Contemporary Architecture through Mud

Contemporary Architecture through Mud

Merita Joy 4 Year, 8th Semester, Roll No. 2009AR24 University School of Design th

Contents Topic

Page No.

Introduction

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1

Adobe

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2

- Druk White Lotus School - La Luz Community

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5 6

Cob

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7

- Handmade School

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8

Rammed Earth

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9

- Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Center - Niswath & Prakah Reesidence - Bansura Hill Resort

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11 12 13

Compressed Earth Block

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13

- Mapungumbwe Interpretation Center - Primary School

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15 16

Conclusion

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19

Bibliography

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Introduction Contemporary essentially means belonging to the present age. Therefore, it is architecture that belongs to the present age or that particular context.

Historically the world and our country alone have a rich history and literally a database of knowledge on traditional construction techniques and material usage which are extremely adaptive and coherent with its immediate environment. It involves the use of knowledge passed on over generations, tried and tested modules of construction. There is also the aspect of how the local people can contribute to the process at a rather previously unprecedented level.

Architecture itself has its roots established from the time man started seeking shelter for himself.

As his knowledge evolved so did the way he put to use the materials available around him. Among this ancient way is the evolution of mud structures as the mainstream providers for the most basic need of shelter.

The phenomenon of building with was not within isolated places. It is a technique and methodology and that was spread and presents itself across the globe each adapting to its own immediate environment and surroundings.

As the years went by man’s knowledge has only increased and from earth evolved other materials and soon replaced almost entirely by burnt bricks, cement, steel and the like. But, through that stage of evolution is where man started getting unbalanced with nature.

Unfortunately these days so many of us think that we can only build “properly” and “satisfactorily” by using such items as reinforced concrete, cement blocks, burnt bricks, etc. But equally unfortunately the manufacture of steel and cement for reinforced concrete is now called “energy intensive’.

Cities take about 2%of the land surface but they consume 75% of the world's resources and it is here were these materials are used very rampantly. This coupled with dangerous misconceptions in most developing nations, especially our country India, earth buildings are often thought of as premodern or backward. This mind-set is also leading to the death of traditional knowledge on building with earth.

Currently it is estimated that one half of the world's population—approximately three billion people on six continents—lives or works in buildings constructed of earth. And while the vast legacy of traditional and vernacular earthen construction has been widely discussed, little attention has been paid to the contemporary tradition of earth architecture.

Many assume that it's only used for housing in poor rural areas—but there are examples of airports, embassies, hospitals, museums, and factories that are made of earth. It's also assumed that earth is a fragile, ephemeral material, while in reality some of the oldest extant buildings on the planet are made of earth.

These misconceptions and mind-sets have resulted in the absence of codes, regulations and standards within the building codes of regions and whole nations. Since most of the construction in contemporary are heavily regulated by these codes there causes a lack of initiative to construct any project of a medium or large scale with earth. Concrete and other such materials are considered superior to earth only due to the lack of information the population and builders have on its properties and possibilities. Ironic aspect is that at one point of time in history when earth architecture was the norm of the day burnt brick and cement were considered inferior technologies due to lack of knowledge on the materials. Therefore this whole process is nothing but a cycle right now were this ancient knowledge with all its benefit can be revived back into contemporary times.

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Therefore the research consists of: • Address the misconceptions associated with earth architecture.

• Exploring the kind of possibilities with mud that naturally exist in abundance.

• Understanding and exploring its properties,limits and scales they can be applied in today’s • modern construction and buildings.

• Analysing the work of architects that are already pioneering in the field and exploring further into the possibilities.

• An understanding of all the pros and cons and how to push the limits of its use to new levels and bring traditional knowledge into the forefront.

Fig.1(above)&Fig.1.1(below)The making of adobe blocks, Shibam,Yemen

Adobe Ingredients: Mud, straw, and water. Method: Mix and shape into a brick and bake in the sun until dry. This simple recipe results in perhaps one of man's most important inventions—the mud brick.

Adobe is a low-cost, readily available construction material, usually manufactured by local communities. Typical cost of a new adobe house US$11/m2 in India.

Adobe structures are generally self-made because the construction practice is simple and does not require additional energy resources.

Mud mortar is typically used between the blocks.

Here in India we know it as sun dried bricks

History

Fig.1.3

The world's first skyscrapers, tower houses constructed over five hundred years ago in the city of Shibam, Yemen, reach heights up to 96 feet.

