To this day, raw earth appears in only a fraction of the projects built in Europe. As such, it is rarely included in the education of students in architecture. Yet, this material is integral to our vernacular architecture – even if this has been forgotten in (too) many regions. And more importantly, it presents a deeply ecological character : locally available, unfired, recyclable and reusable – not to mention its applicability in structures and its contribution to good physical properties for the building. As such, earth represents a crucial asset in construction and architecture, as we are looking to make them sustainable.

Hence this summer school’s objective : to give the opportunity to learn to build with earth the only way it works – with your own hands. More precisely, this 1-week program aims to offer a good opportunity to dive into the basics of earth construction, , as well as to provide an introduction to various earth techniques that are commonplace in the present-day practice. What is earth, as a material ? What are its properties ? How is it rooted into our vernacular architecture ? What does contemporary architecture in raw earth look like ? How do you assess the potential of a local earth ? How do you use earth to build in rammed earth, cob, blocks, and to make plasters ? We will answer these questions through a combination of lectures, visits and hands-on workshops, led by experienced tutors and practitioners. You will be part of a mixed group of students and young professionals from all over Europe (and even beyond !).