Earth Architecture

Compressed Earth Blocks, or CEBs, are construction blocks made with clay, sand, and a stabilizing ingredient such as lime or Portland cement... more about compressed earth blocks and other types of earth construction, from our architecture glossary.

Cob houses are made of clay-like lumps of soil, sand, and straw. Unlike adobe and straw bale construction ... More about cob houses and other types of earth construction, from our architecture glossary.

Earth sheltered, or underground, houses lie mostly beneath the ground surface. The surrounding soil provides natural insulation ... More about earth-sheltered homes and other types of earth construction, from our architecture glossary.

Architects and engineers are now exploring new possibilities for straw bale construction ... More about Straw Bale and other types of earth construction, from our architecture glossary.

Rammed earth construction resembles adobe construction. Both use soil mixed with waterproofing adatives. However, even with the waterproofing additives, ... more about rammed earth and other types of earth construction, from our architecture glossary.

Adobe is a term widely used in the southwestern United States and Spanish speaking countries. Although the word is often used to describe an architectural style, adobe is actually ... more about adobe and other types of earth construction, from our architecture glossary.

Jim Hallock, director of Earth Block Operations at Loreto Bay, in Baja California shows how to build an economical home using compressed earth blocks (CEBs).