Man has been building a shelter for himself since time immemorial as it is one of his basic needs. A
changing lifestyle along with technological development has been reflected in
the building materials he has used. Nowadays, buildings are just springing up
here and there in a contextual way and architecture too has been affected. One
of the most widely used building materials is traditionally earth. Vast numbers
of structures have been built using this material. Newer building materials
have come into use with time and changing living patterns but have had a
far-reaching ecological impact and traditional material like earth has been
pushed to the side.
Earth has distinctive
quality and makes an architectural statement about the quality of the building
It determines the kind of architecture. Although other materials definitely do
have advantages, earth is the most ecologically sound. It can be totally
recycled and has little Repercussions on the environment. It also possesses thermal
properties and creates comfort especially in a country like India that is in the tropics.
Some of the typical ways of
making earthen structures are Rammed earth, adobe and cob. In these, clay,
sand, straw and dung are mixed and become the natural material. Where rammed
earth and cob are concerned, the mixture is piled on sculpted with ordinary
tools. Formwork may also be used to lend profile. Earth is shoveled into the large form work and tamped down making large forms such as one or more walls at a time. In adobe structures, mud bricks are made by putting this mixture into a
mould and leaving it to dry in the sun. Lime or mud mortar can be used to
cement these bricks.
A project has been evolved
at the METI School at Rudrapur, Bangladesh, in which the local construction
knowledge, renewable building materials such as earth plus new construction
techniques have been combined for a contextual yet modern identity and outlook.
The other material used to give stability to the structure was Bamboo. Built over a brick foundation, it
had a damp proof course to tackle the rising moisture that typically
accompanies any earthen structure. Bamboo was a part of the structure and
roofing material. Humans were used to carry out simple tests for the strength of the members.
The labourer’s existing
skills were fused with today’s technical methods to help building with earthen
technology. The contrasting blue doors and curtains made with sarees in the
openings contributed to the aura of uniqueness.
Many think that earthen
structures can only be at the ground or one floor level, but this is fallacy.
There are several multi-storey earthen structures today. Unfortunately, many
think of earth as the choice of the poor man but this stigma is regrettable and
we should realize the value of it as a building material. The knowledge of
earthen technology can be filtered and transformed to meet present day needs.
It is not just a romantic concept but the fact is that it is possible toconstruct structures with earth and it is a sustainable option, more so than any other material.
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