MISSION

Established by the German University of Technology in 2019, the EBI (Earthen Building Initiative) aims to promote an awareness of earth as an abundant, sustainable and beautiful building product. By partnering with local firms active in the building industry and sustainable development, we aspire to create healthy, high-quality buildings rooted in the natural material of Oman.

This initiative is based on the fusion of two cornerstones: low-tech material, applied with high-tech tools. We believe that prefabrication and automation can innovate the possibilities for earthen building, creating a high efficiency, high-skill sector where the multiple natural benefits of this material (including a low-embodied energy and passive humidity regulation) can meet the challenges of contemporary construction.

Doing so requires a collaborative platform in the region, where the innovation of these techniques can be furthered via training, research and application. Pairing industry engagement with academic research, the EBI is committed to creating a more sustainable building industry in the Sultanate and an example within the Middle East Region.

WHY EARTHEN?

“We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us”
Winston Churchill

HEALTHY: Most contemporary construction materials contain toxic substances, which off-gas into the air we breathe. Similarly, nearly every indoor paint in use today contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which when inhaled can cause eye, nose and skin irritation – and in greater exposure can cause cancer and birth defects. Not only are these products bad for our health, but impossible to recycle – resulting in waste which pollutes our soil and water systems. In contrast, earthen walls and plasters have the ability to naturally “breathe”, absorbing smells and water vapour – thereby purifying the air. Rather than trapping moisture (which contributes to mould) thousands of micro pores allow the material to filter exterior air as it moves through the walls. As a result earthen buildings enjoy a drier, more consistent indoor climate – a huge benefit for people with asthma or respiratory illnesses. Earthen plasters can even be used to insulate against noise.

RENEWABLE: Raw Earth is an abundant, natural-occurring material with no harmful effects when returned to the soil. Moreover, the material (unstabilized) is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be re-used to create the same products with no loss in quality or extra energy investment. Locally sourcing the correct mixture of sand, silt, clay and gravel ensures that the earth construction remains Circular in nature – reducing dependancy on fossil fuels for extraction and transport. In a future facing rising energy costs and a lack of solutions for construction waste – raw earth presents a viable, low-tech solution.

HERITAGE: Earth is the very substance of Oman’s architectural history. For centuries, this material has not only provided shelter and protection, but also defined the texture, color and feeling of the country’s building culture. From humble dwellings to massive forts, the variety and usefulness of earth is apparent throughout the Sultanate. Only in the last 40 years, have these techniques been abandoned in favour of imported generic materials and industrialised means. By re-instating earth in contemporary construction, Oman reconnects with it’s past, maintaining a legacy of unique, local buildings which are ideally suited for this culture and climate. More importantly, the innovation of earthen techniques ensures that this building tradition can meet the challenges of current and future sustainability.

MISSION

Established by the German University of Technology in 2019, the EBI (Earthen Building Initiative) aims to promote an awareness of earth as an abundant, sustainable and beautiful building product. By partnering with local firms active in the building industry and sustainable development, we aspire to create healthy, high-quality buildings rooted in the natural material of Oman.

This initiative is based on the fusion of two cornerstones: low-tech material, applied with high-tech tools. We believe that prefabrication and automation can innovate the possibilities for earthen building, creating a high efficiency, high-skill sector where the multiple natural benefits of this material (including a low-embodied energy and passive humidity regulation) can meet the challenges of contemporary construction.

Doing so requires a collaborative platform in the region, where the innovation of these techniques can be furthered via training, research and application. Pairing industry engagement with academic research, the EBI is committed to creating a more sustainable building industry in the Sultanate and an example within the Middle East Region.

WHY EARTHEN?

“We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us”
Winston Churchill

HEALTHY: Most contemporary construction materials contain toxic substances, which off-gas into the air we breathe. Similarly, nearly every indoor paint in use today contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which when inhaled can cause eye, nose and skin irritation – and in greater exposure can cause cancer and birth defects. Not only are these products bad for our health, but impossible to recycle – resulting in waste which pollutes our soil and water systems. In contrast, earthen walls and plasters have the ability to naturally “breathe”, absorbing smells and water vapour – thereby purifying the air. Rather than trapping moisture (which contributes to mould) thousands of micro pores allow the material to filter exterior air as it moves through the walls. As a result earthen buildings enjoy a drier, more consistent indoor climate – a huge benefit for people with asthma or respiratory illnesses. Earthen plasters can even be used to insulate against noise.

RENEWABLE: Raw Earth is an abundant, natural-occurring material with no harmful effects when returned to the soil. Moreover, the material (unstabilized) is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be re-used to create the same products with no loss in quality or extra energy investment. Locally sourcing the correct mixture of sand, silt, clay and gravel ensures that the earth construction remains Circular in nature – reducing dependancy on fossil fuels for extraction and transport. In a future facing rising energy costs and a lack of solutions for construction waste – raw earth presents a viable, low-tech solution.

HERITAGE: Earth is the very substance of Oman’s architectural history. For centuries, this material has not only provided shelter and protection, but also defined the texture, color and feeling of the country’s building culture. From humble dwellings to massive forts, the variety and usefulness of earth is apparent throughout the Sultanate. Only in the last 40 years, have these techniques been abandoned in favour of imported generic materials and industrialised means. By re-instating earth in contemporary construction, Oman reconnects with it’s past, maintaining a legacy of unique, local buildings which are ideally suited for this culture and climate. More importantly, the innovation of earthen techniques ensures that this building tradition can meet the challenges of current and future sustainability.