Published January 1, 2024

Patricia Lavoie, LJI

Ginette Dupuy has both a B.A. and an M.A. in architectural studies and lives in a mud brick house. Yes, a mud brick house in East Bolton. For centuries earthen homes have existed in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and in North America – the Pueblo people in the US South West come to mind. But why return to this ‘ancient’ technology?

Because it’s practical and intelligent. And still contemporary perhaps the future. It is estimated that 30% to 50% of the world’s population live in earthen dwellings. (rb.gy/6l2c4).

After nine years as an interior designer, Dupuy was looking for a challenge and enrolled in architectural studies at the Université de Montréal. A chance discovery of a book on the health and ecology of buildings lead her to a totally new field. She then received a bursary to study at CRATerre, a research laboratory on earthen architecture at the University of Grenoble. Upon her return she completed her M.A. on healthy ecological building design.

The result? Dupuy’s home is built entirely of natural local materials from the stone steps at the entrance to the steatite (soapstone) kitchen counter and masonry heater/fireplace with the exception of BC fir support beams.

Dupuy’s manual press can make 500 compressed earth bricks a day. The earth excavated for the house foundation may also provide the material for the bricks omitting both transportation costs and exhaust pollution. As well as creating the capacity for radiant heat three times superior to cement.

However Quebec’s climate poses certain challenges. Contrary to other climes, the bricks form the inside walls. They are able to absorb the sun’s warmth even in winter – to diffuse this heat during the night. They ‘breathe’ warmth and humidity. Radiant heat from the bricks, the fireplace and independently controlled hot water radiators provide warmth at a much lower cost for the entire house than fossil fuels.

Initially earthen brick homes are more expensive to build but the long term savings more than compensate. For example, her cedar shingle roof will last at least 50 years as opposed to the approximate 20-year life of asphalt shingles. And the house materials will eventually decompose naturally when required. It’s all about sustainable development.

This technology may also be used for additions or renovations to existing structures as Dupuy has already created locally.

Earth has been used for centuries to construct homes and shelters. Dupuy’s mission is to create beautiful, healthy and ecological homes with this material. Her success opens up a new world of possibilities. For more information https://ginettedupuy.com

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