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 Earth Blocks (MEB) or Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB)

  • 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

  • Meadow Earth

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.

NEW! Infographics summarising these techniques. Research by Ciaran Malik. Many more illustrations can be found at ciaranmalik.org

This informative video demonstrates the basics of beginning to work with earth as a material

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