Running Head: EARTH ARCHITECTURE
1
Acknowledgement
I am extremely grateful to Lovely School of architecture and design, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara for providing me with an opportunity to carry out research on topic, entitled “Earth Architecture: Techniques and Potential�. I take this opportunity to express a deep sense of gratitude and thanks to Ar. Vinod Tripathi, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, for supervising the research work. Without his wise counsel and guidance, it would have been impossible to complete the paper.
I wish to express my indebtness towards my family and friends who have always been my source of strength and whose affection and patience enabled me to complete this research. Above all I express my deep regards to the ALMIGHTY for his blessings and spreading pure love in all kinds of the beautiful nature.
Dated: April 2017
Brahmjot Kaur
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
2
Contents Acknowledgement ...........................................................................................................1 Abstract ...........................................................................................................................4 Aim .................................................................................................................................5 Objectives .......................................................................................................................5 Scope...............................................................................................................................5 Purpose............................................................................................................................5 Methodology ...................................................................................................................6 EARTH ARHITECTURE ................................................................................................7 Need for earth architecture...............................................................................................7 Digging to roots ...............................................................................................................8 Earth as a building material .............................................................................................9 Pros and cons of earth as a building material.................................................................. 10 Construction techniques ................................................................................................. 11 Earth architecture: initiated ........................................................................................ 11 Earth architecture: developed during ages .................................................................. 11 New wall construction techniques .............................................................................. 16 Case Examples .............................................................................................................. 17 Applications .................................................................................................................. 18 Analysis: Ecological Issues ............................................................................................ 19
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
3
Analysis: Ecological benefits ......................................................................................... 19 Analysis: Solutions to ecological problems .................................................................... 20 Challenges to be dealt .................................................................................................... 20 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 21 References ..................................................................................................................... 22
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
4 Abstract
Earth is the most primitive material known to man. It is the origin of life of all living beings. But eventually it came to be used as a support system for the survival. As man evolved, he shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture and farming. This required permanent shelters, earliest of all were caves. Sooner or later, earth came to be used as the major building material. From small utensils to large cities, earth was used, with changing construction techniques over time. Earth where is seen as pre-modern, housing solutions to poor or a fragile material, there earth is the building material of bungalows offices, apartments and many oldest buildings. Moreover, with the changing trends of climatic conditions, there is an urgent need of shifting from nonrenewable materials to renewable and ecological materials and techniques. The paper briefs the origin of earth architecture with its evolving construction techniques, the need of earth architecture and various issues related to earth as a building material. The paper is focusing on primitive construction techniques with rammed earth technique described in detail. The work includes various case examples from around the world, mainly arid climates. Keywords: historic origin, need of earth architecture, construction techniques, rammed earth method, ecological and sustainable aspects
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
5 Aim
To study the benefits and issues related to earth architecture by studying its history and earlier construction practices so as use earth as a sustainable and ecological building material.
Objectives •
To understand the ideology of earth as a building material
•
To study various earth construction techniques
•
To analyze contemporary architecture in respect to its construction
•
To review earth as a material for construction as well as for other applications
Scope •
Study the historical origin of earth as a building material
•
Primitive applications of earth in building shelters
•
Primitive construction techniques
•
Pros and cons of earth as a building material
Purpose •
To study potential of earth as a building material
•
To learn primitive construction techniques of earth architecture
•
To study ecological and other aspects/ issues related to earth architecture
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
6 Methodology
Introduction to "Earth Architecture"
RoleThe techniques and other aspects of earth architecture Gathering informationCollecting data from journals, articles/websites, books, yt videos, etc. Case Examples1. Earth construction in Spain 2. Earth shelters in different countries
AnalysisEcological and sustainable issues related to earth makes it a tough and durable building material, though requires proper technical handling ConclusionEarth as a building material is the solution to our waxing housing problems and is an exiting and downto-earth alternative to perpetuation of concrete jungle.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
7 EARTH ARHITECTURE
A structure which uses earth as its building material is known as an earth structure. It was used since early years of mankind due to its local availability. It is still used due to the fact that it is economical and environment friendly. “Fast depleting of all the natural resources is a sign to choose materials and construction methods which require less energy pre- and post-construction. Construction with earth is effective as it can be used in any climatic conditions. It is the solution to the prevailing housing problems.�
Need for earth architecture Architecture today is mechanized, from material production to construction processes. This had led to increase in the prices of construction as well as carbon footprint of every step involved in architecture. Mud, since ages has been used for construction and many other purposes. When all the attempts for a search of a more environmental friendly material have landed in a region of technical dimension of the construction industry, mud architecture is the most possible solution. The advantages and possibilities offered by mud construction are off limits. In depth understanding of the material and its related techniques can help in its use in various types of construction. Construction with mud solves many housing problems and is an environment friendly alternative to the formation of the concrete jungle.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
8 Digging to roots
The oldest building material known to mankind is earth. This is used in the most ancient civilizations and buildings which exist even till day. This was the result of the easy availability, strength and durability, climate responsive properties and easy handling.
