Creating ecological architecture. Raw earth construction

Aim of project
The project concerns experimental building in rawearth technology with walls compacted in scaff olds. The building has been erected in an ecological park in the city of Pasłęk (Warmia region). According to the plan, in autumn 2006 excavation work and foundations were made. In summer 2007 construction of the building began, followed by workshops.

The project was designed at the Faculty of Architecture by the team: Teresa Kelm, Jerzy Górski, Marek Kołłątaj.

The design was preceded by laboratory tests and investigations of experimental earthen elements made by students of the Faculty. The research concerned physical and mechanical properties of compressed earth blocs. Their parameters are similar to raw earth compacted in scaff olds.

The purpose of the realization of the building is to demonstrate the method of construction in raw earth technology and to create the possibility of observations and research during use.

The designed building will be energy-effi cient with a passive solar system adapted. The direct gain of solar heat will be achieved thanks to a greenhouse placed on the south side of the building. The research will concern thermal capacity, as well as interior conditions (humidity, radiation) and possibility of heat storage in massive earthen walls.

The purpose of the project is also:
To elaborate and introduce modern technology of raw earth construction;
To research the methods of creating an energy-effi cient building.

Expected results
Confi rmation of the possibility to apply raw
earth construction in Polish conditions. Erection of the building
for long-term research and observation.