Development Projects

It is within this arena that earth outperforms all other materials. Whether it's a community centre or 5000 houses, earth construction works on any scale. A home builder working on his own enjoys the same benefits as a government agency managing a vast project. Earth is a truly democratic medium!

Many projects around the world have employed the community-based approach with great success. For local people, the spinoffs are many: after initial training, not only can groups build for themselves, but many branch out to become contractors on their own. Experience has shown that the use of this model not only empowers people but also tends to stabilise and bind communities. In addition, contrary to capital-intensive methods, money stays in the area, stimulating local economies.

Cost, often the deciding factor in many projects, is where earth technology's benefits are most felt. Apart from the issue of building local economies, reducing unemployment and creating micro industries, the direct cost saving in construction is between 8 and 18 percent.

The question of the longevity of earthbuilding is answered by examining such structures following natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Earth has a record of structural integrity in the face of these phenomena far exceeding conventional cement-based buildings.

Development projects often, in an attempt to jumpstart activity in a region, employ methods which damage the environment. Earthbuilding, however, is based on principles of sustainability, consuming little energy, not polluting waterways, and conserving topsoil. The benefits of this philosophy extend past the construction phase with dwellings designed to be thermally efficient and aesthetically to blend into nature.

Earthbuilding is in every sense collaborative and as such can form the hub of other self-help initiatives within communities, providing both capital and methodology.

Earthbuilder is acutely aware that the success of housing development hinges not solely on technical issues, but includes efficient management of existing resources and effective communication between communities and funders. Sensitivity to the needs of a community is not only ethical but imperative from a delivery perspective. Project managers who ignore the culture and workstyle of local communities do so at their peril.

Other Areas of Activity:
- Research
- Custom Designs for the Private Sector