To reduce the reliance of earthbag construction on polypropylene, an environmentally detrimental material, and simultaneously address the urgent issue of fast fashion waste, this research explores the suitability of using earthbag construction to reduce postconsumer clothing waste in landfills. Three approaches to generating new earthbag geometries were explored using sewn domestic craft: alternate modular arrays, … Read more
Once dismissed as purely vernacular, rammed earth is now considered a high-performance building material, capable of meeting contemporary structural demands while addressing urgent imperatives of climate resilience, sustainability, and human well-being. This transition is driven by advancements in geotechnical engineering and refinements in stabilization. At its essence, rammed earth is the compaction of a calibrated … Read more
Building a cabin on a volcanic island, with unstable soil, constant humidity, and limited access to resources was quite a challenge for this man. The chosen area had dense vegetation, deep roots, and uneven soil, typical of volcanic regions. Before any construction, it was necessary to completely clear the space, remove natural obstacles, and select trees … Read more
By using local resources and eliminating energy-heavy manufacturing, rammed earth aligns with global decarbonization goals. It has become a preferred choice among forward-thinking people committed to sustainability. Below are five projects utilizing rammed earth in a variety of ways. An Eco-Village in rural São Paulo includes three homes ranging from a 538-square-foot studio to a … Read more
Changyuel Galem’s House in Bhutan is a 400-year-old heritage site tied to the tragic love legend of Galem and Singye, and is now awaiting urgent restoration. Similar to Romeo and Juliet, Singye fell in love with Galem, a beautiful young woman, and fate kept them apart. The separation is said to have broken Galem’s heart, … Read more
Compressed earth blocks are a combination of soil, mechanical engineering, and high-density compression capable of transforming the ground of the construction site into structural blocks used to erect resistant, stable, and visually striking walls. The technology combines thermal efficiency with low emissions. Any soil with between 10% and 30% clay can work for producing compacted … Read more