Earth Architecture, by Ronald Rael

10 March, 2009

I would recommend Ronald Rael’s book to all those people who are interested in this “alternative” means to architecture, existing since 10,000 years BC.

Recently, several factors have pushed architects to reinterpret past traditions and update versions of ancient techniques.

The book is a recent history of earthen architecture, and considers projects completed after 1970 with raw, exposed earth as finish or surface. Rammed earth takes up most of the book, with the second half split among mud brick, compressed earth blocks and moulded earth.

Each project needs to be discovered carefully, earth can be in the details and choices are, mainly, dictated by nature and sensitivity.

The author highlights contemporary trends such as industrialism, while earth construction is a “traditional practice, unchanged for thousands of years”; ecology, in terms of thermal mass, energy savings and recyclability; resistance to earthquakes; dissemination of earthen architecture; prejudices; and politics, including the difficulty of creating standards.

Ronald writes in simple, descriptive prose, each project is traced in a way that creates an anthology and motivates the reader to further study and research. The book is rich in content and draws in other authors, architects, historical buildings and periods.

It cannot go in our technical library as no details are displayed and few technical issues are highlighted. It would be interesting to see, in the future Earth Architecture 2, the same buildings from a technical point of view.

Get the latest stories first with BD newsletters. Click to signup
							WHAT ARE THESE?

| DISCUSS IN BD'S FORUM | SUBSCRIBE TO BD

---

We want to hear from you
You can be as critical or controversial as you like, but please don't get personal or offensive, and do keep it brief and relevant. Remember this is for feedback and constructive discussion!
Comments may be edited if they do not meet these guidelines.

Tell us what you think

You must fill in all fields marked *

Story date 10 March, 2009

This field is for security, please leave blank.

Your Name*

Your Email*

Comment*