Architectural Dissertation

An Architects perception of
Earthen Architecture In Contemporary Scenario

A technique of the past helping us today to develop a healthy & green future.
Submitted by - JANAKI RAMASAMY - 10AR28
EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO
Title Description
An Architects perception of
How do an ARCHITECT , as a person who develops built form and urban setting for welfare of SOCIETY, perceive the concept of
EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE (oldest conventional building technology) now being put aside naming it as SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
Earthen Architecture
One of the oldest forms of construction
In
Contemporary Scenario
Meaning Living /occurring at the same time
It is composed of structures made from unfired
Today's World of construction Moving towards the
earthen materials, including adobe (sun-dried mud
highly technological face with all the utopian concepts.
brick),
earthen
Is the Age old technique a mismatch to the current face?
components and construction techniques that varies
The Techniques and technology that today's field of
with culture and region
construction uses to handle the material.
rammed
earth,
and
other
Aim of the study
To Recognize the significance of earthen architecture and its

techniques from past to present .
To know about the alternative technologies used in earthen

architecture and to figure out its scope and promote it as a construction
material in todays world
Objective of the study
To overview the history of earthen construction
To understand the qualities and properties of mud
To study and understand the usefulness and problems that

earth as a construction material has and have.
To understand and analyze the earth construction techniques.
To study the problems in designing structures, construction and

maintenance of earthen construction through pioneers designs.
To study the innovative earth construction techniques.
To study the potentials of earth architecture to solve

sustainability issues.
Earthen architecture as a tool to solve housing needs for poor

Study and analysis of it being economical.
Scope and Limitations of the study
To overview the history of earthen construction through

chronological and statistical data
To understand the qualities and properties of mud through various

literature sources and not through physical testing of the same
Study is not intended to analyze or calculate any climatic

responsive factors
To bring out the alternative/innovative approach and its

applications through study on pioneers design and various other
case examples.
Study is limited to focus on principles and works of three national

and three international Architects.
Final outcome of the study:

Building with earth has a great past, but also a promising future
Everywhere in the world

- Ar.Satprem Maini
The attempt is to study and integrate an alternative technologies and various

appropriate building materials and renewable energies sources, so as to promote ecofriendly and sustainable development.
Gain the better knowledge properties of mud
Gain the knowledge about alternative mud architecture techniques
Creating awareness on the Mud architecture by presenting its scope on various fields.
Creating awareness to preserve earthen building traditions
Structure of Presentation
Stage 1
Stage 2
- Definition of Earthen architecture
- Earthen Construction Techniques
- History of Earthen architecture

- Earthen Architecture Statistical Data
- Earthen Architecture In India
- Earth as a Building material
Types of soil and its usage
Tests
Stabilizers
Strength and weakness of the material
12 systems of construction
Various Building Elements
Walls
Vaults, Domes , Arches
Flooring
Plasters and Mortar
Foundation
Aesthetical Quality
- Study on principles and works of

Ar. Hassan Fathy (Egyptian)
Case example - 2
Ar. Gernot Minke(German)

Case example - 2
Ar. Anna Heringer (Austrian)

Case example - 2
Structure of Presentation
Stage 3
Stage 4
- Study on principles and works of

Ar. Satprem Maini (Practicing at Auroville)
Auroville Earth Institute , Auroville
(Comparison with a conventional building material)
resistance
Auroville , Auroville
Ar. Chitra Vishwanath(Indian)

Biome Solutions , Bangalore
- Interviews with Professionals and Technicians

Ar. Anna Muset Cabada
Ar. Nourredine Kebaili
Ar. Martin . L
Mr. T.Ayyappan
Mr. Regi Kumar
sustainability
- Earthen Architecture For Disaster
Ar. Suhasini Iyer (Indian)
- Earthen architecture As a tool for
- Auroville Earth Institute , Auroville

- Auroville Earth Institute , Auroville
- Biome Solutions , Bangalore
- Co-Director of AVEI , Auroville
- Site Supervisor of AVEI , Auroville
- Earthen Architecture As a tool to solve

housing needs
- Current trends and researches

- Role of
An Architect
The Government and private agencies
- Inference and Conclusion

Summary of the Previous stages

From History Of Earthen Architecture To Pioneers Designs And Concepts
It has been one of the most widely used

building materials ever since people
began to build homes and cities 11 000
years ago.
EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE - HISTORY
Statistics from UNCHS

40 % of the world population lives in earthen
dwellings
17 % of the world cultural heritage sites is
built with earth
Statistics from UNESCO

25 % of the world population does not have
access to decent housing
25 % of the world heritage sites in danger is
built with earth\
14 % of the hundred most endangered world
heritage sites is built with earth
Type of Mud construction used - UNESCO
8000 to 6000 BC Mud brick houses,

