The Chinese Earthen House

Abstract

An earth dwelling uses a conventional construction method developed throughout the world thousands of years ago. In many parts of rural China, peasants still live in this type of house, using earth as an alternative construction material. Their dwellings have shown the well-suited combination of mankind settlement and local environment. Chinese earth construction was transferred to other regions by overseas migrations and used in many countries including Thailand.  With the raising of environmental issues, modern society has rediscovered earth as a sustainable material. This article categorizes and characterizes earth construction techniques which today still are utilized in China. The author believes that the adaptation of earth to hot and humid climates like Thailand could be successful as long as local conditions, materials, and construction skills are used efficiently. However, research and demonstration projects for innovative are also essential.