Adobe is a traditional building material found in Danger of extinction due to the use of other materials such as steel, cement and block. However, these bricks, which were used in ancient times, could be the answer to the construction of the future.
How could adobe be a futuristic building material? This is due to its properties of thermal inertiathrough which it can absorb heat during the day and expel it at night.
In addition to thermal inertia, adobe is much more environmentally friendly when made with materials 100 percent organic and sustainable. With this characteristic, this type of bricks would favor the circular economy.
Another of its advantages is the resistance it presents. Proof of this are the great cities of the past that were built with this material around the world.
Elaboration of adobe and the benefits
Bricks are made from a mixture of clay, sand, and water, but usually straw is added., an element that facilitates cutting efforts. This mixture poured into wooden molds that have the shape of blocks and finally they are dried in the sun.
However, Maria Soledad Moscoso-Cordero affirmed in her work “Adobe, its characteristics and thermal comfort“, that not all the land is suitable for making this ancient construction material.
“Obviously not every land is optimal for making adobes, so it is necessary to find, nearby, a land that has the right percentages of clay (15%), sand (70%)“, he pointed out.
On the other hand, once the process of mix of materialsthe drying of the adobe bricks It takes a time of approximately 30 days. The blocks must be turned every so often so that they dry evenly.
Sustainability with a futuristic approach
Adobe could cope with temperature increases derived from the intense concentration of greenhouse gases in the world. Well, a material like this does not require complex industrial transformation systems.
It also represents energy savings, for example if the houses in northern Mexico were built with this material and a good architectural design, air conditioning systems would be unnecessary.
On the other hand, they also present a great resistance to fire and are materials that allow self-construction.
The other advantages of adobe are:
- Low cost.
- Helps to make smooth and rounded shapes.
- Allows low energy consumption due to its insulating qualities.
- It is easy to modify in future wall reforms and very versatile for pipe and electrical network installations.
- It does not let outside noises in.
- Sustainable material that allows the circular economy.
However, in tropical climates it may not be as resistant, since it absorbs moisture and damages the structures. To prevent the walls from being damaged by water absorption, the roof must be meticulously cared for.
These characteristics give a lot to think about in terms of construction for the future, in order to build more comfortable houses for those who inhabit them and with a considerable environmental commitment.