Russia.
5000 BC Rammed earth

foundations in Assyria.
The 4000 year old great wall of china
300 and 900 AD The core of the

sun , mexico , 2 million tons of
rammed earth.
Bronze age In Germany - infill in

timber-framed houses. Wattle and daub
6th century BC Mud brick Heuneburg fort
-N.Europe
1446- First recorded settlements in
Diriyah
1795 - The oldest inhabited house in
Germany.
Mid 20th century- Renaissance of earthen

architecture (Hassan Fathy)
100 BC Rammed earth forts in

Spain.
13th to 17th centuries cover straw
roofs - fire-resistant.
15th to the 19th centuries In
France, terrepise technique
1828 The tallest house with solid
earth walls - Germany.
10
Earth As A Building Material

Ty p e s o f S o i l a n d u s e s , S o i l t e s t i n g
11
Soil - Types
Soil Types (Based on particle size)
Gravel: size of a pea to that of an egg.
Sand: small than a pea
Silt: Fine grains.
Clay: Soils that stick when wet
CHART SHOWING THE SOIL

TYPES AND MIXTURES
The shaded region Shows the ,
suitable soil proportion for the
building construction
Organic Soil: decomposing organic matters
SOIL USAGE
Suitability for construction is to
be checked before use
12
Soil Testing and types

Soil Test :
There are two kinds of
tests:
Field tests
Gravity soil
separation
Cigar test
Colour tests
Touch and smell test

Biscuit test
Hand wash test
Adhesion Test
Cigar test
Biscuit Test
Adhesion test
Lab tests
Sedimentation
test
Sieve test
Sedimentation test
Sieve test
Hand wash test
13
Earthen Construction Techniques

1 2 s y s t e m s o f c o n s t r u c t i o n , Va r i o u s B u i l d i n g E l e m e n t s
14
12 TECHNIQUES OF CONSTRUCTION
Tubular roll of
sandbag-type
This method was developed

from the bunkers made by
the military
RAMMED EARTH
EARTH BAG SUPER ADOBE

Bamboo and cane
frame structure that
supports the roof.
Mud is plastered over

this mesh of bamboo
cane and straws

this mesh of bamboo
cane and straws

this mesh of bamboo
cane and straws
WATTLE AND DAUB
Various Mouldes
available to
produce adobes
Removal of
excess of mud
COMPRESSED EARTH
BLOCKS
ADOBE
Making Cob out of

the loam prepared
Standard mould used in
the production
Compacting the layers to

form a monolithic structure
COB
Stacking the
cob Properly
Finishing the
wall- Plastering
15
FLOORING
Basic Flooring (Gernot Minke)
The base layer - loam, about15 cm thick
(high clay content - water barrier )
compacted by beating or ramming until no
cracks appear while drying.
Infill loam elements

for floors
Extruded loam
slabs, Germany
Load-bearing loam
floor slabs
next layer - coarse gravel -interrupts capillary action.

a 10-cm-thick layer of straw loam - thermal
insulation. 4-cm-thick - layer of straw loam, stabilised
with cement
2-cm-thick layer of cement mortar with sawdust
Prefabricated tiles
Modern Flooring
Made with stabilized earth

can be used for flooring. One
advantage is that since they
are already dry, shrinkage
only occurs in joints.
15-cm-thick capillary breaking

layer of gravel, followed by plastic
or bituminous felt paper, and topped
with a 10-cm-thick layerof expanded
clay (thermal insulation.)
FLOORING
divided by
a timber grid
Basic Flooring
Done With
Timber Blocks
BUILT EXAMPLES
Earth Flooring , Gives the space a natural look . Lots of

patterns can be created with the flooring styles and
Materialsused
16
Nubian Arches and Domes

Nubian vault technique,
used for centuries in
Upper Egypt, vaults
can be built without
any formwork
Afghan and Persian domes

With this technique, bell shaped
flat domes are produced to
cover square rooms
VAULTS , DOMES AND ARCHES
VAULTS , ARCHES , DOMES
Arches ,Vaults and domes covering interior spaces and

made from earthen blocks are found mainly in religious
buildings in Europe
vaults and domes of loam have been built only with
adobes
masonry vaults and domes only Transfer loads under
compression.
Advantages
This increased height helps in better
ventilation and gives more thermal
comfort.
The skylights provide more light, the
curved ceiling provides equal distribution
of light.
no reinforced cement concrete or steel
structure is necessary
Various
The construction techniques avoid
Construction Process
shuttering, save construction time
BUILT EXAMPLES
Arches , vaults and domes are curved surfaces that transfer

almost exclusively compressive forces to their supports.
17
PLASTER
MUD MORTAR
IDEAL MIX - Requirements
IDEAL MIX - Requirements
Mud walls are protected against damage from rain by

