Earth Block

Earth blocks or clay lump use a well-mixed wet earth, which is normally (although not always) combined with a good quantity of vegetable matter, most commonly straw or chaff. The earth mixture is then formed either by hand or cast in wooden moulds to make regular sized blocks or bricks.

We know that the Roman’s used mudbricks (blocks) for construction in the UK, and it is likely local building traditions were already in existence that pre-date the Roman introduction of earth blocks in the UK. Today the building tradition is most associated with East Anglia.

Mechanically cast mudbricks using forms and presses, rapidly produce uniformly shaped and sized (and often more compact) mudbricks. Research by the University of Bath, Arc Architects and others has investigated the use of unfired (green) bricks for new construction. They have low energy input, very low waste and high recyclability.

Mike Wye produces cob blocks and cob bricks (in two types compressed and extruded) for use in repair and rebuilding of earth buildings. More information:

http://www.mikewye.co.uk/naturalproducts.htm#cobblocksandcobbricks

Ibstock produce Ecoterre^® Earth Bricks, this is a range of unfired clay bricks intended for most internal non load-bearing applications.

More information: http://www.ibstock.com/sustainability-ecozone.asp