Marialyce Pedersen's house was reduced to ash that spilled into the pool, turning the water a toxic black. A sculpted pink bench and outdoor kitchen looked only slightly worse for wear.

Material Cultures used air-dried hempcrete (a bio-composite of hemp and a lime-based binder) for this roughly 970-square-foot Somerset, England, residential build.

Here's how HGTV's "Good Bones" showcases the benefits of mixing kitchen countertop materials. Learn how this design trend can elevate your kitchen's aesthetic. House Digest ...