applying mud plaster,.
Consisting of local soil or mud collected from village pond
mixed with bhusha (wheat straw) on outer walls gobri (Cow
dung slurry).
Ideal mix = soil suitable for mud block + 40% to 50% of

sand by weight + 7.5% cement.
Stabilized Earth Mortar is best suited for masonry using mud
blocks.
Application of Plaster
Scrap the undulation, irregularities and
loose particles, if any with the trowel so as
to make the surface uniform.
Course sand (0.2 to 2mm) - reduce shrinkage, Bond

strength
Straw - reduce shrinkage
Cement - reduce shrinkage increase Bond Strenth
APPLICATIONS
For Most of the mud wall construction
Any appreciable crack may be filled with

ordinary mud mortar and allow to dry.
The plaster is commenced from the upper
portion coming towards the bottom.
Apply the plaster in uniform thickness of
12 mm with a trowel and finish it smooth
PLASTERS AND MORTAR
BUILT EXAMPLES
Finish of a building is a very important part to protect the

building from weather and to make it look visually appealing
18
Pioneers of Earthen Architecture

Un d e rsta n d ing p io n eer s d e sig n p rin c ip le s a n d te c h n iq u e s
19
METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
- Architects Profile and Achievements

- Reason Behind them pursuing Earthen Architecture
as a profession.
- Principles and Thoughts
Methodology
- Planning and Design principles
Understanding techniques through Pioneers

design principles
Understanding the architectural and technical
specifications done by various architects.
- Two Case Examples
Project aim and contextual Significance

Planning Aspects
Type of Construction and techniques
Improvisation factors
- Contribution to the Society.
20
Born : 13.10.1977 in
Rosenheim (Germany),
Practicing in Salzburg
(Austria).
Nationality : German
Homemade
residence, Rudrapur
METI hand made

school , Rudrapur
Sustainability is a synonym for beauty
AR. ANNA HERINGER

Office Building ,
New delhi
Farm House ,
New Delhi
Born : April 1937 , Rostock,

Germany
Work : director - Building
Research Institute , Since
1979 : Private Office of
ecological architecture
AR.GERNOT MINKE
He Believes in the concept of DIY DO IT YOURSELF

Born : March 23, 1900
Alexandria Egypt
Died : Nov 30, 1989
Nationality : Egyptian
AR. HASSAN FATHY
Hamed Said House ,

Egypt
Mosque , New
Gourna Village
"but this was no fault of the mud brick. .. why not .. mud brick??
LITERATURE CASE EXAMPLES
21
Born : Banares, India

Nationality : Indian
Biome , Office
building, Bangalore
Work : Biome
Environmental Solutions
Pvt Limited
AR.CHITRA VISHWANATH
Creative School ,
Ongoing Project
Its a pleasure , jus looking at the soil

Year joined in
Auroville - 1987
Kindergarden School,
Auroville
Nationality : Indian
1989-1992 Visitors Centre
at Auroville
Work :Auroville Design

Consultants , 1988.
Beauty and harmony in the built and natural environment is essential for a healthy living
Lives in Auroville since
1989
AR. SUHASINI IYER
1991-1999 Vikas
Community, Auroville
Nationality: France
Work : Principal Architect
at AVEI
AR. SATPREM MAINI
Dormitory , Laboratory,
AVEI
The work done is as an offering to the Divine
LIVE CASE EXAMPLES
22
Interview with Professional experts

Discussion with professional experts and Technicians For better understanding on the topic
23

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ARCHITECTS
Overall View of Ms. Anna Muset Cabada:

Earthen construction is like home made food takes time to prepare,
but conventional ones are like fast food , easy and fast servable .
Overall View of Mr. Nourredine Kebaili

Earthen architecture is a bit complex process , But people now a days
are used to the process of finding a easy and fast solution. So they
dont opt for a longer/ time taking process
Mr. Nourredine Kebaili is also taking a census through a
psychological questions related to earthen architecture , its
misconceptions and peoples thoughts in comparison to other material
. To find out the best possible way to remove the misconceptions
from peoples mind .
He says , Past five years I am doing this research and the
only factor that keeps repeating is IGNORANCE . So best
possible way is to teach people.
Overall View of Mr.Martin .L

Present day scenario at Bangalore, people wish to go for
this construction , probably this shows that people getting aware /
educating themselves on this topic.
24

QUESTIONNAIRE TO OTHER TECHNICIANS
Overall View of Mr. T. Ayyappan:

Training people on this topic , has shown lots of difference in
terms of clients approach or interest of students on this type of
architecture
Trainees per year keeps
increasing, this shows that
the interest and
awareness is increased in
present day condition
Overall View of Mr. Regi Kumar