Fig: Earth construction areas around the world
Origin of earth as a building material can be aged back to stone-age when man used to live in caves, made of earth. The remains have been found across the world. 1300BC adobe built grain stores in Egypt, 2000yrs ago built sections of Great Wall of China built in rammed earth are few examples. Many other examples of large buildings and whole lot of cities built with earth can be located even in Iran, India, Nepal and Yemen.� Earthen shelters have been the support system for about a third and half of the world population. India has more than 80,000,000 earth dwellings. This is the result of the adaptability of the material and its evolving technology across the globe, in different climatic conditions.
Fig: Ramasseum, Egypt- 1300 BC
Fig: Taboo monastery, India- 996 AD
Fig: Fortified city, Draa valley, Morocco
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
9 Earth as a building material
Earth is a functional, economical, cheap and easily available and sustainable material. Moreover, along with easy working it provides the advantage of decoration, once plastered. Mud, mixture of earth and water, is generally useful in humid and hot climates. Bricks, stone and wood are materials with affordability and availability issues, but mud is easily available and can be handled easily. The idea to use mud in construction, is a long way thought to change the look of urban and rural areas, raising living standards and also solving environmental problems. When used in construction, earth is known by different names. Scientifically it is known as loam, a mixture of clay, silt/sand and aggregates, called “mud bricks” or “adobes” when in form of handmade unbaked bricks, “soil blocks” when in form of compressed unbaked bricks and “rammed earth” when compacted in a formwork.” The property of earth of bonding when dried provides the required strength but it is lost when wet. Also, walls erode or even fail due to this property. Many solutions have been provided by many countries.” Since earliest times, dwellings were built with materials that were locally available: out of fibers, leaves, stone or unbaked-sundried-mud. But with industrial revolution, traditional constructions elements got replaced with baked clay bricks and mass produced such as cement, steel and glass.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
10
Pros and cons of earth as a building material Earth/loam has many disadvantages over common industrialized building materials: •
Not a standardized building material
•
Shrinks when drying
•
Not water-resistant
•
Not termite-resistant
•
Little industrialization
Besides this, loam has many advantages too, which can be pointed as•
Balances air humidity
•
Climate responsive
•
Saves energy and reduces environmental pollution
•
Reusable and recyclable
•
Reduces transportation costs as it is locally available
•
Preserves timber and other organic material
•
Aesthetically pleasing
•
Easy to handle and lesser labor required
Fig: Earth material is recyclable and easy to handle
Fig: Earth shelters are aesthetically pleasing
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
11 Construction techniques
Earth architecture: initiated Early pit houses were constructed using turtle construction, as it included pudding of mud, lumps of mud and a rudimentary type of brick formed in baskets. Mixing mud/earth with grass, sand, fibers like animal or human hair, animal blood, fibers from coconut, agave or bamboo, cut straw etc. were the solution for earth stabilization and increase its strength and durability. Earth architecture: developed during ages People all over world with diverse cultures, social & constructional habits; have used our Mother Earth to create living spaces and adapted their construction according to the behavior and properties of soil. People found out twelve main techniques.
Fig: Twelve main earth techniques
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
12
All the 12 techniques are talked about in the paper, but the detailed description of technique which is used the most and gives much greater strength to the structure- Rammed earth- is focused upon. 1. Earth dug out The earth is dug out to create shelters. Horizontal dug out creates caves on side of hills, accessible by staircases and galleries Vertical dugs, created in plateaus or plains, creates courtyards with rooms along its edge. Fig: Plan and 3d views of dug out houses in China
2. Earth cut out. Used when soil is cohesive and contains concretions of carbonates soil is cut in the shape of blocks and used like bricks or stones
3. Filled in (earth bag construction). Also called sandbags/super adobe construction Basic construction method began by digging a trench and laying a foundation. Rows of woven bags with inorganic material, stacked together using barbed wire.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
13
Fig: Construction using sandbags
4. Covered earth. Soil has been used to cover roofs in different parts of world. Regulates the inside temperature, due to heavy thermal mass. Also, grass was used to cover roofs
Fig: Earth covered roof houses
5. Shaped earth. Does not require molds or formwork as it uses plastic earth. Advantage of use of minimal and simple tools with a normal labor.
