRE, offers a no-compromise alternative to traditional wood. It is durable, beautiful, low-maintenance, and fully recyclable. Made in the USA, ACRE is reimagining how sustainable design meets performance.🔗 Connect with Chris Guimond & Modern Mill: Website: https://modern-mill.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mill/posts/?feedView=all Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern.mill/Twitter: https://x.com/ModernMillAcreYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern-MillGet the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬 What do you think about using sustainable alternatives like ACRE? Let us know below.🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!