Its easy to give training to local labors or even students , any
one can catch the techniques very fast. But Perfection takes time
.Its like a craft , once you learn the technique , wonders can be
made with this material.
25
CONTENTS OF THE STUDY
- Earthen architecture As a tool for sustainability

- Earthen Architecture For Disaster resistance

- Earthen Architecture As a tool to solve housing
needs
Stage - 4
Bring out the potentials of earthen
architecture
To list down the scope of the same in various

fields and to enhance and enrich the society
regarding it.
- Current trends and researches
- Role of
An Architect
The Government and private agencies
- Inference and Conclusion
26
Earthen Architecture Tool to solve sustainability

Un d e rsta n d ing t h e su sta in a b le a sp e c t s o f e a rt h e n co n st ru c t ion
27
Sustainability Check
Sustainable
Architecture that seeks to
minimize the negative
environmental impact of
buildings
Architecture ??
By efficiency and
moderation in the use of
materials, energy, and
development space.
A conscious approach to
energy and ecological
conservation to save the
society
Actions and decisions today

that does not inhibit the
opportunities of future
generations
CSEB & RAMMED EARTH
Earthen Architecture = Sustainable Architecture

Embodied energy and Co2 Emission Construction Industry- major source for co2 emission . This main property that decides
the sustainability of structure with response to surrounding
Pollution emission :
2.4 times less than wire cut
bricks.
7.8 times less than country
fired bricks.
Energy consumption :
5 times less than wire cut
bricks.
15 times less than country
fired bricks.
Category
Pollution emission
(CO)
Energy consumption
(Wall)
Wire Cut
Bricks(WCB)
Country Fired Compressed Earth

Bricks (CFB)
Block (CEB)
39 Kg / m
126 Kg / m
16 kg / m
16 Kg / m
539 MJ / m
1657 MJ / m
110 MJ / m
110 MJ / m
Category
Emission
Radon Emission
Category
Thermal Capacity
Thermal Capacity
Category
Time Lag
Cement
57.6
Stone
1800
6.9 h
54.0
Burnt bricks
1360
Burnt bricks
7.0 h
Clay bricks
5.0
Adobe
1300
Adobe
9.2 h
Lime-sand bricks
13.3
Rammed earth
1680
Rammed earth
10.3 h
Porous concrete
18.0
CSEB
1740
This shows that the

stone and CSEB are
nearly equal , They
can store large amount
of heat inside them.
Cement
Sand
This shows that a

clay brick from a
clayey soil
discharges very
little radon.
CSEB
12 h
Rammed
Earth (RE)
Time Lag This

shows that the material
traps heat inside it for
nearly 9 to 12 hours ,
after which there is
temperature changes
The thermal Conductance and time lag are inter related factors Cseb and rammed earth are good for climate responsive designs as they have
better thermal properties than the other conventional materials
Source Building with earth by Gernot minke and Auroville Website
28
Sustainability Check
Sustainable
check
in
MARIKAL - TELENGANA
responsive
architecture
getting transformed into
concrete
buildings
irreverent to local climate
and context This study calls
for
a
balancing
modernization with the
vernacular.
Climate : Hot-arid
summers slightly cool
winters
Contextual Background
Transformation Climate
Max Temp - 40 C
Min Temp - 27 C
Annual mean - 27.6 C
Rainfall- 810 mm (yr)
INFERENCE
Heat Capacity
Heat capacity of a Mud wall plastered with lime
(2050 kj/m3k) is 50% more than that of a brick
wall plastered with cement (1360 kj/m3k)
Heat Transmittance
Mud Walls transmit heat 24% lesser than the
brick walls
Surface conductance
Mud Walls conducts 59% lesser than the
conventional brick walls
Research Paper - Understanding the climate sensitive architecture of Marikal, a village in Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh, India By Madhavi Indraganti
Source - www.elsevier.com/locate/buildenv
29
Earthen Architecture Tool to solve strength related issues

Learning about the disaster rsistance houses , its construction technique
30
Gujarat Earthquake 2001 - Overview

The 2001 Gujarat earthquake occurred on 26 January, India's 52nd Republic
Day, at 08:46 AM local time and lasted for over two
minutes. The earthquake reached 7.7 on the moment magnitude scale The
earthquake killed around 20,000 people injured another 167,000 and
destroyed nearly 400,000 homes
June 16, - 1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake 8.2 Richter

January 26, 2001 - Gujarat earthquake of
2001 - 7.6/7.7 Richter
April 6, 2006 Gujarat - 5.5 Richter
PATHOLOGY ON STONE BUILDINGS

These building were built without
bond patterns and without through
stones
FAILURE DUE TO SHEAR

Failure due to collapse of walls or
Reinforced concrete columns
FAILURE NEW BUILDINGS

Failure due to collapse of walls or
Reinforced concrete columns
PATHOLOGY BAD
REINFORCEMENT Failure due to
collapse Reinforced concrete columns
and other RCC Structures
ADOBE BUILDINGS, STILL IN SHAPE