6. Stacked earth (COB). It uses sand, clay and straw. Cakes of mixture are made and stacked in layers. Each layer has to be dried up before putting up the next layer.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
14
7. Adobe. Sun dried clay bricks, named adobe, are the oldest building materials. Adobes are made of thick made of thick malleable mud, admixed with straw.
After being cast, they are left in sun to dry. 8. Extruded earth. Used since long in fire brick industry. Stabilized earth is extruded through a machine to get the desired shape. Blocks are often hollow and are cut to desired length.
9. Wattle and daub. Bamboo and crane frame structure is created, called wattle, to support the structure. Mud is plastered, called daub, over this mesh. With rainfall, the structures get washed off but the framework remains intact and can be plastered again.
Fig: Wattle and daub built house
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
15
10. Formed earth. Clayey soil, in liquid state, is poured on straw Mix is cut afterwards into forms. The walls are non-load bearing, are light and have high insulation value.
11. Poured earth. The soil, in liquid state, is poured into formwork. Soil needs to be stabilized. High water content causes lot of shrinkage when it is dried.
12. Rammed earth This technique is the most used of all. Many developing countries still continue to follow traditional rammed earth techniques. For ecological and economic reasons, mechanized rammed earth is preferred over conventional masonry at many places. Rammed earth provides much lesser shrinkage ratio and higher strength than other wet loam techniques. Also, it has longer life than adobe masonry.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
16
New wall construction techniques 1. Rammed earth panels. As a solution to horizontal shrinkage cracks in traditional rammed earth construction, a new method to produce one storey height panels for continuous ramming, was developed. Horizontal shrinkages are avoided, and vertical joints are filled once after complete shrinkage is done.
Fig: Formwork for rammed earth
2. Frame structure with rammed earth infill. In Salvador, Brazil, a simple technique was developed to construct thin rammed earth infill panels. Pre-cast reinforced concrete was used for posts and ring beams.
3. Wall construction with lost formwork. Cost of formwork is high, which makes use of a thin masonry wall or stiff thermal insulation, or lost formwork preferable. This requires either no or one-sided formwork.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
17
4. Rammed earth domes. First rammed earth dome was made using a rotating slip form. The dome was 18 cm thick at the bottom and 12 cm at the top. The walls were also made of rammed earth and were hexagonal from inside.
Fig: Earth berm
Earthen blocks. Earth blocks called “adobes” or “mud bricks” or “sundried bricks” are produced by throwing wet earth into a formwork. These are produced manually. Also called “soil blocks” when moist earth is compacted in a manual or powered press. “Green bricks” are bricks produced by an extruder in unbaked state. These three types of blocks are usually the same size as baked bricks.”
Case Examples 1. Rammed earth house in Harplinge, Halland The house was built in 1948 by Georg Norrgren, with 30 cm thick earth walls. One hurdle of rammed earth in a cold climate is insulation. Walls in Sweden have to be insulated, even when constructed with rammed earth. Even today, houses in Halland are built with non-insulated rammed earth walls. Use of passive design is the solution for the rammed earth construction in colder climates. In winters, the thermal mass of a building can store solar heat by being exposed to direct sun. During the summer, it is preferred to protect the wall from direct sunlight exposure.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
18
2. HAKKA HOUSES - FUJIAN, CHINA Building period, 1790 There were communal houses built of rammed earth in China, Central Asia, and East Asia since the Neolithic period 6,000 years ago. There are three basic types of dwellings: the round dwelling, the rectangular and the Phoenix dwelling. Consisting of three to five floors, rectangular and circular ones have kitchen in the ground floor, food storage in the second, to keep the grain dry from lower floor heat, and rooms on the top floors. These historical buildings have withstood strong earthquakes in centuries.
