11286 Design and Construction of Earth Buildings

Construction from locally available earth without kiln-fired intervention has long been one of humankind's primary building techniques. A renaissance in the process has recently become possible through a greater understanding of geotechnical information, and the medium has once again been acknowledged in global terms. It would be irresponsible to ignore the issues arising, and thoroughly proper to develop a design prudence relating to this material.

The subject aims to provide a comprehensive examination of modern attitudes and architectural practice in respect to earth buildings. This encompasses a generalised history of building practices and includes traditional and current methods including adobe, pise, pressed earth bricks and engineered rammed earth. The subject also reviews appropriate soil types and their geotechnical classification, the relevant construction techniques for walls and floors, the durability of earth buildings, the benefits of thermal mass and the recent development of earth building codes.

The subject is offered in partnership with the building program, which has an established research laboratory in the Faculty dealing with this material. It is intended that field trips and some hands-on experience will be made available to those participating in this course.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus