This 3-year project assessed the technical, practical and commercial viability of earth masonry in contemporary construction. The materials studied were U.K. mass-produced earth/fibre bricks and clay mortar and German clay plasters.
The project found that earth masonry was simple to use and had major benefits of moisture control and thermal mass. The clay plasters produced an attractive finish, but a clear need for specialist training was demonstrated.
The project made a detailed study of one house through design, construction
and occupation. Funded by the DTI’s Partners
In Innovation programme
and Communities Scotland, project partners included Dundee and Robert
Gordon Universities, the Errol Brick Company Ltd. and Natural
Building Technologies Ltd.