Building with Earth by Gernot Minke is the definitive technical manual on earth construction, tracing rammed earth from its ancient origins through to contemporary international practice across 236 pages of hands-on instruction and built examples.
About This Book
Rammed earth, adobe, and earthen construction have experienced a significant resurgence as architects and builders seek materials that are healthy, sustainable, and locally sourced. Minke's manual meets this renewed interest with rigour: physical properties and characteristic values are explained practically, moisture protection requirements are addressed directly, and the productive relationship between earth and complementary materials such as wood and straw is thoroughly examined. This fifth and expanded edition adds seven new international case studies, broadening the book's reach beyond any single regional tradition. For practitioners, students, and researchers engaging with natural building materials, it remains an indispensable technical reference.
Key Features
- 236 pages of technical instruction, photographs, and built examples demonstrating the full range of earthen construction applications
- Seven new international case studies added for this fifth and expanded edition
- Published by Birkhauser
What You'll Discover
- The physical properties and characteristic values of earth as a building material, explained in practical, applicable terms
- How proper moisture protection ensures the durability of earth buildings across a range of climates and conditions
- The design possibilities unlocked by combining earth with wood or straw, expanding the formal and structural range of earthen construction
- The full recyclability of earth as a material, and what this means for sustainable building practice today
About the Author
Gernot Minke is an internationally recognised authority on earth construction and natural building materials. His research and practice have shaped the contemporary understanding of rammed earth and related techniques across both technical and design disciplines.
Specifications
- Format: Hardcover
- Pages: 236
- Dimensions: 280 x 220 mm
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9783035627664
- Publisher: Birkhauser
- Publication Date: [Details available upon request]
Perfect For: Architects and builders working with natural or sustainable materials, students of construction technology, and researchers exploring the history and future of earthen architecture.