Think of Islamic mud structures and more than likely the iconic Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali will come to mind. The largest mud brick building in the world, the mosque is considered to be amongst the greatest achievement of Sudano-Swahelian architecture and one of the most famous landmarks of Africa.

But it’s not only Africa that boasts impressive (and sustainable) mud structures, the Middle East is home to some of the most stunning mud buildings in the world. From Shibam – the Manhattan of the Desert – in Yemen to the Bam citadel of Iran, these mud structures show that there’s more to Muslim architecture than Mecca and Masdar.

Why is Mud Building Sustainable?

For thousands of years, mud has been used as building material because it’s cheap, widely available and durable. Although many question its durability, there are numerous ancient mud buildings which have withstood the test of time. Mud construction is also an extremely environmentally-friendly method as it creates little waste, there is minimal energy consumption (mostly in the construction and transportation process), and it is easy to maintain and recycle.

In fact, Hassan Fathy, who has been hailed as the Middle East’s father of sustainable architecture and was behind eco-projects such as the Gourna village in Egypt wrote: “For centuries, the peasant had been wisely and quietly exploiting the obvious building material, while we, with our modern school-learned ideas, never dreamed of using such a ludicrous substance as mud for so serious a creation as a house.”

Modern Living in the City of Shibam

Yemen is home to one of the most impressive, one of the oldest and also one of the tallest mud cities in the world. Before the city scrapers of New York, the city of Shibam had built high rise apartments out of mud which tower to over 100 feet and are between 5 and 11 storeys high.

Dating back to around the 2nd century CE, the city was built using local clay and is still home to around 7,000 residents who live in the fortified city.

Although it is over 2,000 years old, rain and erosion necessitates constant maintenance, which efforts are now supported by restoration and urban development programs. Nicknamed Manhattan of the Desert, the city is testament to the durability of mud not just for single structures but also for modern high-rise living.

Another impressive city made of mud is Bam in Iran. Built using mud bricks known as adobe, the Bam tower or citadel (Arg-e-Bam) is believed to have been the largest adobe building in the world and was built over 2,000 years ago.

At its peak, the city served as a site of pilgrimage and was the trading centre of the Silk Road, which brought goods from the Far East to the capitals of Europe. Sadly, an earthquake in 2003 destroyed a large part of the historic city (around 70%) and killed over 26,000 people. There were more later showing that earth architecture has some limits.

Mud Castles, Walls and Mosques

Other notable mud structures in the wider Muslim world include the Bob Dioulasso Grand Mosque in Burkina Faso, and the Khiva Wall in Uzbekistan, which is built around a collection of Islamic schools and mosques. The Siwa Oasis in Egypt (which we visited and posted about here) and the Eastern Castle in Syria have also employed mud bricks in their construction, and research shows that the famous walls of Jericho were built using sun-dried mud bricks.

Whilst these mud buildings may seem like something of the past, they are in fact increasingly considered as options for low-carbon and low-cost construction. As well as having a small footprint, mud structures have been shown to reduce energy consumption as they are able to regulate temperature.

Hopefully mud architecture will not only decorate our past, but our future too.

Image of Great Mosque in Mali via Juan Manuel Garcia and image of Bisham in Yemen by Aysegul Tastaban.

Updated 2025

The post Ancient mud buildings in the Muslim world are spectacular and sustainable appeared first on Green Prophet.

As discussions about Gaza’s future unfold, one thing is clear: rebuilding must be done sustainably and inclusively. The sheer scale of destruction presents both a challenge and an opportunity—one that demands a forward-thinking approach rather than short-term, profit-driven solutions.

A logical starting point for reconstruction is utilizing the vast amount of rubble already present. Recycling this debris into new building materials is not just an environmentally responsible choice but also an efficient and cost-effective solution. Infrastructure companies specializing in sustainable urban development should be incentivized to establish operations in Gaza, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth. This approach would ensure that rebuilding is not only rapid but also resilient, reducing dependency on costly imports.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called attention to Gaza’s potential as valuable real estate, given its prime coastal location. However, a luxury-driven redevelopment strategy risks exacerbating inequality rather than fostering long-term stability. If rebuilding efforts focus solely on high-end properties, ordinary Gazans—who have already suffered immense losses—could find themselves permanently displaced.

