Earth Made

Fig: 1 - Mud building

 EARTH HOUSES WITH ENVIRONMENT

The art of building with earth is an ancient one that has stood through the test of time. Archaeological evidence can date entire cities constructed of the earth back over 10,000 years - the City of Bam, Persia, Babylon, Yemen, and the great wall of china are the few examples. Even today, 40% of the world’s population continues to live in houses made up of mud. [1]

A wall made from raw earth serves as a natural air conditioner, making the interiors warm in winters and cool in summers. Earth being a natural material is ecological in nature. Therefore, proving to be infinitely recyclable, by returning back to the soil when demolished.
History has proved that humans can achieve sustainable living. Earth was used as a raw material with great sensitivity. Modern fashion of the 20th century created a break in the millennia-old developments – with the earth being exploited and polluted with processed materials. The 21st century is trying to find again the harmonious link between man, nature and spirit.

But how did we get to the mud houses which accomplish requirements in a large scale in limited space?

Fig: 2 - Cities and structure built many decades ago showing their elogitivity with times

CHALLENGE BETWEEN MUD AND MODERN MIND-SET

The notion, that houses made of mud are ‘ephemeral’ vs houses made of cement are ‘permanent’ has been inculcated in our mind since early age. It has been associated with limited technique, as a last resort when no other building material is available, and particularly vulnerable to seismic events. 

On the contrary, history has repetedly proved that earthen architecture has been adopted by choice. When Spaniards arrived in Peru, they continued using stone as primary construction material. Soon they discovered that earth was a better construction material to withstand seismic events.

After being largely shunned since the arrival of concrete in the 1950’s, Earth is now back in practice. Its ecological and aesthetic benefits are attracting the attention of contemporary architects and eco builders. Many are moving towards a more efficient, affordable and artistic way of building mainly to avoid the perilous environmental effects of concrete.

Despite the fact that mud has proven to be beneficial in various aspects, why is it not used more often? Is it the problem of mud itself or is this merely a problem of modern mind?

Fig: 2 - Skyline of mud houses in shibham city, Yamen

PREJUDICE WITH MUD HOUSES

Modern construction has made a shift to cement and concrete which is costlier and involves a more tedious process. It is terrifying to see how a single material has taken over landscapes, vernacularly and the identity of built forms.

Another major roadblock for practising earth architecture is the misbelief that houses made of earth can attain a maximum height of 1-2 stories. 

The lack of possible vertical planning leads to over-exploitation of land as a resource. However, Shibam, a city in Yemen debunks the above belief. Shibam, also known as the Manhattan of desserts is known as the first city on earth with a vertical masterplan. The city has buildings as high as 100ft, completely made out of the mud.

Fig: 3 - A whole city with mud houses

AN INSPIRATION FROM SUSTAINABILITY

The practice of earth architecture can prove to be a humanitarian step by providing homes for those who can’t afford. At the same time a well executed earth architecture design can help in removing the stigma that earth architecture is poor architecture.

The aim is to design a modern apartment building to accommodate 30-40 families using earth architecture techniques. 

The designed structure should be such that it becomes an icon of polished sustainable living that is at par with modern construction materials Cement or other processed construction materials can be used as stabilizers but the core material should belong to the discipline of earth architecture.

OBJECTIVES

Contextual: Should anchorage to site

Experience: Should provide a modern living experience to the users

Basic: Should accommodate the basic needs like natural light, ventilation etc.

Icon: Should be an iconic building that sets an example for developed countries.

The apartment building can use any form of earth architecture technique. The structure should be able to accommodate 30-40 families. Given guidelines are outlined for the ease of designing. Participants are encouraged to add new functions according to their design requirements. 
The housing units will be based on the given carpet areas. The ratio of the single, double and family units are flexible and are to be decided as per the design requirements.
 

SITE

The site is located in Bolgatanga city of Ghana in the close proximity of hotels, cafes, offices and other residential apartments. 

• Coordinates: 10.765718936853927, -0.8589030555289303 
• Site Area: 5126.17 sqm  
• Height restrictions: 32m
• Maximum FAR: 1
• Ground cover: 30%