Founded in 2019, Erth seeks to revive local knowledge in traditional earthen construction in Jordan. The initiative counters modern building methods that have disrupted intergenerational knowledge of vernacular and sustainable building methods in Jordan.
Erth began through engagement with communities in Al Ghor, learning from their knowledge of agriculture and observing the remaining earthen buildings. Many earthen buildings have been demolished and the associated skills are being lost, so, Erth maps the remaining mud buildings across Jordan and completed its first restoration project on an old church in Aqaba. It has since evolved into community-building and transferring knowledge through hands-on workshops on construction, carpentry, and agriculture.
Erth documents, restores, and raises awareness of the cultural, social, and environmental significance of local building practices. Challenges include local building codes that often deem mud structures unsafe, leading to demolition. Through restoration, community engagement, and education, Erth fosters locally rooted building practices with a growing network of communities and engineers invested in preserving Jordan’s traditional architecture.