A more sustainable approach would prioritize mixed-income housing, ensuring that new developments are accessible to a broad range of residents. Investment in public infrastructure, schools, and renewable energy sources would help create a thriving, self-sustaining community rather than an exclusive enclave for the wealthy.

Rebuilding Gaza cannot happen in a political vacuum. Any reconstruction plan must align with agreements between Israel and whatever governing body takes control after Hamas. Israel has made it clear that it will not accept a Hamas-led Gaza, and the formation of a new leadership structure will be a decisive factor in how reconstruction proceeds.

Related: Trump could use these sustainable technologies to rebuild Gaza

This governing body must play an integral role in urban planning, ensuring that development aligns with the needs of Gaza’s residents rather than external interests. International collaboration—including partnerships between governments, NGOs, and sustainability experts—will be key to ensuring a stable and inclusive future.

Given the likelihood of a buffer zone along Gaza’s border, an innovative approach could be to transform this space into a greenbelt. Many cities worldwide have successfully implemented green zones that serve as ecological buffers while also benefiting urban populations. A well-planned greenbelt could provide environmental benefits, support agriculture, and even serve as a shared space between Gazans and Israelis—turning a divisive border into an area of mutual sustainability.

About the author:

Batel Spivack completed her MA in Environmental Studies with a focus on urban sustainability at Tel Aviv University’s Porter School and has a BA in Political Science from Stern College Yeshiva University. She has been living in Israel for over 20 years and grew up in the USA.

Batel works for the Jerusalem Green Fund where she directs a center for sustainability for the Ultra-Orthodox community, coordinates the Sustainable Jerusalem Lobby which aims to set a sustainable agenda for the city while being heavily involved in urban development on a grassroots level with residents from all sectors.

The post A Sustainable Path to Rebuilding Gaza: Opportunity for Collaboration and Peace appeared first on Green Prophet.

Related: MIT rates your city using AI for the trees 

The Awards recognise and celebrate bold and innovative action that harnesses the power of plants and nature to create greener, healthier, and more resilient cities.

“Today, more than ever, we are faced with an epic challenge: ensuring that our cities remain liveable and resilient in the face of climate change and growing urbanisation,” says AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio. “As climate change predictions become reality, it is clear that plants will be among the most valuable resources we have to keep our cities comfortable. We must recognise the importance of plants and trees and their ability to adapt to stress in order to ensure the health and well-being of us all.”

Cities around the world are encouraged to enter their greening initiatives to showcase their achievement and commitment to nature-orientated solutions to address major challenges facing urban environments. The AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 comprise seven categories:

• Living Green for Biodiversity & Ecosystem Restoration
• Living Green for Climate Change
• Living Green for Health & Wellbeing
• Living Green for Water
• Living Green for Social Cohesion & Inclusive Communities
• Living Green for Urban Infrastructure & Liveability
• Living Green for Urban Agriculture & Food Systems

A two stage judging process ensures rigour and integrity. Three Finalists for each category are selected by a Technical Panel of urban greening experts. From this list, an international Jury decides on the winners. Of the seven category winners, only one will be named Grand Winner of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026.

The recipient of the prestigious Grand Winner title of the 2024 edition was the City of Chengdu, China, which was announced at the 2024 Awards Ceremony held at the Future World Green City Congress in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The inaugural edition of the AIPH World Green City Awards was won by the City of Hyderabad in India. Both cities impressed the judges with their city-wide approach to urban greening.

“The AIPH World Green City Awards has grown from strength to strength since the inaugural edition in 2022,” says Mr Bill Hardy, Chair of the AIPH Green City Committee. “In the past two editions of the Awards we have seen how collective action at the local level can achieve global impact. Cities are champions for the power of plants and nature, that is why all cities are invited to enter the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026.”