Mud brick can be stacked even higher. Humankind's first cities were also constructed of mud brick. As agricultural knowledge increased, builders realized that agricultural soil, mixed with the straw left over from grain harvests, was highly suited for creating a durable building module.

Fig.1.3& Fig.1.4 The Manhattan of the East, Shibam, Yemmen.

Built entirely out of adobe blocks.

Catalhayuk, an Early Neolithic site in Turkey, a mud brick town of 8, 000 people, dates back as far as 9500 B.C.E. it was also coming into use in the developing cities of ancient India.

Fig.1.4

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Making Method Descriptions of tools, methods, and techniques for making and building with mud brick are well documented in the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt.

Egyptian builders also developed a technique for constructing catenary vaults of mud brick without the use of supports.

Fig.2.1 Traditional Wood Mould

A small box or mould of wood or metal is used and the stiff clay is squeezed into the mould and then turned out to cure and slowly dry.

The adobe bricks can be made to any size.

They can be the same se an ordinary burnt brick (about 9" x 4.5" x 3") or they can be bigger (l2" x 6" x 4") if a thicker wall is preferred or indicated.

The smaller brick is likely to crack less.

If care is taken to dry the bricks slowly about the minimum for a month the walls are built in the normal proper way, strong crack free walls are normal and can be used for 2 or even 3 storey buildings.

An ordinary, large burnt brick size is good, then masons need no special training to build.

You can make moulds so that several blocks can be made at one time.

Of course, the usual care must be taken to protect them from wet and to use standard bonding patterns.

Fig.2.2.

Traditional and Multiple Mould Systems

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Soil Considerations The soil composition typically contains clay and sand.

Sometimes straw or wheat husk is added. Straw is useful in binding the brick together and allowing the brick to dry evenly.

Dung offers the same advantage and is also added to repel insects.

The mixture is roughly half sand (50%), one-third clay (35%), and one-sixth straw (15%) by weight.

Stabilizers In modern mud brick production, additional stabilizers are occasionally included in the mixture to increase strength, cohesion, and water impermeability.

Common additives are lime, portland cement, and bitumen.

Fig.3.1. Rural Additives

Roof,Foundation & Walls Roof covering may be corrugated zinc sheets or clay tiles, depending on the economic situation of the owner and the cultural inclinations of the region.

The foundation, if present, is made of medium to large stones joined with mud or coarse mortar. They are also made with reinforced cement concrete.

In traditional constructions, wall thickness depends on the weather conditions of the region.

Thus, in coastal areas with a mild climate, walls are thinner than in the cold highlands or in the hottest deserts.

Fig.3.4 Introduction of Bond Beam/Tie Beam for seismic reasons

Fig.3.2 Industrial Additive Fig.3.3 A traditional adobe house that exhibits good seismi behavior is the bhonga type, typical of Gujarat,India.

In response to the need for more seismicresistant adobe methods, the modern building code calls for continuous tie beams; just above the foundation level, under windows, above the windows, and at the top of the walls. These time tie beams of two-by-fours are made with cross ties at 1-meter intervals, and lapped at corners and intersections.

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Druk White Lotus School Architect: Arup Associates (London) Completion: 2001 Location:Shey, Ladakh, India • The Druk White Lotus School is located in harsh and arid terrain.

• It draws its 380 pupils from the area surrounding the village of Shey, Ladakh, in a remote region of the Himalayas in Northern India. The school is conceived under the patronage of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

• The project was established to reflect traditional values and culture at a time when the community is under tremendous pressure to change.

• An environment of extremes at 3,500 metres above sea level, it is a high-altitude desert landscape.

• In this severe and fragile ecological context the development incorporates every available strategy to reduce resource consumption.

• Traditional materials are used; locally excavated stone, mud bricks(adobe), timber and grass.

• Walls contain outer leaves of hand-crafted granite blocks set in mud mortar.

Fig.4.2 Exterior Spaces

Fig.4.1 Mud block Construction

• Traditional mud brick masonry is used internally, the whole providing increased thermal performance and durability.

• The solidly earthquake resistant buildings rely on principles of natural ventilation, appropriate orientation.

• The school provides a safe, sustainable and pleasant learning environment to standards previously unavailable in Ladakh, and responds to the specific cultural needs of local people.

Fig.4.3 Interior Spaces

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La Luz Community Architect:Antoine Pedrock, USA Location:Albuquerque, NM Completeion:1967

• La Luz is a close-knit community of townhouse with conserving open areas for common recreation.