These adobe buildings were well built and they
withstood the earthquake of Gujarat 2001
Ludiya, Gujarat Adobe buildings in the

back which resisted the earthquake and
stone building in front, totally collapsed
Khavda Random masonry

with stones Well built which
Goiarsama COB BUILDING
resisted the earthquake in Gujarat
Well built which resisted the

earthquake
Ludiya, Gujarat Adobe building

with only the plaster which peeled
off and without roof
Ludiya, Gujarat Adobe building

which resisted the earthquake
without even a crack in the plasters
Source - Auroville Website
31
Disaster Resistive Structures

N E E D and
DEMAND
The last decade of the 20th century has seen all over the world a significant increase in natural
catastrophes . The need to answer the demand for disaster resistance is increasing .
Re se a rc h und e r ta ke n by AU R OV I LLE EA R TH I NS TI TU TE
Since 1995, our research has been oriented towards the development of a system, which is
based on reinforced masonry with compressed earth blocks that are hollow interlocking. Three
types of blocks have been developed:
The square hollow
interlocking block 245,
which allows building up
to 23 floors high.
The
rectangular
hollow
interlocking
block 295, which is used
only for ground floors.
The rectangular dry

hollow interlocking block
300, which is used only
for ground floors.
1.
Various resistive structures by A U R O V I L L E E A R T H I N S T I T U T E

2.
Istanbul, Turkey -1996
1999 - New Delhi, India
2001 Gujarat rehabilitation
It was pre-cast in 10
days using semi-skilled
labour and it was
assembled in 8 days
during the
Built with water and

sanitation
facilities,
kitchenette. Pre-cast in
Auroville & assembled in 66
hours by our 18-man team.
Pre-cast in Auroville and

transported to Gujarat,
where it was assembled in
Khavda village in 62 hours
by our 20-man team.
3.
1. HI block 245 (245 x 245 x 95 mm) Running block
2. HI block 295 (295 x 145 x 95 mm) Running block
3. HI block D300 (299 x 150 x 100 mm) Running block
Source Auroville Earth Institute , Website
32
Disaster Resistive Structures

FOUNDATION : Stabilized rammed earth foundation with 5% cement
SECTION
PLINTH : Interlocking CSEB 295 with 5% cement . With a composite plinth

beam (RCC in U Interlocking CSEB)
PLAN OF AUM HOUSE
ELEVATION
14 HOURS
16 HOURS
WALLS : Interlocking CSEB

DOORS AND WINDOWS
Ferrocement
FLOORING : CSEB tiles 2.5cm

thick with screed CS 1:12
17 HOURS
295 With reinforcements
BEAMS & LINTEL : Composite

RCC in U interlocking CSEB
COLUMNS : Composite
Round hollow CSEB 295
ROOF
:
Interlocking
Ferrocement channels
25 HOURS
30 HOURS
35 HOURS
43 HOURS
46 HOURS
48 HOURS
33
Disaster Resistance Government Housing

G O V E R N M E N T A P P RO VA L A u r o v i l l e E a r t h i n s t i t u t e Te c h n i q u e
The technology for disaster resistance, which has been developed by the Auroville Earth Institute, has been approved by three governments:
The government of Gujarat, as a suitable
construction method, up to two floors high, for the
rehabilitation of the zones affected by the severe
earthquake of January 2001 in Kutch district.
The Government of Iran (Housing Research

Centre) as a suitable construction method, up to 8
m high (two floors), for the rehabilitation of the
zones affected by the 2003 earthquake of Bam.
The Government of Tamil Nadu, India, (Relief

and Rehabilitation) as a suitable construction
method for the rehabilitation of the zones
affected by the 2004 tsunami of Indonesia
Government of Gujarat
Compressive Strength 75 Kg/cm2
Density- 1732 kg/m3
Government of Iraq
Compressive Strength 57 Kg/cm2
Density- 1.83 Kg/m3
Government of Tamilnadu
Dry Compressive Strength 59.65 Kg/cm2
Wet Compressive Strength 43.03 Kg/cm2
Compressive Strength of the wire cut bricks are 90-120 Kg/cm2 . This is nearly 50 % more than the CSEB, which is chosen as alternative by the above mentioned
government policies, cause it bears load 45 % more than the country bricks (30-40 Kg/cm2) and also economically viable for a government housing
34
Earthen Architecture Tool to solve housing problem

Un d e rsta n d ing t h e eco n o mic a sp e c t s a n d p rin c ip le s
35
Earthen Housing And Housing Scenario In India

