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 ACRE

15:23 - 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 Credentials

About Chris Guimond & Modern Mill

Chris 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/ModernMillAcre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern-Mill

Get 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:

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We 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.

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