Compressed Earth Block Shelter
Gaza
The project objective was to provide shelter to those who lost their homes in the military incursion of 2008-2009 while providing sustainable employment in the construction industry. The subsequent embargo made supply of building materials scarce so, inspired by designs similar to Hassan Fathy’s 1950s buildings, alternative building techniques were considered and earth technologies developed. The temporary shelters are constructed of compressed-earth blocks made locally in hand-made presses with local clay and sand. Recovered windows and doors from destroyed buildings are often used along with crushed cement block for new foundations. As compressed-earth blocks work under compression, the main building features include arches, vaults and domes.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
Location
Associated Names
Events
2009
Building Usages
residential