Uploaded on 2015-04-22 by bukovitelli

An 8000 year old material and construction technology in Hungary is "vályog", or rammed earth. It usually consists of some straw compressed in earth rich in clay, lime or chalk, making it similar to reinforced concrete. It's assembly can be in the form of bricks, or as monolithic structure. It is the best material considering building physics parameters such as: mass heat storage, thermal transmittance, and ventilation. It's weaknesses are low load bearing capabilities and sensitivity to water. It is an excellent material in dry, hot areas, where its ability to maintain desirable microclimate is apparent; the picture shows it's application to the Arizona desert. Note: the picture is from the INTERNET, I have no means of visiting any vályog-house in the near future. Source: http://www.hna-design.hu/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/47.png [1]: http://www.hna-design.hu/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/47.png