A workshop on earthen construction techniques was held at Ecole Nationale d’Architecture de Rabat, in collaboration with MAK Architects and BC architects, who kindly invited us to take part. The two-week workshop offered a focused exploration of the practicalities and challenges of using traditional materials and methods to create resilient structures. With an emphasis on earthquake resistance, the event brought together professionals and students to explore how these methods could be adapted to modern contexts.

Foundations

The workshop began with an examination of foundations, emphasizing their role in maintaining structural integrity. The pavilion at ENAR served as a reference point, showcasing large stones bonded with lime concrete, which formed a solid base. A layer of natural stones above the foundation acts as a buffer, protecting mud bricks from ground moisture.  

As participants we discussed how these methods address common issues like vertical cracks in walls and explored ways to adapt them to varying soil conditions.

Photo by: Anna Breuer

Beams and columns  

Attention then turned to beams and columns, which are crucial for creating earthquake-resistant buildings. The workshop highlighted how ring beams and vertical tension rods enable structures to move cohesively during seismic activity.  

One challenge discussed was the limited availability of long structural wood in Morocco. While the pavilion used imported wood from Northern Europe, participants considered alternatives, including weaving shorter wooden elements to create longer spans. Practical demonstrations illustrated how poor connections between beams and columns could lead to structural failures, prompting discussions on potential improvements.

Walls

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to compressed earth brick walls, focusing on techniques to enhance their resilience. We learned about:

• Brick arrangement patterns such as alternating sequences, to reduce cracking.  

• Corner reinforcement, like using timber to provide additional support.  

• Protective coatings like black soap for temporary weather resistance.  

The workshop also addressed the use of stability nets, which are integrated into the structure at various levels, including between the foundation and the walls, and between the walls and ring beams. These nets provide lateral support, improving the building’s response to seismic forces.

Photo by: Anna Breuer

Roofing systems and openings

Traditional roofing methods were a key focus, with demonstrations on how layered construction -using natural logs, branches, straw, and mud- creates effective, low-cost roofs. The importance of overhangs to manage rainwater was emphasized, alongside practical solutions like integrated mud gutters for regions with heavier rainfall.  

When it came to openings, such as doors and windows, participants were guided on maintaining adequate spacing from corners to prevent structural weaknesses. These seemingly minor details were shown to have a significant impact on the overall stability of the building.

Material selection

The scarcity of durable, locally available materials presented a recurring theme. For example, while eucalyptus wood is accessible, its susceptibility to insect damage makes it unsuitable for long-term use. We discussed how environmental regulations, such as the ban on cutting palm trees, further limit material options. This led to practical discussions on sourcing alternatives and adapting construction techniques to suit locally available resources, without compromising on structural integrity.

Photo by: Anna Breuer

A practical, hands-on approach

The workshop offered us a mix of theoretical insights and practical demonstrations. From observing traditional methods in use to experimenting with mud bricks and stability nets, the sessions encouraged critical analysis of both the advantages and limitations of earthen construction. Collaborative discussions highlighted regional variations in construction practices, as well as the need to test and refine traditional methods for modern applications.

The workshop underscored the adaptability of earthen construction techniques while also highlighting areas for improvement. Issues such as material availability, long-term maintenance, and structural reinforcement were recurring points of discussion. We left with a clearer understanding of the intricacies involved in earthen construction, as well as the need for continued research and adaptation.

It provided us a detailed exploration of earthen building methods, showcasing their potential and limitations in earthquake-prone regions. It was an opportunity to engage with the challenges of sustainable construction while reflecting on the practical applications of traditional techniques in contemporary settings, which we aim to integrate into our future projects, refining these techniques further and adapting them to meet modern needs.

Participants:

Silvia Pencheva