Earth Construction in Development Work

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Earth Constructionin Development Work

• Herbert Mathissen
• MISEREOR e.V.
• English Translation
• John Cochrane, Frankfurt/M., Germany,
• Wolfgang Ebner, MISEREOR

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1. Tradition and Culture

• Traditional cultures of building and construction
  with earth are often found
• Cultural heritage and artisanal skills are
  cultivated, and cultural identity maintained
• The introduction of alien, Western standards and
  forms is avoided

Traditional dwelling in Chad
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2. Local Building Material

• Earth is a widespread building material, often
  available close to the building site
• Long-distance transport, and expensive imports,
  are not required
• Costs are saved as a result

Excavation close by
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3. Utilising Human Labour

• Earth can be worked by human hand, without
  employing heavy equipment
• The labour resources of the local population can
  be harnessed
• Dependency on machinery is avoided

Manual building work without machinery
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4. Self-help and Cost-saving

• Through self-help, low-income groups are enabled
  to afford good housing
• By participating in community-based projects, the
  local population identify more strongly with the
  measures
• Costs can be saved

Local communities build houses on a self-help
basis
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5. Enterprise Promotion

• Earth construction measures involving local
  artisans strengthen local craftsmanship and
  skilled labour resources
• Jobs are created, which in turn generate income
  and purchasing power
• The local market is stimulated

Small entrepreneurs building a school for
craftsmen
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6. Self-reliance

• Complex projects can be realised by local groups
  on their own initiative and using their own
  resources
• Dependencies on external inputs are reduced, and
  self-reliance is strengthened

Mosque in Nigeria
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7. Integrated Design Options

• Not only walls, but also entire buildings made
  only of earth can be erected using
• supporting arch structures
• walled vaults and domes

Roof with arches
Dome structures
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8. Environmentally Friendly

• The production and processing of materials
  require only low energy inputs
• Costs are saved again as a result
• Earth can be recycled or disposedof very easily
• Natural resources are conserved

Manufacturing sun-dried earth blocks
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9. Comfort

• Earth buildings offer a natural, pleasant and
  balanced indoor climate
• The properties of these natural materials are
  also conducive to human health and well-being

A hotel in Saudi Arabia
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10. Permanence

• Earth buildings will last almost for
  ever,provided that
• The works are professionally planned and
  executed (paying particular attention
  toprotection against moisture and damp)
• The usual maintenance works are not neglected

An education centre in Bolivia