The Potential of Earth as a Construction Material: Review and Perspectives

Over centuries, raw earth materials have been used, together with traditional vernacular techniques, to create the first shelters built by humankind. Real vernacular architecture, often partially buried in the ground, was the result of a trial-and-error basis across thousands of years, using surrounding local materials. This paper gives a brief overview of the use of raw earth as a construction material across cities in Europe (Portugal, France and Germany), Africa (Morocco) and America. The investigation was conducted through photographic records, documentary information and research literature. Opportunities for technological innovation are also highlighted, using earth as a base material for a more sustainable construction. The evolution of construction techniques over time allowed pointing out positive and negative aspects from a sustainability view. The main techniques identified were half-timber construction (mixed techniques), adobes and rammed earth, as well as earth coatings and screeds, usually combined wooden structures. Today, adopting sustainable solutions to mitigate climate change is critical, preserving earth resources and the environment by using low-carbon construction materials combined with sustainable construction technologies and practices. Using the earth as a construction material has great potential to address current architectural challenges, and 3D printing stands out as a promising technological innovation towards a more resource-efficient and sustainable built environment.