Katcha Houses: Houses, in which both walls and roof are made of temporary or katcha materials that have to be replaced frequently, are
placed in the category. As per NSS, katcha materials include unburnt bricks, bamboo, mud, grass, leaves, reeds, thatch..
(i) Serviceable : Census describes temporary houses as those made of mud,

un burnt bricks or wood.
(ii) Non-serviceable : Census defines this category to comprise houses in

which wall is made of grass, thatch, bamboo, plastic or polythene.
Out of total households, 18.2% were residing in katcha
Out of total Rural house holds, 17% were residing in katcha (NSS 2001)
Out of total urban house holds ,2.1% residing in katcha houses ( NSS 2008)
HOUSING SCENARIO IN INDIA

The worlds homeless population
is estimated to be around 1 billion
people.
In India, around 1% of the total
population is without a home
(2001 Census). Approximately
60% of the homeless population is
from the rural areas.
HOUSING SHORTAGE
The housing shortage is
estimated to be 148.33 lakh
houses as per 2001Census.
The housing shortage has

increased @ 0.89 million houses
per year during 1991-2002.
Data from National Statistical Survey - 2001

11TH FIVE YEAR PLAN estimated the total rural
housing shortage during 2007-12 at 47.43 million
houses. Of these 42.69 million or 90% of the total
shortage pertains to BPL families.
The housing shortage is estimated to increase 5-10%

from the above provided values with increasing
population rate.
NEED FOR AN ALTERNATIVE ..
!!!!!!
Source NSS 2001, 2008 ,

http://www.nistads.res.in/indiasnt2008/t6rural/t6rur6.htm
36
Application of CSEB
CSEB is a very labour intensive technology - 13 people per press for manual pressing (when there is one machine for production of Blocks )
COST OF CSEB (PRODUCTION) :

Labor represents more than 40%
Cement and equipment are about 30%
Raw materials are less than 30%
INTERVENTION IN GOVT HOUSING SCHEMES

Category
The Green house scheme of the government , funds for

reconstruction of the Old and traditional mud houses .
But this tends to increase in Concrete structure, which in
term increases the co2 emission and embodied energy
of the structures.
Cost of construction
/SFT
Green House
Scheme- 300/sft
Reconstruction could be done with the same material

REUSE OF THE MUD FROM THE OLD BUILDING . This
can reduce the cost up to 20 % of CSEB
Country Fired
Bricks (CFB)
CSEB
550-600
1400
1,80000
420000
CSEB (Own production CSEB (Own production +

+ Mud from Site)
Mud from Site + Self Help)
1200
900
650-700
360000
270000
195000
COST COMPARISON : Maximum 0f 15% can be taken as profit by CSEB when
WHAT COULD BE DONE ..???
Repairing of the structures could be done. For which

the reconstruction is not required.
PWD (Rs)
compared with conventional cost
Cement and equipment are about 30% - This cost could not be reduced . But the cost of
cement for PWD works can be reduced from 10 15% . The equipment may be hired
from the Local training Centers , which van be erected major rural areas
When the Labour and the soil cost is reduced , by using the concept of DIY and reuse of
materials , the cost of CSEB can be reduced by 40 -45%. (Considering 4 persons out of
11 man team to be skilled and others unskilled mostly villagers themselves)
37
Current Trends and Researches

Un d e rsta n d ing t h e in n ovat ive a p p ro a c h towa rd s t h e a ge o ld te c h n iq u e
38
Researches on Innovative alternatives

WASTE NYLON FIBRE +LATERITE BLOCKS
Various tests done with different samples
The process, is done with waste nylon fibers of fishnet, so

as to utilize the waste
Density of the Material decreases with a increase in the

fiber content .
Compressive strength decreases with a increase in nylon

content
Raw material for the process
Mixing Hand and machine mixing
SISAL FIBRE+CSEB
SISAL FIBRE is a fibre extracted from
Percentage of Water Absorption

Keeps increasing with the increasing
content of the fiber, and as the
density is also lower.
Research Findings - Addition of cassava powder in
CASAVA POWDER + CSEB
range of 1.5% by weight of dry soil provides strength that

is more than two times that recommended
the species Agave sisalana . This species

is widely found in Goa, India.
CASAVA (Maravali Kilangu)
It is extensively cultivated as
annual crop in tropical and sub
tropical regions for its edible
starchy tuberous root, a major
source of carbohydrates.
These edible roots are powdered

and added to the soil
as a stabilizing agent
Research Findings - Optimum compressive strength

is obtained by reinforcement of the soil sample with
0.75% sisal fibres by weight of soil. In this case the
compressive strength Improves by 90.5% COMPARED
WITH THE PLAIN EARTH BLOCK,
Source Research papers on http://www.slideshare.net/wanrempit/laterite-bricks-with-nylon-fiber
39
Innovative techniques
SPECIAL ACOUSTIC GREEN BRICKS
In order to optimize the acoustic behavior of domed

