What are Earth Blocks?
Earth Blocks, often referred to as compressed earth blocks (CEB) or stabilized compressed earth blocks (SCEB), are a high-quality construction material made from locally sourced soil containing clay. With proper mix design and 4 – 8% cement, Compressed Earth Blocks can meet and exceed compressive strength requirements for cement block in the United States.
Compressed Earth Block Advantages
Strong & Durable
Dwell Earth equipment and processes produce the highest quality Earth Blocks in the world. Earth Blocks can meet and exceed concrete block strengths that are produced locally and greatly exceed locally made country fired brick strengths. Our building system is reinforceable allowing modern engineering designs to be applied so that buildings can withstand even the most disastrous circumstances.
Long History
Earth is the oldest building material known to man. Since the beginning of time people all over the world have been using the dirt under their feet to make quality structures. The oldest standing and continually inhabited buildings in the world are made of earth. Earth Blocks bring the added benefit of engineering and design to modernize this age old building method.
Healthy
Earth Blocks are all natural and will not emit toxic gases from glues and preservatives as many other building materials do. Earth Blocks create buildings that are able to naturally regulate heat and humidity inside the structures they create. This regulation of humidity greatly increases indoor air quality which is the cause of many common illnesses often attributed to the seasons.
Sustainability
Earth Blocks have the lowest embodied energy of any building material. They have the smallest carbon footprint and can easily be made to be carbon neutral. Earth Blocks make the most energy efficient structures by taking the strain off of heating and cooling systems.
Cost Effective
Producing Earth Blocks locally helps to eliminate transportation costs. Cement content is greatly reduced to make Earth Blocks as strong or stronger than other materials available locally. Earth Blocks also reduce lifecycle costs of building operations by creating more energy efficient structures.
Environmentally Friendly
Compressed earth blocks have the lowest embodied energy of any building material and create structures that are superior in energy efficiency. Earth Blocks are able to regulate temperature and humidity naturally so less energy is required to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Earth Block Process
Dwell Earth equips and educates organizations and local people to convert dirt into building blocks to create quality structures made with Compressed Earth Blocks. We we like to keep things simple so we call them Earth Blocks for short.
Soils Science - Do I have the right dirt?
The first step to making great Earth Blocks is to ensure that you have the right soil to build with. Usually if you have soil that sticks to your shoes when wet you have good soil to make Earth Blocks. Click the button below for some easy free soil tests to get an idea of your soil properties.
Soils TestingHow much do Earth Blocks cost?
The cost of your Earth Blocks depend on local conditions. We have developed a tool to help you better understand what producing Earth Blocks at your location. Click the button below to provide us with some basic information so that we can run some numbers and provide a summary for you.
Get Your Block CostProducing Earth Blocks
Producing great Earth Blocks is not magic. Learn the steps that are involved in producing Earth Blocks for a project and get a better idea of what your project needs are. We have developed processes that maximize job creation and also offer equipment options that help automate the process and reduce labor requirements.
Producing Earth BlocksBuilding with Earth Blocks
Building with Earth Blocks is similar to other masonry systems. This building material although more energy efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly still needs to be designed and built appropriately for local conditions. Click the button below to see some design and construction techniques used to build great Earth Block structures around the world.
Earth Block Spec Sheet
Earth Block Building Videos
Building With Earth Blocks
Training Opportunities
Our industry leading trainings bring you the latest in Earth Block technology. This training opportunity provides the most comprehensive skills and tools for soil selection, mix design, block production and building techniques.
LEARN MOREWe Offer Online & In Person Training Support
Learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home, or we can come to you
Our industry leading courses provide you with the fundamental knowledge necessary for making quality Earth Blocks.
Learning with us will give you the ability to use the materials beneath your feet to build solid Earth Block structures.
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