An Introduction to Earth Building Techniques

This presentation is a summary version of the information provided during the Mae Mut Garden workshops minus the practical aspect. We aim to show that natural building is a very easy technique to learn and requires no special skills, as well as having a number of environmental and financial benefits. The process starts with an understanding of the possibilities offered by the various techniques of earthen building and of the basic considerations when using adobe in a tropical climate. We offer a brief outline of the basic design principles of using adobe and go through a step-by-step analysis of the various aspects of construction, from budgeting and site planning up to plastering techniques and decorative detailing.