SUSTAINABILITYClay is one of the most abundant natural materials. Unlike many other building materials, its use does not deplete a stored resource and it does not need to be replaced. It does not need to be imported; there is plenty to go around.
EMBODIED ENERGYMudbricks do not need heat or chemicals in their manufacture (except solar heat). They do not need complicated and expensive plant to produce. They have a very low embodied energy, being created mostly by hand or in small scale manufacture.
UNIQUENESSIn this age of conformity, mass production and ever increasing standardization of building practices, mudbrick has retained its ability to be unique. This is because components are not standard (although readily available) and also because the owners are more intimately involved in the conception and execution. Also there is more scope for the owners to inject their personalities.
SOLAR PASSIVEThe principles of passive solar design are slowly percolating into mainstream building but have long been a part of mudbrick design and construction. These include: north facing, long axis east/west and solar shading. mudbrick introduces the important element of mass, lacking in the modern brick veneer concept, which enhances the ability of a building to maintain a more comfortable internal temperature all year. Mudbrick buildings are famous for seldom needing air conditioners.
ECO FRIENDLYEvery material has a life and the disposal of many materials at the end of their life is often (usually) ignored. Clay? No problem!
GREENBecause the building is made from a material which comes from the earth, the mudbrick house blends in with the earth. It doesn't appear as divorced from its surroundings as, say, a house clad in plastic 'weatherboards'. It is the ultimate 'green' home.
FIVE STARThe need to subject new buildings to an energy assessment led to difficulties for the software designers when it came to mudbricks because they considered them purely as an insulator and consequently gave the material; a very low rating. This has been rectified and, now, mudbrick buildings are able to easily achieve a 5 star rating.
ALTERNATIVEWith the increasing mechanization of the domestic building industry and the mass production of homes priced to encompass the affordability of large segments of the population, construction techniques have become heavily standardized. Mudbrick buildings are not mass residential design. Every mudbrick building is different almost by definition. Mudbrick buildings have a greater owner input into their conception and gestation. Most mudbrick buildings, owner built or architect designed reflect the wiles and character of their owners. This difference enhances the built environment.
OWNER BUILDERSIn this modern world, particularly in first and second world countries, regulations increase. Australia is still one of the fortunate countries where an individual can build his own house. An individual can still, given energy and drive, negotiate the obstacle course of planning permit, building permit and energy assessment and participate in the construction. Apart from engaging RBP and prescribed trades such as electrician, plumber, roof plumber, there is much an owner can do. This where mudbrick comes into its own. Laying fired bricks is a hard earned skill but anyone can lay a mud brick and still make it look good.
CONTEMPORARY BUILDING MATERIALMudbrick is one of a plethora of wall materials in domestic construction. It is an age old material and looks good in 'traditional' style buildings. However it is very effective when combined with modern design, a blend of the old and new, and can produce a stunning contemporary home which combines the superior qualities of mudbrick with its unique textural look.
CLIMATE CHANGEDespite the naysayers, the preponderance of academic opinion indicates, from mathematical modelling and examination of records, that the world climate is changing and we are causing it! The need for world social behaviour to change is becoming a necessity. The way in which man modifies his domestic living environment is being examined very closely. Thus more sustainable building materials which perform well are being encouraged. Mudbrick is an excellent example of a medium fulfilling these requirements, being plentiful, cheap to produce and with a great track record for producing comfortable homes using passive design techniques.
THERMAL MASSIt has been known for a very long time that, for a comfortable home environment, internal mass is imperative. This is called the 'flywheel effect'. Summer: heat outside gradually increases the heat inside. Winter: cold outside gradually sucks the inside heat out. Mass inside absorbs the summer heat and supplements the internal temperature in winter. The result is a more comfortable home. This is passive design. Air conditioners heat and cool the air which has to change constantly and uses much energy. Mudbrick acts as an excellent store for warmth and 'cold'.
HEALTHY HOMESThe concept of 'sick building syndrome' is well known. The impact of the many synthetic materials (carpets, paints, vinyls, insulating materials) is not clearly understood. Because mudbrick is an absolutely natural material, at least part of the potential problem is alleviated. Further they naturally maintain internal humidity levels through their ability to 'breath'.
