Earth eco-building: textile-reinforced earth block construction

Abstract

Compacted earth block and adobe respond directly to the demands of sustainable building: low embodied energy, high specific heat capacity, inherent phase change properties, locally available in nearly all regions of the world. Because of its resistance to codification by traditional engineered quantification, however, earthen construction has remained largely relegated to the global south and, in Northern Europe, to bespoke small-market construction. Our research considers how the addition of natural fibre and recoverable textile components can lend compressed earth block building structural resilience and more predictable material qualities relative to human comfort and building longevity. Through our own and combinatory research, we have developed a decision tool to customize textile and fibre components to local climatic, soil and seismic conditions. The customized components, conceived as a kit of parts we have termed the ‘Just-Add-Earth Kit’, ship pre-templated to the site, serving to regulate construction, much like formwork or centering, but remaining in place after construction to serve as tensile reinforcing. The result is a carbon-neutral, locally appropriate construction with excellent interior climate characteristics as much at home in the developed world as in the developing world.