David Nich

This about warm buildings in ice age Siberia interesting  they used layers of animal furs, earth, thatch that breathed on outside. Probably more local and sustainable than anything modern. Buried dwellings below permafrost, a lot warmer, often no wood available so gathered bones for support. An extended family in each dwelling, young and old slept in warmest spit by fire.

https://youtu.be/w51U8L8Hiio?si=hA8Ky94v_sWdbG94

I expect you know Asclepias edible uses, the cooked flower buds especially are sought after. Also roots, shoots, leaves (cooked several change of water)  seeds also ocassionally eaten (Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada 2009).

I have some sprouts of Asclepias incaranata, the easiest to import into New Zealand, they do not seem to be mentioned as often as tasty as some other  Asclepias, will see.

The seed silk can be used to stuff pillows, mattresses, and even woven into cloth of some sort.  Being naturally buoyant and water resistant it was used to make life jackets, it can also be used for insulation due to high heat retention.