Rammed Earth Structures

Julian Keable, Rowland Keable

Ramming earth has been a method of construction for centuries in many parts of the world and the technique can produce buildings that are strong, durable, safe and desirable. Because earth is an abundant and cheap resource, rammed earth buildings are often very economical. To achieve the best result...

Spurs and Dykes for Flood Protection

Spurs and dykes are structures that protect river banks and contain flood waters. They can be built by communities using stones and wire.

Technical Guidelines for Gravity Goods Ropeway

A rope based transport system for mountainous regions.

The Construction of Timberless House Model

The conflict in Darfur, which most analysts judge to have started in 2003 has had a devastating effect on the region. Many of the internally displaced people (IDPs) who were forced to flee their homes have ended up living in make-shift camps around the major cities such as Alfashir, Algenenina and N...

Flood Resistant Housing

Bangladesh has regular floods putting people at risk. This brief describes some flood resistant housing options.

Code of Practice for Cost Effective Boreholes

Code of Practice for Cost Effective Boreholes Technical Brief

Uncharted Territory

Sara Pantuliano

Disputes over land often start conflicts; and land is often a key issue when refugees and internally displaced people attempt to return home when the conflict is over. Access to land affects people’s choice to return and their prospects of recovery. Yet humanitarian agencies largely neglect these wi...

Mud as a Mortar

Clay is the inherent binder of soils which are used in building. Such mortars are generally used with adobe and compressed soil blocks.

Aerial Ropeways of Nepal

An introduction to aerial tramway / ropeway transport in Nepal including tuins, a river crossing mechanism. .

Mud Plasters and Renders

Mud plasters are used for houses built from mud but can also be used for buildings of stone and fired brick.