rooms, a special loam brick with rounded corners was
developed by the Gernot Minke.
The rounded corners and the corbelling effect of the bricks yield good sound distribution,
Good sound absorption is produced by the cut-off joints and the holes in the brick..
NEXT GENARATION BRICKS Bricks that grow
Layers of the filling
Required Materials
The process, known as microbial-induced calcite precipitation, or MICP,

uses the microbes on sand to bind the grains together like glue with a
chain of chemical reactions.
1. Place the formwork in the 7. Pour the cementing solution

sand.
over the sand.
2. Fill it up.
8. Let it saturate.
3. Level.
9. Watch the brick harden.
4. Shake bacteria solution.
10. Remove the formwork.
5. Pour it over the sand.
11. Watch the brick harden
6. Let it saturate.
12. Behold the bio brick
Step by Step Process of Production : The resulting mass resembles sandstone but, depending on how its made, can reproduce the strength of fired-clay brick or marble.
Metropolis Next Generation competition - Ginger Krieg Dosier, - Next

Generation Bricks Research Documents.
40
Researches on Alternatives - Auroville

POURED EARTH CONCRETE - The soil, in a liquid state, is poured like concrete into formworks. The
soil characteristics must be very sandy or gravely and should be stabilised.
This technique is a new development and is very seldom used. The reason is that the high water content
of the soil will induce a lot of shrinkage when it will dry. Thus the wall will crack and generally a lot.
STABILISED WATER PROOFING : The aim of this research is to find alternative plasters to cement plasters for waterproofing roofs.
The earth is mixed with sand and stabilised with cement and a paste made of lime, tannin, alum (Ammonium sulphate) and water.
Tannin is extracted by soaking into water broken seeds of an Indian tree, named kaddukai in Tamil Nadu. Its botanical name is Terminelia
Chebula. The lime paste is prepared by mixing powdered alum with lime and tannin juice and extra water.
Preparing the
lime-alumtannin paste
Mix of soil, sand,

cement and the
lime-alum-tannin
plaster
Waterproofing
a vault with
stabilised earth
plaster
DISADVANTAGE : After some years the waterproofing is not effective anymore. It seems that the UV of the sun destroys alum and tannin.
Hence after 5 years this waterproofing let rainwater go through and the vaults get damp inside.
Therefore this research is still under way and hence the recipes are not yet disseminated through documentation or training courses. The tested
proportions are given in the specification book of Auroville Earth institute
41
Inference - Summary
Sustainability Check:
Government Housing Schemes :
Making a clay brick in a coal-powered kiln, fired at 2,000F, emits about
Cause of the large scale demand , government schemes face difficulty

to balance between the QUALITY AND COST. So in most of the
case quality of building are compromised for the cost effective solution.
1.3 pounds of carbon dioxide.

No of Bricks Manufactured / year :
When One goes for a mud based solution . The rates are nearly the
1.23 trillion brick (more pollution
same with NO
than is created by all the airplanes in the

world per yr. )
QUALITY COMPROMISE
Disaster Resistance Housing :
If biomanufactured masonry replaced

each new brick on the planet, it would
The Remains of the Gujarat Earthquake 2001 proves that

Mud structures are stronger when designed and constructed in a
better way .
reduce carbon-dioxide
emissions by at least 800
million tons /yr
Finally THE Comfortable living

For a small House of 5 * 6 m (30sqm)
requires approximately 4200
4500 bricks for one brick thick walls.
Nearly , 70 72 trees
have to be burnt for this
purpose
Firing One tree can produce

62 brick (Standard bricks)
400 trees are required to

produce 25000 bricks .. ! !
At the end of the day ,humans require a comfortable

living that can sustain for quiet a period of time
Lots of researches today are analyzing the thermal comfort
of a place and conclude saying that the traditional
construction material are the creator of better
environment..
Metropolis Next Generation competition - Ginger Krieg Dosier, - Next

Generation Bricks Research Documents.
42
Role of .
Buildings are regarded as the skin that protects us from external sources
Role of An Architect :
Role of the Government :
As an architect , One need to understand the above

mentioned phrase carefully and create structures that are
sustainable, comfortable for living and economically
viable too.
Government agencies needs to concentrate on the policy level

issues. The guidelines need to formulated in order to make this a
standard material for construction
WHAT COULD BE DONE ???

Promote and practice earthen construction.
Most of the clients today are fascinated by the
technological improvement of the construction industry and
also demand for a SPEEDY SOLUTION .
As an architect , we should learn to balance between
these two extremities. Most importantly We need to
transfer knowledge to upcoming generations
- Overall view of Auroville Earth institute and its team.
WHAT COULD BE DONE ???