• An indoor-outdoor life within each unit is made possible by responding to the spectacular views and natural conditions.

• The concept of the community within which the townhouses are sited involves a basic attitude toward the land - an urban environment and open natural areas can and should coexist, especially in New Mexico.

• Building forms and materials that provide protection from a widely varying climate were employed.

• Glass is recessed beneath concrete facias.

Fig.5.1 Mud Blocks made from Excavated Soil on Site

Fig.5.2 Ariel View of La Luz Community, New Mexico

Fig.5.3 Interior Spaces

• The massive adobe walls serve as heat reservoirs and form acoustical barriers.

• Some adobe walls are stuccoed white to bound light into a patio or room.

• High adobe walls protect outdoor yard areas from wind and provide privacy between units.

• All exterior walls are earth-colored, stuccoed adobe with sand-blasted concrete lintels spanning openings.

• Horizontal roof framing is wood joist. Living area ceilings are gapped white fir planks or dry wall.

• Glass walls aim east at mountain and city views.

• The west sides of the units offer a predominantly blank wall to the impact of the afternoon sun and are closed to the dustladenspring winds.

Fig.5.4 Superstructure entirely built from Mud

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Cob The techniques used in the construction of buildings using cob go back to the early 19th century. Unlike some other traditional earth buildings, cob does not need to be encased in forms during building construction.

Cob construction, involves the mixing of clay, sand and straw with a higher straw content which makes it bond better and stronger.

Straw is often used as an additive for cob wall construction in India.

Materials Used • Clay – this can be as high as 50% of the mixture, and acts as a fixative, bonding the rest of the components together.

• Sand – the addition of 30% sand is filler and can help prevent cracks when drying out.

• Straw – The straw is cut into longer strands than are normally used in earth buildings mixes. As much as 20%, giving inherent strength.

Fig6.1 Cob Wall Construction

Fig 2.2 A row of cobs of mud are laid neatly side-byside -somewhat pressed together.

Making Method •

• • • • • • • • • •

Adding a little water the material is first kneaded by feet and a large lump of it - as much as you can hold between your two hands - is roughly moulded into the shape of a huge elongated egg.

The usual size is anything between 12 to 18-inches, (30 to 40-cm) long and about 6-inches (15-cm) in diameter.

They are either stacked on top of one another or thrown forcefully onto the wall.

A layer is left to dry before adding the next layer to build up walls.

It is not rammed after placement.

This technique enables building very thick walls (thickness varies from 40 to 200 cm).

The surface of the walls will be somewhat rough if only the hands are used to smooth over the holes and crevices.

After wall completion you can smooth its surface by using a sharp knife.

It will slice off bumps giving a clean smooth surface.

Openings are done by using temporary vertical planks or shuttering.

Fig.6.3 The second layer obviously lies in the depressions between the lower rows of cobs.

Fig.6.4 Openings for doors, and windows using temporary vertical planks or shuttering. Another very simple shuttering for openings is to use empty kerosene tins.

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• Withstand earthquakes, fire retardant, energy efficient and inexpensive.

• Contemporary cob has beautiful curvilinear walls and sculptural details.

• The main advantage of cob is that no special tools or other equipment is required.

Handmade School, Bangladesh

Fig.7.1 Cob Construction,India

Architects: Anna Heringer(Austria)&Eike Roswag(Germany) Location: Rudrapur, Dinajpur district, Bangladesh Footprint Area: 275sqm.

Floor Area: 325sqm.

Project Year: 2007 • Hand-built in four months by architects, local craftsmen, pupils, parents and teachers, this primary school in Rudrapur.

• Uses traditional methods and materials of construction but adapts them in new ways.

• The architects engaged the skills of local craftsmen, refining processes and teaching new techniques.

• The building reflects creative ideas through its materials, techniques and architectural design.

• New design solutions from an in-depth knowledge of the local context and new ways of building.

• Resulting in a building that creates beautiful, meaningful and humane collective spaces for learning which enrich the lives of the children it serves.

• Sunlight and ventilation are regulated through the use of shutters.

• The traditional local materials are bambooconstructions and earth-walls/foundations, straw-roofs and jute rope-lashing constructions.

• Loam and straw are combined with lighter elements like bamboo sticks and nylon lashing to create a sustainable foundation.

• Thick walls assure a comfortable climate on the ground floor.

