As scientists analyze city infrastructure, they are turning to the timeless technique of using mud to build buildings. In the search for more sustainable building materials, scientists are considering bringing back the ways of ancient peoples using a method that has stood the test of time.
One prime example of mud architecture is Sana’a, an ancient walled city in Yemen. Their mud skyscrapers are so unique that the city has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. While these structures were built in ancient times, many are still being inhabited today and are in full function. Salma Salmar Dalmuji, co-founder of the Daw’an Mud Brick Architecture Foundation in Yemen states that although mud has long been used in the past, it is also “the architecture of the future”
Mud homes in Sana’a are still being used today.
Currently, the construction industry accounts for 38% of carbon emissions. The process of creating concrete releases many harmful gases into our environment. Replacing concrete with a more sustainable resource is key to lowering our carbon footprint and achieving many international climate goals.
As our climate continues to face increasingly drastic changes, experts need to find a building material that is able to withstand extreme weather events and alarming temperatures.
Mud buildings are exceptional at regulating temperatures and withstanding the test of harsh weather. When it’s hot outside, mud bricks will keep the interior cool and vice versa. Mud buildings have also been able to withstand weather events such as flash floods and heat waves. The mud structures in Sana’a, Yemen have been unmoveable for almost 2,000 years. Since mud is resilient to extreme temperature, weather, and time it may be the building block of the future.
In addition, mud is a completely recyclable material that is easy to work with. It is easily accessible in most areas around the globe, allowing everyone to be able to create buildings. In addition, if more space is needed more mud can simply be attached to a previously constructed building. It leaves only minor consequences on the environment and is much more sustainable compared to concrete.
One prime example of mud architecture is Sana’a, an ancient walled city in Yemen. Their mud skyscrapers are so unique that the city has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. While these structures were built in ancient times, many are still being inhabited today and are in full function. Salma Salmar Dalmuji, co-founder of the Daw’an Mud Brick Architecture Foundation in Yemen states that although mud has long been used in the past, it is also “the architecture of the future”
Mud homes in Sana’a are still being used today.
Currently, the construction industry accounts for 38% of carbon emissions. The process of creating concrete releases many harmful gases into our environment. Replacing concrete with a more sustainable resource is key to lowering our carbon footprint and achieving many international climate goals.
As our climate continues to face increasingly drastic changes, experts need to find a building material that is able to withstand extreme weather events and alarming temperatures.
Mud buildings are exceptional at regulating temperatures and withstanding the test of harsh weather. When it’s hot outside, mud bricks will keep the interior cool and vice versa. Mud buildings have also been able to withstand weather events such as flash floods and heat waves. The mud structures in Sana’a, Yemen have been unmoveable for almost 2,000 years. Since mud is resilient to extreme temperature, weather, and time it may be the building block of the future.
In addition, mud is a completely recyclable material that is easy to work with. It is easily accessible in most areas around the globe, allowing everyone to be able to create buildings. In addition, if more space is needed more mud can simply be attached to a previously constructed building. It leaves only minor consequences on the environment and is much more sustainable compared to concrete.
