Ceramic Houses and Earth Architecture: How to Build Your Own

by Nader Khalili

Khalili's classic, authoritative manual describes how to build arches, domes, and vaults with earth, as well as techniques to fire and glaze earth buildings to transform them into ceramic houses. This newly revised edition also provides insight into the latest response by building officials to Superadobe or earthbag technology (structures of sandbags and barbed wire), a patented system that is free for the owner-builder and licensed for commercial use. Nader Khalili's ideas on ceramic houses and earth architecture have been published by NASA and utilized by the United Nations, and have passed building and safety tests in California. This new edition is now in its fifth printing.

Genres: Architecture, Construction, How To

233 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1990

About the author

Nader Khalili is the world-renowned Iranian-American architect, author, humanitarian, teacher, and innovator of the Geltaftan Earth-and-Fire system known as Ceramic Houses, and of the Superadobe construction system. Khalili received his philosophy and architectural education in Iran, Turkey, and the United States.

Khalili wrote books on his architectural philosophy & techniques as well as translations of poetry from Rumi, the poet he considered instrumental in his design inspiration.

Reviews

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had a love affair with Eco homes for years. They are my favorite things to look at on Pinterest, besides tattoos. Adobe, cob, ceramic, hand made, strawbale, earthship homes - you name it, I've scrolled through a hundred of these beauties!



There is something about taking responsibility for yourself and your needs in a harmonious way that appeals to me. Not to mention that if you are lucky enough to build your own "couture" house it will be as unique and beautiful as your dreams. Now imagine how much more it would mean if you could do it yourself (at least in part)!



Nader Khalili was designing high-rises in California before deciding there had to be a better way. He went back to Iran and spent five years on a motorcycle traveling villages to reconnect with an older architecture and develop new earth prototypes. Khalili is the brainchild of both ceramic (kiln fired) homes and superadobe.

The book explores some of the philosophical difference between East and West that are reflected in architecture. "Don't fence me in" is a Western expression of the love of wide open spaces and is reflected in the love of big glass windows, sweeping views and open planned living. Eastern views are more appreciative of the introvert, of privacy, thus tall walls and courtyards. I never use to have good feelings about those walls, because they seemed like a cage, and don't get me started on the word compound (I always think Davidian compound), but Khalili has warmed me to them.

"So a neighborhood starts with a wall, united in shade. Each side can take advantage of the shade –one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. In the East a wall is built to break the wind, to create privacy, and to have the shade."



Shade is something deeply appreciated in August in Texas when afternoons soar to over 100 degrees. Mostly this book is a guide to the basics of building a home with earthen materials. After reading it do I think I can build my own home? No, lol! But I am inspired.

[Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I could actually build a house after reading it, but I think it is more plausible after doing some of the modeling exercises that are recommended, some pretty interesting ideas, but, I wonder if I am turning into a hippie by reading stuff like this. Hmm...

[Myth Liberated · Rating 5 out of 5]

با بدبختی خوانده شد و متاسفانه ترجمه فارسی ندارد

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, and much to think about.
One of the Great things about this book, is it written in a more engineering/Architectural point of view, but is still readable by every one. These things can be done, and leads one to ask why have we not.

[Biltron · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting window into an ancient cuture.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nader had such a great insight into earth architecture. This book covers the evolution, design principles & technics. A true vision of the future. One should also read his other book: "Racing alone"

[Mark Evergreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good