Abstract

SANCHEZ GAMA, Clara Eugenia. Earthen architecture in Colombia: processes and constructional culture. Apuntes [online]. 2007, vol.20, n.2, pp.242-255. ISSN 1657-9763.

The following article incorporates results of research carried out under the guidance of the author as part of the Earthen Architecture Programme at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. The article sets out advances and trends in earthen architecture in Colombia over recent years. The article is divided into three parts: introduction, constructive cultures and recent developments. It presents the evolution of earthen construction techniques as well as processes and constructive cultures which have become valued elements of Colombian architecture. Pre-Columbian peoples built wattle and daub houses, Colonial architectural heritage consists of civil and religious buildings made of adobe, wattle and daub and rammed earth. In the mid 20th century, the press known as a Cinvaram for compacting earth was perfected. Recent projects from the beginning of the 21th century using compressed earth blocks provide further evidence for the interest and viability of this type of architecture in Colombia.

Keywords : Earth construction; rammed earth; adobe; wattle and daub walls; compressed earth blocks.

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