The post Do you have the greenest city? Apply for this global award appeared first on Green Prophet.

Modern society owes much of its progress and functionality to the way we have approached building and construction. From ancient times when the first settlements began to take shape, to today’s skyscraper-laden skylines, buildings have not only mirrored our progress but have been fundamental catalysts in shaping human civilization.

The architecture of our buildings reflects more than just the aesthetic tastes of an era; it encapsulates the technological advancements, social changes, and economic conditions of its time. The advent of modern cement in the 19th century revolutionized construction methods, enabling the creation of stronger, more durable structures. This innovation laid the foundation for modern architecture and urban development. With the ability to build more resilient and taller structures, cities began to expand vertically rather than just horizontally. This transformation allowed for greater population density in urban centers, enhancing economic interactions and accelerating societal growth. 

Despite the invaluable contributions of advancements in construction and architecture to modern society, the real estate sector has also emerged as a significant contributor to global carbon emissions due to unsustainable practices. While pivotal in the development of infrastructure, cement alone is responsible for about 8% of global carbon emissions, and overall the real estate sector accounts for approximately 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions when considering both embodied emissions (from construction materials and processes) and operational emissions (from energy used in buildings). 

Mitigating the environmental impact of real estate developments is not just a matter of regulatory compliance or corporate social responsibility; it is an essential component of global efforts to combat climate change. Sustainable practices in real estate offer a path to reducing carbon emissions, and as such there is a growing importance placed on sustainable development to ensure that the real estate sector contributes positively to the health of our planet. 

Real Estate’s Contribution to Carbon Emissions

The real estate sector’s role in the global carbon footprint stems from various sources that encompass the entire lifecycle of buildings. The most significant emissions arise from three primary areas: 

Construction Processes

The construction phase of real estate development is a major contributor to carbon emissions, largely due to the methods employed and the materials used. Traditional construction techniques, which often involve extensive use of energy-intensive materials like steel and concrete, significantly amplify a building’s carbon footprint. Moreover, the construction process itself, involving heavy machinery and often lengthy build times, contributes further to the sector’s emissions.

Building Operations

Once constructed, the operation of buildings becomes the next significant phase of carbon emissions. This phase is dominated by the energy consumption patterns for heating, cooling, and lighting, which together account for a substantial portion of the energy used in commercial and residential buildings. Older buildings, or those designed without modern energy-saving technologies, are particularly prone to high levels of energy consumption due to inefficient HVAC systems and poor insulation. 

Urban Development and Infrastructure

The broader impacts of real estate on carbon emissions can be seen in the patterns of urban development and infrastructure. Urban sprawl, the expansion of cities into outlying areas, typically leads to increased carbon emissions as it encourages dependency on automobiles, leading to higher gasoline consumption and traffic congestion. This sprawl often results in longer commutes and less efficient public transportation systems. Conversely, well-planned urban development that prioritizes density and mixed-use spaces can reduce the need for long commutes, encourage the use of public transport, and support more sustainable lifestyles. 

Case Study: Greycoat Real Estate’s Sustainable Approach

The London real estate sector faces unique challenges in mitigating carbon emissions, primarily due to its dense urban environment and the historical significance of many of its buildings. London’s strict regulatory frameworks aimed at preserving historical architecture often limit the extent to which existing buildings can be modified, making it difficult to implement modern energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, the city’s compact urban layout, while beneficial for reducing transportation emissions, complicates large-scale construction projects and limits opportunities for incorporating green spaces and renewable energy installations like solar panels. The high cost of property in London also influences decisions about sustainable investments, as stakeholders balance the financial implications of green upgrades against potential returns. These factors necessitate innovative approaches to sustainability, 

Greycoat Real Estate offers a compelling case study in the London real estate sector’s efforts to mitigate carbon emissions. Founded in 1976, Greycoat has been under the leadership of Nick Millican since 2012. The company launched its sustainability program in 2020, and has since set ambitious targets aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to a representative for Greycoat, rather than being driven by external mandates, this proactive approach has been fueled by a deeply ingrained corporate ethos that prioritizes a responsible legacy for future generations.

