Glossary

We respect, value and sustain all the local names for earth building - we keep the language and traditions alive - but classify construction methods with non-regional terms. So cob becomes Mass Earth, and wattle and daub is Framed Earth.

“Techniques and traditions do not sit in neat packages; composites are the way forward and fibre is as much part of the story as earth.”

As a rule, EBUKI only engages with projects that involve no use of concrete or other environmentally damaging materials.

Framed earth curved decorative wall
Two women enjoying making Framed Earth wall

Framed Earth

  • Wattle and Daub (UK)

  • Torchis (France)

  • Mud and Stud (East Anglia)

  • Kebber and Motte (Scotland)

CobBauge mass earth and light earth wall

The red side is light earth, the yellow is mass earth. Mass earth has 2% fibre by weight.

Mass Earth

  • Cob (UK)

  • Bauge (France)

  • Mudwall (East Anglia)

  • Dabbins (Cumbria)

  • Biggins (Scotland)

  • Clom

  • Claywall

New build made from Earth Blocks
Rows of Earth Blocks drying

Moulded or Compressed Earth Blocks

  • Mud Brick (UK)

  • Clay Lump (East Anglia)

  • STROCKS™ (H.G. Matthews)

Rammed Earth fireplace wall
Rammed Earth new build house in Poland

Rammed Earth

  • Pise de Terre (France)

Flower pattern in decorative earth plaster

Earth Plaster

  • Clay plaster

Round earth floor being constructed

Earth Floors

Earth brick arch held together with Earth Mortar

Earth Mortar

  • Earth Masonry

Tall turf wall with turf archway

Turf

Light earth grainy fibre wall

Light Earth

  • Light earth has 50% fibre by weight giving it a much different appearance, a grainy texture and somewhat friable surface where mass earth is dense.

Have more questions? Maybe someone on our Team can help.