Indian Standard (IS) Codes

Essential regulatory codes for earth-based and alternative construction in India.

IS 1725 : 1982

Soil-Lime Blocks for Soil Stabilization

The foundational standard specification for soil stabilization, outlining criteria for compressed stabilized soil blocks (CSEB) and soil-lime mixtures.

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IS 13827 : 1993

Earthquake Resistance of Earthen Buildings

Critical national guidelines covering seismic reinforcement and structural modifications to drastically improve the earthquake resistance of cob, adobe, and mud masonry walls.

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IS 9096 : 2006

Preservation of Bamboo for Structural Purposes

The structural standard detailing chemical and traditional non-chemical preservation methods (Boucherie process, sap replacement) to prevent bamboo decay and termite attack.

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IS 6874 : 2008

Method of Testing Bamboo Structures

Essential laboratory procedures and methodologies to test the compressive, tensile, and shear strengths of various structural bamboo species.

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IS 13828 : 1993

Low Strength Masonry Buildings

Guidelines for improving the seismic behavior of buildings constructed with low-strength mortars, random rubble, or sun-dried earth bricks.

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IS 2185 (Part 4)

Precast Solid & Hollow Compressed Earth Blocks

Specific material definitions, dimensions, structural load tolerances, and testing protocols for precast concrete masonry and compressed earth blocks.

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Essential Reading

Foundational books on earth architecture and vernacular design.

The Barefoot Architect

by Johan van Lengen

Widely considered the bible of low-cost, natural building. Packed with hand-drawn diagrams illustrating solar orientation, natural ventilation, cob, bamboo, and passive heating techniques.

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Building with Earth: Design & Technology

by Gernot Minke

Written by the world's leading academic authority on earthen building. Covers structural load-bearing physics, clay mineral science, thermal properties, and advanced moisture protection.

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Architecture for the Poor

by Hassan Fathy

The revolutionary classic chronicling Fathy's collaborative mud-brick housing project in New Gourna, Egypt. Celebrates traditional Nubian vaults, arches, and community-driven design.

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The Hand-Sculpted House

by Ianto Evans, Michael G. Smith & Linda Smiley

A highly practical and deeply philosophical guide to building a cob house. Details material sourcing, ergonomic sculpting, and creating organic earthen plasters.

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Grow Your Own House: Simón Vélez & Bamboo

by Simón Vélez

Explores the structural brilliance of Guadua bamboo. Showcases the Colombian architect's pioneer joinery designs, proving bamboo can support massive public trusses.

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Rammed Earth Construction

by Ulrich Pfisterer

A comprehensive modern guide to rammed earth engineering. Explores pneumatic ramming, formwork configuration, and stabilizing high-durability modern structural monoliths.

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Films & Documentaries

Visual journeys exploring the frontiers of natural building.

Laurie Baker: Uncommon Wisdom (2016)

A biographical documentary showcasing the genius of Laurie Baker, who revolutionized low-cost, high-efficiency brick and organic architecture in India.

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Garbage Warrior (2007)

Follows visionary architect Michael Reynolds and his legal battles to build 'Earthships'—fully off-grid passive solar homes constructed from rammed tires, bottles, and mud.

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First Earth: Uncompromising Mud (2009)

An internationally acclaimed documentary advocating for unbaked earthen housing as a beautiful, highly insulation-efficient solution to modern carbon-heavy suburban sprawl.

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Mud, Hands, and Grass (2020)

An intimate visual documentary capturing the communal construction of large-scale cob structures, showcasing natural clay mixtures, clay-straw slip techniques, and earthen floors.

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Get in Touch

Whether you're looking to host a workshop, collaborate on a research project, or join our internship program, we're here to start the conversation.

Write to us

Basithali E. K

naamearthofficial@gmail.com

+91 98478 11979

Office Address

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TKMCE, Kollam,
Kerala, India.
Pincode: 691005

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