Also known as sandbag construction, earthbag walls are made by filling burlap or polypropylene bags with earth and stacking them to form walls, which are then finished with plaster. Originally used for military fortifications and flood control, this method is now applied to sustainable housing due to its strength and simplicity.
Suitable Climates: Best for hot, dry, and arid regions; adaptable with proper design.
Hot/Dry: Thermal mass keeps interiors cool during the day and warm at night.
Mild: Moderates temperature swings using thermal flywheel effect.
Arid/Semi-Arid: Performs well in low-rainfall areas.
Flood-Prone: More moisture-resistant than traditional earthen buildings.
Remote Areas: Ideal due to lightweight, locally available materials.
Key Points:
Earthbag building is labor-intensive and may face challenges with financing and scalability. Susceptible to moisture if not properly finished, and may attract vermin. Materials are flammable if not protected.
Benefits: High insulation value, affordable, fast to assemble, earthquake-resistant, long-lasting, and suitable for owner-build projects using on-site soil.
Drawbacks: Labor-heavy, moisture-sensitive, limited mainstream adoption, and potential pest issues.
Applications: Used for walls in off-grid, low-cost, and disaster-resilient housing, especially in remote or arid regions.