Fig.7.2 Multistorey Cob Building, England 1539

Fig.7.3 Front Elevation

Construction Technique • The construction method used is similar to cob-walling. Refer Fig.7.4 • The wet earth is mixed with straw and applied to the wall in layers.

• Each layer is approximately 50-70 cm high, and after a couple of days drying, it is trimmed on the sides with a sharp spade to obtain a regular flat wall surface.

• After a second drying period, a further layer can be added.

• The earth in this region is well-suited for such construction and the stability of the mixture was improved by adding rice, straw and jute.

• Introduction of a damp proof course and a brick foundation.

Fig.7.3 (top)

Fig.7.6 Bamboo+ Cob Joinery

Fig.7.5 Interior Spaces

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Rammed Earth Archaeological evidence from numerous sites around the world shows that the technique of packing moist soil into form work was used as early as the seventh millennium B.C. The earliest written record of rammed earth dates to the first century A.D., in Roman historian Pliny the Elder’s Natural History.

China

Morocco

Wonderful heritage can be found in countries such as France, Spain, Morocco, China, and all over the Himalayan area.

• Chateaux and apartments in Europe.

• Entire villages in North Africa.

India, Ladakh, Losar

India, Ladakh, Basgo - House

• Parts of the Great Wall of China.

• Buildings in most of the Himalayan regions

of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Ladakh in India.

• Widespread examples in South America.

When constructed properly, rammed earth buildings survive far longer the regular timber frame and brick masonry construction.

France, Dauphiné - Château, 19thcentury

France, Saint Siméon de Bressieux - Longest building in Europe

Monolithic rammed earth walls even outperform stone.

Materials Used The best soil for rammed earth is preferably sandy or gravely rather than clayey, one should take a lot of care about the clay content.

After excavation, the soil is thoroughly sieved, to break the lumps and make it lighter.

Big rocks should be removed but some stones could be kept. If the natural soil is too dry, it should moistened and mixed so as to get a uniform humid mix.

Fig.8.1 Rammed Earth Wall Construction

The ideal mixture is 18% clay mixed with 23% coarse aggregate, 30% sand, and 32% silt; but because clay provides good cohesion, mixes upto 30% clay are possible.

Moisture levels are good if there is no dust being emitted by the pounding of the earth. But if the soil is too muddy, it will stick to the formwork or

Fig.8.2 Wooden Formwork

Fig.8.2 Manual Tamping

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the tamping device.

Formwork types: The formwork used in the construction of rammed earth structures is designed to resist the outward forces created by the compaction of the soil.

It also defines the structure’s shape and allows for the creation of windows, doors, or impressions in the earth structure.

Two techniques have traditionally been developed. They used either horizontal or vertical formworks.

The horizontal technique was used in many parts of the world. Strips of walls were built horizontally and their height varied from 30 to 90 cm.

The formwork consisted of 2 wooden panels held together with wooden clamps and keys, which were tightened with ropes.

Once one portion of a wall was completed, the formwork was immediately dismantled and moved further along the side of the wall.

The vertical technique walls were built vertically to their full height at once.

Fig.9.1 Horizontal Formwork

Fig.9.2 Vertical Formwork

Ensure the vertical joints between one rammed section and next are not vertically one above the other. Otherwise, these vertical joints can later turn into a large vertical crack.

The advancement of formwork has allowed architects to escape from the rectilinear geometries of traditional rammed earth and use curves and obtuse angles.

Soil is typically added 4 to 8 inches at a time and compressed to half of its uncompacted height.

Every course is rammed till the rammer hitting the soil gives a clear sharp sound.. Well-compacted layers resound with a “ringing� or reverberating sound.

Fig. 9.3 Vertical joints

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Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre – HBBH Architects Architects: Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden architects + urbanistes Location: Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada Project year: 2006 Site Area: 1,600 acre Constructed Area: 1,115 sqm Materials: Rammed Earth, Concrete, Bluestain Pine Cladding Sited adjacent to a remnant of the Great Basin Desert, this interpretative centre is part of a larger 200-acre master plan.

Nk’Mip is the first of a number of new B.C. aboriginal centres.

Explores the expressive potential of architecture in conveying the rich past and transforming future of aboriginal culture.

The building features indoor and outdoor exhibits that celebrate the culture and the history of the band, and is designed to be an extension of the remarkable site.

The desert landscape flows over the building’s green roof, held back by a rammed earth wall.