Comprehensive Assessment and Planning: Greycoat undertook an extensive and meticulous evaluation of its carbon footprint, examining both operational impacts and those related to its real estate assets. This process included a thorough analysis of daily operations, such as travel and energy use, and the specifics of building refurbishments. The evaluation, which took up to two years, aimed to craft a robust and actionable sustainability plan. This iterative approach ensured that sustainability considerations were deeply embedded in the company’s operations and development projects.

High Environmental Standards: The company has adopted stringent environmental standards for its portfolio, mandating EPC A ratings and BREEAM Excellent certifications for new developments. Greycoat’s sustainability framework includes a detailed sustainable development brief with around 60 environmental targets covering water usage, embodied carbon, and energy efficiency. These rigorous standards are applied to both new builds and refurbishments, setting high benchmarks for sustainability in the industry.

Operational Improvements and Infrastructure Upgrades: In terms of infrastructure, Greycoat transitioned to high-performance office spaces that significantly reduce environmental impact through superior energy performance and sustainable design. The company’s commitment to ongoing environmental performance optimization involves annual reviews to refine and enhance sustainability strategies.

Tracking and Accountability: Rigorous tracking and performance accountability are also integral to Greycoat’s strategy. Detailed data from operations and asset management are used to ensure adherence to sustainability goals and to drive continuous improvements. This rigorous approach underscores the company’s commitment to achieving and surpassing its environmental targets.

Focus on Large Refurbishment Projects: A notable aspect of Greycoat’s sustainability strategy is its focus on large refurbishment projects. By retaining much of the original building structure and opting for extensive renovations rather than demolitions, Greycoat significantly reduces the carbon emissions associated with new constructions. According to Nick Millican, this approach not only preserves architectural heritage but also aligns with increasing regulatory pressures in London, where permissions for demolitions are becoming more stringent.

Nick Millican’s strategy for Greycoat exemplifies how integrating sustainability can lead to substantial improvements in environmental performance. By deeply embedding sustainability into every facet of company operations and development projects, Greycoat ensures that it is not just a one-time checklist but a continuous journey of improvement. The systematic approach to performance optimization and the focus on refurbishment projects further highlight Greycoat’s effective strategy in mitigating carbon emissions, setting a benchmark for others in the London real estate sector.

The real estate sector plays a pivotal role in global carbon emissions, significantly impacting environmental sustainability through both construction practices and building operations. As one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the sector’s activities—from the carbon-intensive processes of constructing new buildings to the ongoing energy demands of maintaining existing ones—underscore the urgency of reducing its carbon footprint. As more companies adopt similar comprehensive approaches to sustainability, the real estate sector can make significant strides in reducing its environmental impact, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

The post Nick Millican and Greycoat: Addressing Real Estate’s Global Carbon Impact appeared first on Green Prophet.

The earthquake that hit Morocco on 8 September in the Atlas Mountains was one of the most devastating that Morocco has seen decades: the quake killed more than 2,800 people and injured thousands more.

At 6.8 in magnitude, the earthquake was not huge, the disaster was exasperated by lack of preparedness, says disaster researcher Ilan Kelman: “Earthquakes don’t kill people, collapsing infrastructure does,” he says in a recent article.

Buildings in Morocco are often designed to control for extremes of temperature, which are an ever-present risk, whereas earthquake resilience has taken a back seat, he explains. This is the same problem that plagued Turkey and its devastating earthquake recently.

The question is how to rebuild sustainably with earthquakes in mind? The kasbah we visited in the Atlas Mountains is damaged but all the guests were spared, according to a story in The Independent. The Kasbah is also offering updates and ways to donate to the region in the earthquake aftermath.

One sustainable building method which has stood the test of time, and withstood earthquakes is the use of self-healing plaster used by the Romans in the Levant region and beyond. Straw bale building, one story high is supposed to be remarkably resilient against earthquakes, as are triangular shaped buildings. Perhaps these methods aren’t viable in mountain regions or cities.