Various schemes currently available, need to be updated with a
thought of maintaining the mud houses and to repair if needed.
BPL people are to be trained for constructing their own house
with mud, so that they need not have to spend money on labour.
Averagely production of CSE blocks / day varies from 850 to
1000 (240) . So the villagers themselves can make the bocks for
their house.
Building training centre , can be updated with the earth
construction techniques
43
Conclusion
THOUGHT ON EARTHEN CONSTRUCTION
1.
Earth is not a standardized building

material
Misconceptions and Ignorance: These are the two main factors that pulls
down the earthen construction technique.
Auroville Earth institute and few other firms like Biome solutions , Bangalore
says that people have started to understand the importance of earth buildings
. People's interest on this topic is increasing in the last decade , Trainees and
no of practicing architects have also increased.
2.
Earth mixtures shrink when drying
3.
Earth is not water and Termite-resistant
4.
Earthen construction Not a speedy

process
5.
Earth balances air humidity
6.
Earth stores heat
7.
Earth saves energy and reduces

environmental pollution
All material has its own positives and negatives . When rating a material ,
based on its positives and negatives , the ratio between the both categories
gives us the quality of the material.
8.
Earth is always reusable
Earthen construction Has lots of positives and potentials , but being
9.
Earth saves material and transportation

costs
10. Earth is ideal for do-it-yourself

construction
11. Earth absorbs pollutants
To create an awareness , and bring out the potential of earth is

our main aim
says Ar. Nourredine Kebaili
ignored because of few reasons, which can be overcome.

Learning about this age old technique , can give solutions to many problems
that we are currently facing in our day today life. These techniques and the
various alternatives that are used to improve various aspects are to be
standardized so that this techniques becomes the conventional material for the
current scenario
44
Traditional Material Given A Contemporary Image .. !!!!
45
technique of the past
helping us today to develop a

healthy & green future
Building with earth has a great past, but also a promising future everywhere in the world
- Ar. Satprem Maini
46
Reference
Books:
Earth Architecture - By Ronald Rael
Books and code of practice from Auroville Earth institute.
Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture By Gernot Minke
Research papers :
Development of Cost-Effective Earthen Building Material for Housing Wall Construction: Investigations
into the Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks Stabilized with Sisal Vegetable Fibres, Cassava Powder
and Cement Compositions. A Doctoral Dissertation By Saul Sitati Namango , Kenya
http://www.slideshare.net/wanrempit/laterite-bricks-with-nylon-fiber
http://www.auroville.org/thecity/architecture/appr_technology/earthtechnology.htm
http://www.sustainable.com.au/energy-efficient-construction.html
http://www.earth-auroville.com/
Survey Data - NSS 2001, 2008
http://www.nistads.res.in/indiasnt2008/t6rural/t6rur6.htm
47
Thank you
Presented by
Janaki RM 10AR28
48

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Architectural Dissertation

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An Architects perception of

Earthen Architecture In Contemporary Scenario

It is composed of structures made from unfired

Today's World of construction Moving towards the

earthen materials, including adobe (sun-dried mud

highly technological face with all the utopian concepts.

Is the Age old technique a mismatch to the current face?

components and construction techniques that varies

The Techniques and technology that today's field of

with culture and region

construction uses to handle the material.

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO

Aim of the study

To Recognize the significance of earthen architecture and its

To know about the alternative technologies used in earthen

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO

Objective of the study

To overview the history of earthen construction

To understand the qualities and properties of mud

To study and understand the usefulness and problems that

To understand and analyze the earth construction techniques.

To study the problems in designing structures, construction and

To study the innovative earth construction techniques.

To study the potentials of earth architecture to solve

Earthen architecture as a tool to solve housing needs for poor

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO

Scope and Limitations of the study

To overview the history of earthen construction through

To understand the qualities and properties of mud through various

Study is not intended to analyze or calculate any climatic

To bring out the alternative/innovative approach and its

Study is limited to focus on principles and works of three national

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO

Final outcome of the study:

Everywhere in the world

The attempt is to study and integrate an alternative technologies and various

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO

- Definition of Earthen architecture

- Earthen Construction Techniques

- History of Earthen architecture

Vaults, Domes , Arches

Plasters and Mortar

- Study on principles and works of

Ar. Gernot Minke(German)

Ar. Anna Heringer (Austrian)

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO

- Study on principles and works of

(Comparison with a conventional building material)

Ar. Chitra Vishwanath(Indian)

- Interviews with Professionals and Technicians

- Earthen Architecture For Disaster

Ar. Suhasini Iyer (Indian)

- Earthen architecture As a tool for

- Auroville Earth Institute , Auroville

- Earthen Architecture As a tool to solve

(Comparison with a conventional building material)

- Current trends and researches

- Inference and Conclusion

Summary of the Previous stages

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY SCENARIO

It has been one of the most widely used

EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE - HISTORY

Statistics from UNCHS

Statistics from UNESCO