Entry sequence from the parking area moves visitors through a series of nested concrete walls up to an entry plaza at the end of the rammed earth wall.

The plaza-used for collecting large groups, and signage about events of the day-leads along a low concrete wall that separates the original desert landscape and the building.

Sustainability Features

Fig.10.1 Rammed Earth Wall used in contemporary space making

Fig.10.2 Front Entrance. Rammed Earth Wall done with alternating vertical joinery

• The project’s concern with deep sustainability grows out of the fragility of this landscape.

• Extreme climate, hot, dry summers and cool, dry winters • Average temperatures: -18 degrees to +33 degrees, +40 on summer days.

• The partially buried structure mitigates the extremes in temperature, and its orientation optimizes passive solar performance, with glazing minimized on the south and west sides.

Fig.10.2 Largest Monolithic Rammed Earth Wall in • A habitable green roof North America • This habitable landscaped roof reduces the

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building’s visual imprint on the landscape, and allows a greater percentage of the desert landscape habitat to be re-established on the site.

• The roof also provides further temperature stabilization and insulation.

• At 80m long, 5.5m high, and 600mm thick, the rammed earth wall creates insulation that stabilizes temperature variations. Constructed from local soils mixed with concrete and colour additives.

• Its substantial thermal mass cools the building in the summer and warms it in winter.

• The graduated layers of earth shades evoking geological sedimentation within a distinctly contemporary architectural language.

• The wall has the appearance of being at once handmade and precise-its layers irregular, and its overall form sharp and geometrical, as well as the irregular horizontal strata of the compacted layers of earth used to construct the wall.

• The modern version of this earth-based wall system combines two -250mm wythes of compacted sand and cement with 100mm of insulation sandwiched between.

• Is extremely stable and doesn’t off-gas toxic or greenhouse gas emissions.

• The technique results in a physically strong, durable wall with excellent thermal qualities.

• This project created the opportunity for the Osoyoos Indian Band to develop unique, highly artisanal construction skills as rammed earth contractors.

Nishwath&Prakah Residence Architect:Chitra Vishwanath, Bangalore.

Year: 2006 Location: Eagle Ridge Near Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore Site: 80' x 65' Built-up Area: 2,200 sqft.

A residence for a young couple that is sustainable and eco-friendly.

Construction Technique • Slipform construction.

• Formwork is made from prelaminated plywood and mild steel angle sections to reinforce it.

• They have sufficient self-weight to not need any other attachment or reinforcement.

• Mud blocks laid in mud mortar between the plinth beam above the stone foundation.

• The mud blocks can be optionally done away with.

• They are laid so that the skirting of the flooring can go over it without cutting off the rammed earth.

• Jack arch roof/Arch panel roof between the rammed earth walls to ventilate the basement.

• The soil that was excavated from the basement was used to build the house.

• These structures are all designed and validated by senior structural engineers.

Fig.11.1 Exterior View

Fig.12.2 Fromwork from Laminated Plywood and Steel Angles

Fig.12.4 Layer of Mud Blocks above Stone Foundation& Plinth Beam

Fig.12.3 9” thick Walls

Fig.12.4 Steel JackArch ventilatin and lighting basement

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Banasura Hill Resort, Waynad, India The Banasura Sagar Dam,Waynad, the biggest earth dam in India.

Just a few kilometres away, stands the Banasura Hill Resort, leading earth resort in the country.

The rammed earth walls of the resort are built with mud excavated from site.

Local tribals were called in for the labour and their expertise in building with mud was also tapped.

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) In 1803 Francois Cointeraux, a Lyonnaise architect was so inspired by building with earth that he developed a mechanical press to create a building module. He viewed the output of the press as a form of cast stone—neither brick nor mud block. Thus, the modern compressed earth block (CEB) was born—a building component that had the versatility of a brick but the social, economic, and environmental potential of rammed earth.

The new development of compressed stabilized earth block (CSEB) construction really started in the 1950’s, a research programme for affordable houses proposed the first manual press-the Cinvaram. Since then, considerable scientific researches has been carried out by laboratories.

India developed CSEB technology only in the 1980’s, but sees today a wider dissemination and development of CSEB. The Auroville Building Centre/Earth Unit is the Indian leader in earth architecture and construction. They represent India on the UNESCO chair Earthen Architecture and aims to promote earth architecture for sustainable development and habitat.

