A
natural building involves a range of
building systems and materials that place major emphasis on
sustainability. Ways of achieving sustainability through natural building focus on durability and the use of minimally processed, plentiful or
renewable resources, as well as those that, while
recycled or salvaged, produce healthy living environments and maintain indoor air quality. Natural building tends to rely on human labor, more than technology. As Michael G. Smith observes, it depends on "local ecology, geology and climate; on the character of the particular building site, and on the needs and personalities of the builders and users."