<p>Earth has stood the test of time as one of the oldest and most sustainable construction materials, retaining its importance in both developed and developing nations worldwide. This study investigates the potential of locally sourced soil as a sustainable building material, evaluating its suitability for eco-friendly construction. The research explores the structural performance of cement-stabilized compressed earth block masonry, reinforced with either steel or bamboo, as well as unreinforced specimens. Key assessments include compressive strength, in-plane and out-of-plane flexural strengths, and diagonal compressive strength. Additionally, the study compares the performance of dry-stacked versus mortar-stacked masonry techniques. A total of 45 masonry specimens were meticulously crafted using compressed hollow earth blocks (CHEB) and interlocked compressed earth blocks (ICEB), produced with a manually operated press and stabilized with 10% cement. The results reveal that earth block masonry demonstrates failure patterns akin to conventional masonry under compression, flexural, and diagonal shear testing, with strengths comparable to those of high-quality burnt clay bricks. The incorporation of reinforcements enhanced the specimens’ ductility and strength, emphasizing the potential for sustainable construction practices. This research offers valuable insights for environmentally conscious engineers and architects seeking to integrate earth as a viable, low-carbon alternative in sustainable building design.</p>