We are looking for sustainable design engineers to help us write a guide for countries looking to earthquake proof with sustainable concepts in mind. Send your ideas to earthquakeproof@greenprophet.com

The post Why was the Morocco quake so deadly? appeared first on Green Prophet.

In today’s world, where environmental concerns are growing exponentially, businesses have a crucial role to play in reducing their ecological footprint. One effective way to achieve this is by carefully selecting the materials used in manufacturing processes and product development, like those from Teak Isle.

By prioritizing sustainable sourcing, you can significantly minimize your environmental impact while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Understanding the Environmental Impact

Think about it. Every single thing we buy, from that snazzy smartphone to those comfy jeans, has a story to tell. And that story includes the materials used to make it. Those materials have a big ol’ carbon footprint that can wreak havoc on the planet if we’re not careful.

Here’s the deal: when we extract materials from the Earth, it often involves energy-intensive processes that spew out greenhouse gases. Heat gets trapped in the atmosphere by these gases, leading to climate change and all its delightful consequences like extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

And that’s not all. Using certain materials contributes to deforestation, which means we’re cutting down forests left and right. And those forests are like the lungs of our planet, soaking up carbon dioxide and pumping out oxygen. So when we lose them, we’re losing a crucial defense against climate change.

Renewable and Recycled Materials

Renewable and recycled materials are key players in the realm of sustainability, offering significant benefits for the environment and our future. 

When we talk about renewable materials, we refer to resources that can be replenished relatively quickly or are naturally regenerative. Examples of renewable materials include bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp. 

These materials possess the remarkable ability to grow rapidly, often requiring fewer pesticides, fertilizers, and water compared to conventional options. By opting for products made from renewable materials, we support a more sustainable and responsible approach to resource utilization, reducing our dependence on finite resources.

Life Cycle Assessment

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool that helps us understand and evaluate the environmental impact of products throughout their entire life cycle. It’s like putting on a pair of eco-friendly glasses that allows us to see the big picture and make informed decisions.

LCA considers each stage of a product’s life cycle, from raw material extraction and production to distribution, use, and eventual disposal or recycling. By conducting a thorough analysis, LCA assesses the environmental inputs and outputs associated with each stage, such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and the potential for pollution.

The beauty of LCA lies in its ability to provide a holistic view of a product’s environmental footprint. It helps us identify and understand the hotspots or critical points in the life cycle where significant environmental impacts occur. This knowledge empowers businesses to prioritize areas for improvement and make strategic choices that minimize their environmental footprint.

Toxicity and Hazardous Substances

When selecting materials, considering their toxicity and the presence of hazardous substances is of utmost importance. We all want products that are safe for both human health and the environment. 

The use of materials free from harmful chemicals and toxic substances is crucial for achieving this goal.

Certain substances, such as lead, mercury, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can pose significant risks to human health.

Additionally, these substances can have adverse effects on ecosystems and biodiversity when they enter the environment through manufacturing processes or end-of-life disposal.

By prioritizing materials that are certified free from toxic substances, businesses can take a proactive approach to protect human health and the environment. This involves rigorous testing and adherence to regulations and industry standards. 

Collaboration and Supply Chain Transparency

Collaboration and supply chain transparency are essential pillars in the quest for sustainable materials and responsible production practices. No business operates in isolation, and understanding the impact of materials goes beyond just what happens within their own walls. It requires engaging with suppliers, manufacturers, and stakeholders to promote sustainability throughout the entire supply chain.

By fostering collaboration, businesses can work hand in hand with their partners to promote sustainable practices and drive positive change. This collaboration can take various forms, such as sharing knowledge, setting common goals, and jointly exploring innovative solutions. When companies align their sustainability objectives and work together towards a shared vision, the impact can be far-reaching and transformative.

Supply chain transparency is a vital aspect of responsible material sourcing and production. It involves having clear visibility into the origin and practices associated with the materials used. 

