Under a smoldering sun, crowds of Malian residents, clay-filled pails in hand, gather to reclay the Great Mosque of Djenné. The century-old structure is the largest mud building around the globe, and it might just be the solution after climate change takes the world by storm. Many researchers are seeking a more sustainable material to be used in construction. Mud appears to be a perfect fit. It is eco-friendly, comfortable, and resilient as a construction material, so more builders should rely on it.
Traditional materials used in construction, such as concrete, aren’t great for the environment. The production of concrete accounts for 7% of the world’s carbon emissions. Generally, the construction industry as a whole accounts for 38% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Mud doesn’t require a complex industrial process in order to construct. It can simply be packed, hardened, and dried in the sun. It is also found naturally throughout the whole world.
Mud is also an excellent moderator of temperature, so air conditioning units, which consume energy and emit greenhouse gases in turn, aren’t necessary. “Mud walls collect heat during the day from solar radiation and release it at night. The temperature never fluctuates,” according to Pamela Jerome, president of the Architectural Preservation Studio.
Beyond saving energy by restricting the need for AC, the thermal-related capabilities of mud can make living comfortable. Rooms won’t be too warm in the summertime and too cold in the wintertime. Many have also described the environment as “breathable” due to the mud’s high porosity. This allows moisture to be let in, improving the air quality. “They are healthy buildings which breathe in the same way we breathe and have skins that adapt to hot and cold,” said architect Salma Samar Damluji. “The way they are constructed is in reference, in proportion even, to the human body.”
Mud houses are reliable and resilient, and not just because of their thermal adaptability. Their thick walls make them sturdy and able to withstand heat waves, floods, and droughts. This is essential because natural disasters such as these will become more common as global warming escalates. A mud house’s ability to resist natural disasters depends on where the building is located and how strong its foundation is. In 2008, only 25 mud structures were damaged in a Wadi Dawan flood. The structures had deep foundations made from dry stone. Layers of refined mud, limestone, and plaster also contributed to the protection process.
Some may argue that using mud in buildings can sometimes be inconvenient. Using up earth could eliminate space for farming and growing crops. However, mud is a recyclable and renewable resource. Its adaptability is a major aspect of its effectiveness. One can easily tear down the walls of their mud house and set the earth aside for later use.
“Mud is contagious – it is love at first touch…with earth, you can just play,” said architect Dragana Kojičić. Building structures out of mud used to be routine. Some parts of the world, such as Mali, even do so today. However, the same can’t be said for locations everywhere. Bringing this ancient method back can help to combat climate change and make a difference for homes all over the world.
Traditional materials used in construction, such as concrete, aren’t great for the environment. The production of concrete accounts for 7% of the world’s carbon emissions. Generally, the construction industry as a whole accounts for 38% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Mud doesn’t require a complex industrial process in order to construct. It can simply be packed, hardened, and dried in the sun. It is also found naturally throughout the whole world.
Mud is also an excellent moderator of temperature, so air conditioning units, which consume energy and emit greenhouse gases in turn, aren’t necessary. “Mud walls collect heat during the day from solar radiation and release it at night. The temperature never fluctuates,” according to Pamela Jerome, president of the Architectural Preservation Studio.
Beyond saving energy by restricting the need for AC, the thermal-related capabilities of mud can make living comfortable. Rooms won’t be too warm in the summertime and too cold in the wintertime. Many have also described the environment as “breathable” due to the mud’s high porosity. This allows moisture to be let in, improving the air quality. “They are healthy buildings which breathe in the same way we breathe and have skins that adapt to hot and cold,” said architect Salma Samar Damluji. “The way they are constructed is in reference, in proportion even, to the human body.”
Mud houses are reliable and resilient, and not just because of their thermal adaptability. Their thick walls make them sturdy and able to withstand heat waves, floods, and droughts. This is essential because natural disasters such as these will become more common as global warming escalates. A mud house’s ability to resist natural disasters depends on where the building is located and how strong its foundation is. In 2008, only 25 mud structures were damaged in a Wadi Dawan flood. The structures had deep foundations made from dry stone. Layers of refined mud, limestone, and plaster also contributed to the protection process.
Some may argue that using mud in buildings can sometimes be inconvenient. Using up earth could eliminate space for farming and growing crops. However, mud is a recyclable and renewable resource. Its adaptability is a major aspect of its effectiveness. One can easily tear down the walls of their mud house and set the earth aside for later use.
“Mud is contagious – it is love at first touch…with earth, you can just play,” said architect Dragana Kojičić. Building structures out of mud used to be routine. Some parts of the world, such as Mali, even do so today. However, the same can’t be said for locations everywhere. Bringing this ancient method back can help to combat climate change and make a difference for homes all over the world.
