Compressed Earth Block Construction
Earth block construction techniques are some of the oldest building methods in the world, having been used by many societies throughout the ages to create structures large and small.
Rather than use adobe blocks or straw bales, an earth and clay mixture is compressed into shaped blocks - however, unlike adobe blocks, the compressed earth does not contain straw, asphalt or other additives.
 Today’s earth houses need strong, long-lasting blocks to ensure a good investment with the minimum of maintenance - a minimum of 15-25% clay in the mixture fills the spaces between earth particles, helping bind them together to form a strong block. A stabiliser may also be used to give a good binding surface for the cement plaster.
Earth can be pressed into interlocking bricks with holes or grooves incorporated to allow for the inclusion of reinforcing inserts, while curved and asymmetric blocks can be shaped for use in reinforced lintels and other features.
Consistent block sizes means a faster, cleaner build with less waste and the potential to incorporate conventional building components in a manner similar to typical construction techniques. The ability to integrate with conventional building materials enlarges the scope of what can be achieved within the structural design.
Compressed earth block houses are very energy-efficient, the high mass absorbing heat from the environment, radiating it out later when the background temperature drops. This “thermal buffering” helps regulate temperature and can result in considerable savings to ongoing heating costs.
Earth block construction techniques produce an extremely strong and durable building fabricated from entirely natural materials which may be resourced locally, saving costs on manufacturing and transport, and making it the environmentally friendly choice.
|