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Manufacturing Method

The soil, raw or stabilized, for a compressed earth block is slightly moistened, poured into a steel press and then compressed either with a manual or motorized press. The input of soil stabilization has made it possible to build higher with thinner walls which have a much better compressive strength and water resistance. With cement stabilization, the blocks must be cured for four weeks after manufacturing. After this, they call dry freely and be used like common bricks with a soil cement stabilized mortar.

The Cinavaram Press In 1950, Colombian engineer Raul Ramirez developed a manually operated machine that fabricates CEBs and tiles for construction. Popularly known as the CinvaRam, the device consists of a steel box whose base is filled with soil and a lever and compresses the soil. When the lever is released, the lid can be removed and the lower plate can be raised even further to extract the CEB. Using this process, a few workmen can produce up to five hundred blocks a day. Portability and ease of use make this particular invention extremely attractive for the production of CEBs, and it is still commonly found in use throughout the world. The technological sophistication that allows for mass production at various scales makes CEB one of the few earth technologies that are also a viable commercial product.

Soil Stabilization Many stabilizers can be used. Cement and lime are the most common ones. Others, like chemicals, resins or natural products can be used as well.

The selection of a stabilizer will depend upon the soil quality and the project requirements: • Cement will be preferable for sandy soils and to achieve quickly a higher strength.

• Lime will be rather used for very clayey soil, but will take a longer time to harden and to give

strong blocks.

The average stabilizer proportion is rather low: • Cement stabilization = 5% average. The minimum is 3% and the maximum is 8%(only for cost

reasons).

• Lime stabilisation = 6% average. The minimum is 2% and the maximum is 10%(for technical rea-

son).

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Ecological Comparison of building materials

Product and Thickness

No of units

Energy

CO2 Emission

(per m2)

(MJ per m2)

(Kg per m2)

Dry Compres- sion Crushing strength (Kg/cm2)

CSEB -24cm Wire Cut Bricks 22cm Country Fired Bricks - 22cm Concrete Blocks 20cm

40

110

16

40-60

87

539

39

75-100

112

1657

126

30-50

20

235

26

75-100

Mapungubwe Interpretation Center Architect: Peter Rich Architects (South Africa) Location: Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo, South Africa Ground Floor Area: 16,000sq.ft.

Design Guidelines:

• Preserve and promote an ancient heritage.

• Create spaces deeply rooted in the physical and cultural setting.

• Support the local ecology.

• Create a place of respect and celebration.

• Open, accessible spaces.

• Secure spaces protected from the elements.

• Spaces that speak of the history and settin

Site Conditions: • Arid • Intense sun • Breezy winds

Fig.14.1 Aerial Shot

Fig.14.2 Site Section

Site Considerations: • • • •

Site slopes steeply from mesa.

Home to immensely rich flora and fauna.

Economically poor local population.

Peter Rich used the site as both the inspiration for design and the source of materials.

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Layout:

• Equilateral triangle sets the primary ordering, set in accordance to contours.

• Geometrical system references triangle inscriptions from ancient dwellings.

Forms:

• Visual dominance is by two large, hollow cairns - emulate trading route markers used by ancient tribes.

Main structural system is timber vaulting, a system of cross-layering bricks for structural support • Incredibly thin and efficient.

• No steel reinforcement required.

• “tiles as a substitute for steel” • Forms local to the area.

• No double-roof.

Fig.14.1 Compressed Earth Tiles made on site and used for Dome Construction.

Materials / Construction

• Local unskilled labor used as part of a poverty relief program.

• Low economic and environmental impact.

• Local laborers produced 200,000 tiles from local pressed-soil cement tiles.

• Manual brick-pressing machine.

• Rusted steel window screens mimic natural branch patterns.

• Spaces express raw materials, hand-made aesthetic.

Texture:

• Exposure of raw, local materials gives handmade, weathered texture.

• Dramatic juxtaposition of materials&forms create natural environment of valleys, caves, ponds and crevices.

Primary School, Gando, Burkina Faso Architect:Francis Diebedo Kere Designed in: 1999 Completion year: 2001 Gross Floor Area: 310m² • To achieve sustainability, the project was based on the principles of designing for climatic comfort with low-cost construction, utilizing local materials and help of the local community, and adapting technology from the industrialized world in a simple way.

• It was also conceived as a standard model that could be copied within the community to raise awareness of traditional materials.

• Climatic considerations largely determined the building’s form and materials.

• Three classrooms are arranged in a linear fashion and separated by covered outdoor areas used for teaching and play.

