Building with earth materials can be a way of helping with sustainable management of the Earth's resources. This book covers modern earth buildings and provides an essential exploration of the materials and techniques that are key to the design, development and construction of such buildings.

Updated and expanded translation of the German Lehmbau-Handbuch.

The construction of earth buildings has been taking place worldwide for centuries. With the improved energy efficiency, high level of structural integrity and aesthetically pleasing finishes achieved in modern earth construction, it is now one of the leading choices for sustainable, low-energy building. Modern earth buildings provides an essential exploration of the materials and techniques key to the design, development and construction of such buildings. Beginning with an overview of modern earth building, part one provides an introduction to design and construction issues including insulation, occupant comfort and building codes. Part two goes on to investigate materials for earth buildings, before building technologies are explored in part three including construction techniques for earth buildings. Modern earth structural engineering is the focus of part four, including the creation of earth masonry structures, use of structural steel elements and design of natural disaster-resistant earth buildings. Finally, part five of Modern earth buildings explores the application of modern earth construction through international case studies. With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Modern earth buildings is a key reference work for all low-impact building engineers, architects and designers, along with academics in this field. Provides an essential exploration of the materials and techniques key to the design, development and construction of modern earth buildings Comprehensively discusses design and construction issues, materials for earth buildings, construction techniques and modern earth structural engineering, among other topics Examines the application of modern earth construction through international case studies

For a number of years, the healthy and environment-friendly building material earth, in common use for thousands of years, has been enjoying increasing popularity, including in industrialized nations. In hot dry and temperate climate zones, earth offers numerous advantages over other materials. Its particular texture and composition also holds great aesthetic appeal. The author’s presentation reflects the rich and varied experiences gained over thirty years of building earth structures all over the world. Numerous photographs of construction sites and drawings show the concrete execution of earth architecture.

A thorough examination of the use of earth as an eco-friendly building material, with full details on the properties of earth as a building material, appropriate construction techniques, and practical troubleshooting advice.

The interest in clay as a building material – which has proved its sustainable characteristics over centuries – is growing. Light clay, which is light in weight and easy to work, is presented here as a versatile and forward-looking building material for modern computer-aided timber construction and the renewal of historic timber-framed buildings with clay infill. The balanced building physics properties of the material, which can be controlled through the mixing proportions, make it suitable for resource-efficient building in various different climate zones. Thermal storage, sound insulation, protection against moisture and fire in conventional timber construction are improved, and the construction is simplified. This standard publication describes detailed production methods, includes practical tips for self-building, and demonstrates the application of ready-made materials in modern construction. The book is aimed at architects, engineers, and their clients, as well as for listed building officers, manufacturers, tradesmen and self-builders