It allows us to trace the journey of materials, ensuring responsible sourcing, ethical labor practices, and environmentally friendly processes.

Waste Generation

Waste generated during manufacturing can take different forms. It includes solid waste, such as scraps and leftover materials, as well as liquid and gaseous waste resulting from industrial processes. 

Packaging waste, such as cardboard, plastics, and Styrofoam, is also a significant contributor. Businesses should assess the types of waste they generate and identify opportunities for reduction and responsible disposal.

Waste reduction strategies are crucial for minimizing waste generation. These strategies include process optimization to minimize material waste, inventory management to reduce excess stock and spoilage, and implementing lean manufacturing principles. 

By promoting waste reduction at the source, businesses can decrease the volume of waste generated and improve overall resource efficiency. Additionally, collaborating with suppliers to minimize packaging waste and encouraging consumers to recycle or return packaging can further contribute to waste reduction efforts.

Conclusion

By opting for sustainable materials, we become catalysts for change, driving the transition to a more environmentally conscious society. We have the power to reduce deforestation, curb greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and divert waste from landfills. Our choices can inspire innovation and drive the demand for greener alternatives, pushing industries to adopt more sustainable practices.

But this isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about creating a world where humans and nature can coexist harmoniously. By embracing renewable resources, we ensure a future where generations to come can thrive amidst abundant ecosystems.

The post Sustainable Sourcing: The Environmental Impact of Using the Right Materials for Your Products appeared first on Green Prophet.

Travel and sustainability by default don’t go hand in hand. If you have to fly somewhere or drive long distances you are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. That’s why staycations have been a priority for ecologically-minded people. Traveling local reduces your carbon footprint and lets you support the people and businesses close to your home. 

But travel is an industry that holds together the economies of some countries like Thailand and Egypt. Two of our favorite places. Plus, it’s fun. And what if you are a writer who makes a living writing about travel? Get out there, but do it sustainably.

Tips for working as a writer in sustainable travel

Finding jobs

If you are looking for work as a writer ––  don’t worry –– ChatGTP still hasn’t taken over the world –– or your job. Creative, knowledgeable people in multiple languages are sought after across a wide range of outlets in the writing and journalism fields. Sites like Topcontent hire writers in the travel space and this site focuses on niche areas and non-English content as well. If you aren’t strong in English, but write well and have a passion for writing and travel, this site is for you.

If you dream about being a digital nomad, it doesn’t mean you have to work as a travel writer, but it sure can be fun. There are plenty of Facebook groups that offer writing gigs for travel writers. Digital Nomads on Facebook is a place where we found writers for Green Prophet and even if you aren’t in the position to travel, you will learn that you can write about your hometown or favorite city like no one else on the planet. Take your school assignments from college or university and do it in the place in situ if you are learning over Zoom working with a tutor to do my physics homework. 

Finding the muse

Another tip for you is to hone in on your passions. Here are some tips and ideas for you to explore: If you like food, start writing about the best restaurants for locals. Think about ones that use local, seasonal ingredients and which tell the story of the place. This kind of content helps travelers be easier on the planet by eating healthier. Tourists often get stuck hungry at landmark sites and after reading bogus Yelp reviews end up eating low-quality junk food served on plastic that many locals would never touch.

A good way to start writing is to approach the topic like you are speaking to your best friend when you were 12-years-old. This way you explain the idea in a way that is easy-going and colloquial, you will say things honestly and you will write in a way that a 12-year-old can understand. No one needs complicated words to make a point. 

Getting of the house is never a bad idea. Even travel writers love to lie in bed and wait for the world to come to them. Just because you crave exotic locations and food, getting out of bed when you have arrived to your destination is the next step. Dust off your barefoot shoes, turn over new stones, and go to the opposite path of the travellers and tourists before you. 

Deciding what is eco – you can be the judge

Most travel resorts and guest houses around the world aren’t calculating their carbon footprints. If you stay at a family-run guest house in Calcutta and ask them how eco-friendly their rating is, they might have no idea what you are talking about. But it’s eco to support family-run guest houses, just like it’s eco to travel to Chiang Rai and stay with the Hill Tribe people. 

