One of the most amazing building technology, sidestepped and forgotten because of our addiction to cementeand concrete is rammed earth.
Ancient civilizations, built huge buildings using nothing but earth, either reinforced with hay, or simply pressed to create bricks that lasted centuries.
Ancient city of Bam in south central Iran and Saana in Yemen are examples of such amazing building method that helps keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter while it's beauty and simplicity made it last generation after generation.
Bam was almost completely destroyed after the devastating earthquake of 2003 and Saana is partially destroyed by almost decade long brutal war by Saudi and UAE against the people of Yemen.
There are people now who are trying to spread the knowledge about this cheap, reliable and beautiful way of building houses in warm climates. Combined with modern technology to use concrete foundation and use barbeife to reinforce the layers, these buildings can be made at a fraction of the cost of those using concrete blocks or bricks. Plus they have almost 0 carbon footprint and do not need any energy to process them before being pressed by hand or machine to create such magnificent beautiful walls. They are so beautiful that they don't even need paint.
It is possible to make them last longer by adding an extra layer of water proof plaster on top or just simply leave them as they are and they will withstand the rain and wind for many decades without losing their strength or beauty.
#RammedEarth #Bulding #Clay #Bam #Saana #Iran #Yemen #GlobalWarming #ClimateChange #Techbology #Living #Construction #Housing
