EXPLORINGEARTHBAGARCHITECTURE
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTUREWHAT ISEARTHBAGBUILDING?
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTUREORIGINS ANDDEVELOPMENTEarthbag building, a sustainable constructiontechnique, was pioneered by Iranian-Americanarchitect Nader Khalili. This method involves fillingpolypropylene bags with earth or other locallyavailable materials to create durable, eco-friendlystructures.In 1991, Khalili founded the California Institute ofEarth Art and Architecture - Cal-Earth) to furtherdevelop and promote earthbag building. Cal-Earthhas since become a leading institution insustainable architecture, offering workshops andconducting research on earthbag constructiontechniques.ADOBE HOUSES SANDBAG SHELTERS SAND DOME HOUSES
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTUREUSESDESIGN & SUSTAINABILITYCOSTQUICK AND SAFE
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTUREWHAT WAS THEGOAL?In 2022 heavy floods destroyed major rural areas of Pakistanand during rescue and rebuilding, we felt a need for a smarter,quicker and cheaper way to build back people their homes -that can last. We are now utilizing this method of building inrural areas
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTUREHOW AND WHEREDID WE LEARN?Our team has received professional training from the EarthArtists Institute in Iran.We've participated and gained certification in workshops across various Iraniancities and landscapes gaining diverse skills in earthbag construction techniques.This comprehensive training ensures we deliver high-quality, sustainableearthbag structures tailored to different environments and needs.SUBURBS OF QAZVAIN & SHIRAZ IN IRAN
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTURE WORLDWIDE PROJECTS
BEHIND THESCENES
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTURETECHNICALITIES & FAQLASTING STRENGTH LIMITSHow long do earthbag structures last?When protected from the rain and surface water, earthbaghomes can easily last for a lifetime. If the earthbags are notplastered on the exterior, the UV rays from the sun willeventually disintegrate the polypropylene material.12-May2020SHAPEHow strong is Earthbag House?The bags combined with barbed wire give the houseincredible strength compared with other types of ecobuilding, which make these structures almost invincible.Earthbag is PERFECT for: Hot, dry climates. Earthquakezones.How big can an earthbag dome be?We usually tell people that about 20 feet in diameter is aslarge a dome made with earthbags as is practical. Theshape of such a dome would best have a higher profile thana true hemispherical dome, however, so that there is notendency to cave at the top.Why is a dome the strongest structure?Why are domes so strong? Domes are so strong because oftheir shape. The dome shape distributes theweight/pressure/force evenly over the entire dome shape,which reduces the load on a single point. We normally thinkof eggshells as brittle or that they tend to break easily.
BIO GEOMETRYIMPACT OF ARCHITECTURAL SHAPES ON HUMAN HEALTHEvery building has a geometric shape that affects those around it.The triangle comes with negative energy, and the ancientEgyptians used it to protect their properties, and because it is apyramid, viruses remain in it and infect those who enter it withdiseases, so it was called the curse of the pharaohs; In contrast tothe circular shape, it comes with positive energy ( interview,24/March/2020) . The idea of Earthbag houses is that they arebased on a scientific base of science called \"Bio Geometry\", aspecial engineering science that works on the energy balancewithin the human body in the surrounding environment.Bio Geometry is an innovative approach to architecture and designthat combines principles of sacred geometry, energy science, andenvironmental harmony. When applied to dome building, it aims tocreate structures that not only serve their functional purpose butalso promote well-being and balance within the surroundingenvironment.KEY ASPECTS OF BIO GEOMETRY IN DOME CONSTRUCTIONEnergy Harmonization:Bio Geometry techniques are used to balance and harmonizedifferent types of energies within and around the dome structure.Shape and Proportion:The dome's design incorporates specific ratios and geometricalshapes believed to resonate with natural energy patterns.Material Selection:Materials are chosen not just for their structural properties, but alsofor their energetic qualities and how they interact with theenvironment.Alignment with Earth's Energy:The dome's orientation and layout may be adjusted to align withEarth's magnetic fields and other natural energy grids. BioGeometry in dome building seeks to create spaces that are not onlyaesthetically pleasing and structurally sound but also energeticallybalanced and health-promoting. This approach is gaining interestamong architects and builders who are looking to create moreholistic and sustainable living environments.
CONSTRUCTEARTHIn summer 2024, we launched ConstructEarth - anearthbag building branch of our constructioncompany - The Constructents. With it, we intend toutilize earthbag building in Pakistan.FARMHOUSESRECREATIONALNATURAL DISASTER SHELTERSRURAL LOW COST HOUSINGPIONEERING SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN PAKISTAN WITHEARTHBAG TECHNOLOGY
01 EARTHBAGFARMHOUSEM9 MOTORWAY, KARACHI
02EARTHBAGLIBRARYRLCC, KARACHI
03 SCHOOLBALOCHISTAN
04 OFFICESCHEME 33, NEAR KABABJEESSUPER HIGHWAY
05 IAPEX 26EXPO CENTER KARACHI3D MODEL
OTHERDESIGNS
Inspired by Earth Artists Institute (Iran)and CalEarth (USA, founded by NaderKhalili), I have researched earthbagarchitecture globally and begun applyingit in Pakistan through ConstructEarth’sinitiative, assisting in design anddevelopment. With one prototype completeand new projects underway, a key referenceremains the Majara Hotel on HormuzIsland by ZAV Architects — winner of the2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture— which demonstrates how earth-baseddesign can achieve both cultural depth andcontemporary relevance.EARTHBAG WINNER FOR AGAKHAN AWARD OF ARCHITECTURE2025
EARTHBAG ARCHITECTURERESOURCES ON EARTHBAG BUILDINGSandbag Shelters - Nader KhaliliEarthbag Building - Kaki Hunter and Donald Kiffmeyer@[email protected]@calearthinstitute@mojavecenterBOOKSINSTA PAGES
+92 311 1604204 [email protected] @constructearth