On the other hand there are large “eco” resorts on Phuket, Thailand like the Keemala, where we stayed last year (and it’s one of the best places we have ever visited), and they can send you a sustainability rating and eco-process they created and designed to help the jungle and the local population. Use common sense: it goes without eco-credentials, that small family businesses are more sustainable than large resorts. 

Lastly, if you travel to a place boasting about it’s eco credentials, ask them about power use, water reuse and plastics. Ask them about employee salaries, benefits and time off. You can decide if the credentials are real or just a marketing tactic. 

Good luck and enjoy your trip. 

The post <strong>How do you write for sustainable travel?</strong> appeared first on Green Prophet.

Neder Khalili (1936 to 2008) was an Iranian-born architect whose vision of sustainable building for the relief of the poor has been realized in communities around the world.

Like the Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy before him, Khalili built homes of earth with thick walls, curves instead of straight lines, and consideration for the needs imposed on residents by their climate. But where Fathy’s system proved unsustainable over the decades, Khalili’s technology seems likely to endure.

Khalili escaped Iran as a young man and established his office in California, where he was licensed as an architect in 1970. He taught his theories around the world, reaping recognition and awards for his work. 

At the request of NASA in 1984, Khalili  developed a technology that could be used to build on Mars and the moon.  Eventually it became known as SuperAdobe, a form of architecture using dirt-filled sandbags, barbed wire, plaster, and very little else. Although it first remained a theory, NASA published the plans, which were awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004. We reported more on Khalili’s works and awards, here.

In practice, SuperAdobe has been used to create homes, community centers, playgrounds and more, in 49 countries and counting. The projects built in the States pass global safety requirements and earthquake code tests in California.

The Los Angeles Times reported, ““The city (of Hesperia) conducted tests, under the supervision of the International conference of Building Officials, and found that SuperAdobe stood up to twice the amount of weight that would crush a pitched-roof house.”

In 1991 Khalili founded the California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (Cal-Earth), a non-profit school where he taught the SuperAdobe building technique with the aim of showing ordinary people – not only students of architecture – how to build their own homes from filled sandbags. His daughter and son now run the organization and train teams in theory and practice.

How SuperAdobe works is explained on the Cal-Earth site:

“Long or short sandbags are filled with moistened earth and arranged in layers or long coils. Strands of barbed wire are placed between each layer of sandbag to act as both mortar and reinforcement. Stabilizers such as cement, lime, or asphalt emulsion may be added. Similar to how a potter stacks coils of clay to make a vessel, builders stack coils of earth to make a structure.

The structural design uses modern engineering concepts like base-isolation and post-tensioning. The long coils of sandbag provide compression (vertical) strength. While the barbed wire adds tensile (horizontal) strength. In addition, the sandbags add flood resistance. The earth itself provides insulation and fire-proofing.”

Supplies needed to build SuperAdobe structures are synthetic, UV resistant degradable sand bags, four-point, two strand, galvanized barbed wire, shovels, tampers, dirt and water.

This beautiful domed village was created on the island of Hormuz, in Iran, by the architectural firm Zav Architects,  based in Teheran. The residents have traditionally been involved in illegal activities, but the hope is that, having been trained in SuperAdobe construction, they will turn to more acceptable ways of making a living. This is similar to the vision of Hassan Fathy, whose New Gourna village was created to house residents of the original Gourna and guide them to farming and construction trades.

Until the Covid pandemic appeared, Cal-Earth offered courses, hands-on workshops, youth programs, field trips and lectures. All possible classes have been moved online and are available as videos or Zoom sessions now. Visit Caltech for details. 

What does Pablo say?

Green Prophet’s friend and advisor, environmental artist Pablo Solomon says: 

“People in our part of Texas have made adobe bricks from caliche clay for centuries. It is a naturally occurring mixture of clay and limestone gravel (often small fossils). When it dries in the sun it is incredibly hard. Like all adobe, you must plaster over it to keep the moisture out. 