Applications The following applications are the conclusions from the case study of Villalรณn de Campos, Spain and other innovative methods. These are the world wide applications of earth, now-a-days other than construction industry. 1. Wine Cellars made in EARTH 2. Villages built with EARTH 3. Dovecotes, pigeon houses made with EARTH 4. Refrigerators 5. Houses built under earth, are able to tackle disasters such as, wars, tsunamis etc. 6. Earth shelters, like in Kerala, Gujarat, Spain etc, keep the interiors safe from the outside hostile weather conditions.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
19 Analysis: Ecological Issues
Ecology issues have always been a major concern of mankind. As an integral part of our lives, a healthy and clean environment is a requisite for our existence. As human beings, we need to be concerned about ecology and take actions to deal with environmental issues. Use of various materials for construction cause pollution of all types, diseases, species and habitat destruction, global warming, disasters like earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, etc. Use of mud in an irregular method and in wide use without giving time for its rejuvenation, also leads to the above problems and concerns us.
Analysis: Ecological benefits It has the following ecological advantages: •
reduced CO2 emissions
•
thermal mass
•
noise reduction
•
high strength
•
durability
•
low maintenance
•
fire resistance
•
pest resistance
•
environmentally friendly
•
biodegradable
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
20
Analysis: Solutions to ecological problems 1. Soil Conservation 2. Building for Land Conservation 3. Ecological Procurement 4. Implementation of rules
Challenges to be dealt •
How to build on a large scale with earth, without hurting nature?
•
With heavy and formless mud, how to create architecture full of imagination, light, simplicity, and beauty?
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
21 Conclusion
Earth is one of the most abundant, basic building materials. Its biggest advantage is that requires simple construction technology. Also, Earth buildings are highly durable, non-toxic, fireproof, have good humidity regulation, sound insulation and non-allergenic. Provides high thermal mass and insulation, built with thick walls, and passive solar design. It has low embodied energy, and low environmental impact, especially when the material is sourced on site. This makes it useful in every climatic conditions as it can respond well to any change in climate, with some alterations in methods in different climates. As a building material, earth is the ultimate sustainable solution, readily available. The house from such materials is extremely efficient, owner friendly with limited maintenance.
The resulting house is incomparable to other products in terms of beauty, efficiency, strong and stability. If used efficiently and with required methods and techniques, it can result into an effective solution to housing problems and an environment friendly material.
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
22 References
•
Building with earth, www.rivendellvillage.orgBuilding_With_Earth.pdf
•
Earth buildings, www.slideshare.netKhNasrbuilding-with-earth-31262188
•
Applications of earth, www.httpac.els-cdn.comS18770428130297161-s2.0S1877042813029716-main.pdf_tid=c03cde94-ebc5-11e6-84a500000aab0f01&acdnat=1486314704_8d9035bf6401725237adf132bcc47b58
•
Contemporary earth architecture, www.fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.ptdownloadFile844820067123555IST-MCRDissertacao-JNF_Extended-abstract_v012_binded
•
Mud architecture, www.rroij.comopen-accessmud-architecture
•
Rammed earth and cold climate, www.publications.lib.chalmers.serecordsfulltext183730183730
•
D. Easton, the Rammed Earth House: Chelsea Green Publishing United States. (1996)
•
H Hugo, and G. Hubert, (1994): Earth Construction a Comprehensive Guide: Intermediate technology publication
•
Earth and Sun Construction, (2008): Site created by Digital Solutions
•
Buzzle.com, Ecology Issues; Intelligent Life on the Web 2011
•
http://iosrjournals.orgiosr-jestftpapersvol1-issue4D0142028.pdfid=3576
•
http://www.ipcbee.comvol144-B084.pdf
•
http://www.theownerbuilder.com.aureviewsReviews%20155
•
httpwww.projects.aegee.orgsustainingfileadminuser_uploadearth_architecture_Su Fu_and_the_Cit ac.els-cdn.comS18770428130296981-s2.0-S1877042813029698-
EARTH ARCHITECTURE
23
main.pdf_tid=c726adc0-ebc5-11e6-abc600000aab0f01&acdnat=1486314716_ef27604567121ac5174093ba1b2e9441 •
http://www.projects.aegee.orgsustainingfileadminuser_uploadearth_architecture_ SuFu_and_the_City
•
http://www.earth-auroville.commaintenanceuploaded_pics0-earth-world-intro-en
•
http://pdf.usaid.govpdf_docsPNAAE689