Square tiles in various colours on cardboard, with a hand touching a grey tile.
My story

Building with natural materials

My story

Building with natural materials

Through Daodejing, I help homeowners, contractors, and architects create living and working spaces that are truly healthy and sustainable. The way we build dictates how we live. Vapour-open constructions and natural plasters foster a healthy indoor climate—beneficial for the inhabitants and the longevity of the building itself. I provide the technical support required to implement these methods correctly.

Connecting with the materials around us

When I first experienced clay plaster combined with wall heating, I immediately understood the difference. It didn't feel like a cold, plastic enclosure—instead, the walls felt alive, radiating warmth and breathing through natural moisture regulation. It was a tangible experience of true comfort.

Man with a cap on a rocky cliff overlooking a coastal city with a flying seagull.

David de Peuter

Owner, Daodejing

MY APPROACH

A different perspective on the way we build

What I do is build with connection: connection to oneself and the site, to materials and spaces, and to the people involved—both those who will inhabit the building and those who construct it. Building is far more than simply assembling materials. In our society, construction has become purely functional, especially during the shell phase. We often only express our preferences in the final finishes, but for me, the process begins much earlier. The foundation is where the fine details must rest. Creating a living space with pure intent and attention is almost a spiritual exercise. The choice of materials is essential here; they define the vibration of a room. This is not a vague belief—it is grounded in the fact that everything is in motion. Earth, stone, and straw all have their own resonance. It is my conviction that people feel better in spaces built with materials that remain close to nature. Wood, clay, straw, wool, and hemp are prime examples. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing my experience in the proper application of these materials.