Recent earthbuilding in New Zealand

Abstract

Earthbuilding in New Zealand is rapidly increasing. New techniques, refinements of traditional ones, and old methods rediscovered, are appearing regularly. Knowledge and skills are being rapidly spread by a re-emergent oral tradition. The New Zealand earthbuilding industry is moving into a new phase where fashion and consumer demand could place a strain on the casual networking process in the dissemination of sound design and construction technique. Architecturally masterful designs exploiting the characteristic delights of earth are making a slow appearance alongside the traditional colonial tendencies of owner designers. This report looks at earthbuilding activity in New Zealand in the last few years. Early history is briefly touched on. Three case studies examine typical experiences, solutions and problems. The three most common earth building methods, adobe, rammed earth and pressed block are covered, along with a range of structural, constructional and design approaches. The case studies are used as vehicles to discuss some of the implications and surrounding issues of recent earthbuilding practice. There are two chapters which deal with issues that did not arise from the case studies. Recent developments in New Zealand are discussed, along with some overseas ones, which have potential impact for the local earthbuilding environment. Aspects of the recent renaissance in earthbuilding are examined to discover why people are choosing to build in earth, and common characteristics about the sector of society involved. Finally, the report comments on the process of bringing an old technology up to date; the function of the oral tradition in this process, and possible implications for the near future. An appendix records a list of questions used during field interviews on two fact finding tours of the main earthbuilding areas, which were the basis of information for the report. A second appendix lists the buildings visited.