“Also, you might find this interesting–a guy out in Marfa, Texas (near Big Bend National Park) mixes cement, shredded paper and sand to make a light weight concrete for construction by blocks or pouring. The really unique aspect is the way he mixes the composition. He pulls a mixer behind his pick up truck as he drives around and gears attached to the trailer wheels cause the mixer to turn.”

The post Superadobe Homes Built Of Sandbags Rise Around The Planet appeared first on Green Prophet.

An online real estate  company listed a seven bedroom villa in Dubai’s neighboring Emirate Abu Dhabi for $95,300 a year, which amounts to nearly $8,000 a month. Anyone who can afford to spend that much money on rent probably has little incentive to turn off the lights in order to conserve energy or shorten their showers, which may explain why the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council sometimes has to meet with villa owners six times before they grasp the minimum requirements of the country’s mandatory Estidama green building code.

Energy and water guzzlers

Government subsidies keep energy and water costs unrealistically low in the Emirates, despite its dubious distinction of having the world’s largest per capita carbon footprint. And many foreigners who have flocked to the Emirate to help the country exploit their enormous resource wealth live behind tall walls in self-enclosed villas.

So it’s hardly surprising that they are perplexed by the Estidama Pearl Rating System that was established in September, 2010 as a mandatory means to reduce the carbon and water footprint of all structures built in Abu Dhabi.

In order to help them find their way, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has launched an online tool that villa owners on a step-by-step journey through this unknown landscape. Appropriately called the “e-villa configurator,” this platform demonstrates to new builders what techniques can be used to save “precious water” resources, according to The National.

Pampering the un-green

“When users click on a category, they can learn how it will affect their final design and what the environmental benefits will be,” the paper reports.

Despite this serious pampering, people aren’t catching on as quickly as the UPC would like. Only 50% of the 1500 applications for Estidama have been approved since November, 2010, and these aren’t strident requirements. Although Government Buildings are required to achieve at least two out of five pearls, villa owners only have to earn one.

An adviser for Estidama, Edwin Young told the paper that it “once took applicants between four and six attempts to get through the process; now the UPC aims for two.”

The building requirements for villa developers have been simplified; hopefully they’ll get the hang of going green soon.

:: The National

image via World Property Channel

More on Green Building in The Emirates:

A Greener Space Planned Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Dubai Ends Cheap Local Gas

Former Masdar Director Says the UAE Must End Subsidies

The post Gulf Municipality Pampers Villa Owners Who Don’t Get Green Building appeared first on Green Prophet.

Steve Areen hatched the hobbit-like home idea in 2011 while visiting a friend who was building dome homes for his Thailand retreat.  And what a friend!

Hajjar Gibran also offered Areen a small plot of land on his organic mango farm, and with an assist from Gibran and his son-in-law, six weeks later Areen was living in the finished building.

He took a few more weeks to install doors, window screens, and surrounding landscape – including a small pond.

Labor costs are low in Thailand, and the materials – cinder block, clay brick, and stone pavers for flooring and as decorative “tile” –  were locally sourced.  Plumbing is rudimentary, and the electrical system is basic. The building shell came in under $6,000; accessories and furniture bumped it up another 50%.

According to the Daily Mail, he’s been bitten by the dome-home-bug and is looking for more property back in the USA to build another.

“As much as I love my dome home, I probably would not have built it if was a long process. The low cost and time-efficiency of using blocks is what enticed me into building.  Because suitable compressed earth blocks were not available at the time, cement blocks and clay bricks were used,” said Areen.

Back in Thailand, Gibran is experimenting with more sustainable techniques. He recently built a compressed earth brick press and is planning to build a dome-home with cellular concrete, which offers better insulation. Hajjar conducts workshops in dome building at his retreat, The Gibran Center – link here.

His website bio implies a connection with the Lebanese poet and philosopher Khalil Gibran – it’s a read as interesting as this mango-colored house.

All images from Steve Areen

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