After a year of silence, I'm writing this because two current projects have revealed something fundamental about building with earth that technical guides never mention.
Project One began two years ago with a phone call. "We want to build with earth and lime, but our family thinks we're crazy."
For two years, they researched, argued, convinced, and occasionally gave up. They sent me soil samples. Double checked if the walls of my house are durable. Their WhatsApp messages came at odd hours with odd questions.
The way they built the test block was strange. They also wanted to use a few women laborers in the team, which I was reluctant about. When they finally started building, they mixed every batch themselves. Their hands learned what 7% moisture feels like.
Last month, they completed their walls. We never discussed my fee beyond "cover expenses and pay what feels right." I'm happy.
Project Two arrived through an architect, recommended by someone whose work I respect. Professional drawings. They arranged travel and accommodation, installed a coffee maker in my room The design is sophisticated. The budget is clear. You get things you ask for.
When monsoon paused construction, I felt relief. I'm dreading returning.
Here's why:
The first project owners know their earth. They understood what I told them. When a wall section didn't compress properly, they felt it in their shoulders the next morning. Their building is emerging from conversation between their intentions and earth's limits.
The second project treats earth as a material specification. "Rammed earth walls as per drawing." The architect translates earth into paper. I translate paper back to earth. The owner experiences neither translation. They experience a product.
The difference isn't the fee or professionalism. It's about who's in relationship with the material.
When you build with earth, you're not purchasing an aesthetic. You're entering into an agreement with soil compression, moisture content, and gravity. This agreement can't be outsourced. The architect can't sign it for you. I can't sign it for you.
A suggestion for anyone considering earth building:
Before you hire anyone - architect, consultant, contractor - mix one test block yourself. Feel earth at 5% moisture and 10% moisture. Compress it badly, then well. Let your hands learn what your building will be made of.
If that sounds like too much work, build with concrete. It's more honest than using earth you've never understood and refuse to understand.
To Project One owners reading this: Thank you for teaching me what I'm actually consulting on - not earth building, but the relationship between builders and earth.
To Project Two: When I return, I'm going to ask everyone to spend time in understanding what needs to be understood in the first place. If we're going to build with earth, let's build with earth, not despite it.
A note on evolution: I'm redesigning how I work with earth building consultations - moving away from traditional service models toward something more aligned with what earth actually demands: recognition of who's ready to build. The website will reflect this soon. Consider this post a preview of that filter.
I would love to share the process and pictures after the project owners approve it.
Thanks for hanging out in this space
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