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• The structure comprises traditional load-bearing walls of stabilized compressed earth blocks(CSEB).

• Concrete beams run across the width of the ceiling, and steel bars laying across these support a ceiling also made of compressed earth blocks.

• The architect devised a process whereby common construction steel bars were used to create lightweight trusses, with corrugated metal sheeting laid on top to form the roof allowing cool air to flow freely between the roof and the ceiling.

• The roof also has a large overhang, which shades the facades and helps to ensure climatic comfort.

• Room temperature is additionally moderated by the earthen walls, which absorb heat.

Fig.16.1 Compressed Earth Block Walls and Roof

School Extension, Gando, Burkina Faso Completion year: 2008 Gross floor area: 318m² • Three years after its opening, more than 280 pupils from Gando and its surrounding villages attend the Primary School.

• This meant that an extension was required.

• The design is based on the same climatic principles as the original school, but it takes a different form.

• In the School Extension the ceiling is a vault made of CSEBs.

Fig.16.2 School Extension Plan & Section

Fig.16.3 Vault Roof of CSEB Fig.16.4 Exterior View

School Library, Gando, Burkina Faso Completion year: 2012 Gross floor area: 460m² • The library building forms a joint between the first school building and the extension and thus shelters the schoolyard from dust-carrying easterly winds.

• As in the school buildings, the main construction material is compressed earth blocks.

• The geometry of the building is however different; in contrast to the strictly rectangular school, the library has an elliptical shape.

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Fig.17.1 Oval Libraray Plan constructed from CSEB

Fig.17.2 Aerial View

Fig.17.3 Local made earthen pots used as skylights for the library roof

Auroville, Pondicherry, India.

In India, the architects collaborating and working collectively at the Auroville Earth Institute are one of the pioneers in the field of research and active works with Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks(CSEB).

Fig.17.5

Fig.17.4 Fig.17.4-7 Vikas Community 3-4 storeyed Apartments, Auroville.

Fig.17.6

Fig.17.7

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Conclusion Mud is one material that is available through most of the landmasses on earth. Together with reviving the ancient knowledge on construction with mud and infusing modern technologies that man has come to understand over the years using earth for mainstream construction can be projected to a whole new reality.

Earthen construction faces several social, bureaucratic, and political obstacles that prevent its application from being as widespread as it might. Those engaged in building and designing with earthen materials have no organized trade associations to finance the research and documentation of earthwalled construction systems. Another challenging barrier to the acceptance of earthen construction is a pervasive scepticism toward the validity of building alternatives whose sources are outside the boundaries of mainstream, modern, high-tech processes. Great progress toward a more environmentally conscious, sustainable construction material can be achieved if those who are actively building with adobe, rammed earth, and compressed earth block are included in the discussion and planning of codes and education.

From the above mentioned properties of the various kinds of construction techniques and methodologies possible with earth and also the illustrated examples of buildings made through these methods show how adaptable earth is. It can clearly do away with the misconceptions about earth not being versatile and strong enough to build large scale and the forms that are used as examples here are anything but traditional or backward. Therefore a new kind of contemporary space is conceived from these earthen finishes and feels. A space and structure that’s functional performance-wise and comfortably mouldable to the requirements it has to accommodate. The methods discussed here are only a fraction of the many ways of construction with mud. It demonstrates the limitless opportunities that are left to be explored.

Mud has the capability of replacing burnt bricks, cement blocks, concrete and other such energy intensive building materials in varied kind of projects happening at an urban as well as rural level. Since construction with mud in India has its roots in a rural setting reviving this knowledge will benefit the rural community and it will also be a source of income for them if they ever migrate to an urban area and will be something that they are skilled.

The approach should start at the grassroots level and should be pioneered by the urban and educated folk. Only then can further understanding and studies be propagated in the field and accepted better. Like mentioned earlier knowledge increases awareness, awareness leads to acceptance and this can lead to a revolution in the environment of our urban areas through wider use of earthen structures. India can then truly be an example with its own style (not mimicking the West) and lead other nations forward in the 21st century.

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Bibliography Alternative Construction- Contemporary Natural Building Methods, Author: Lynn Fernandes & Cassandre Adams.

Earth Architecture, Author: Ronald Rael Batir en Terre, Author: Laetitia Fontaine & Romaine Anger Auroville Earth Institute Articles of Laurie Baker www.designboom.com www.archdaily.com www.archnet.com www.inhabitat.com www.calearth.com world wide web

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