Alternative Construction

Planning Permission

When the builder understands alternative construction techniques and uses them appropriately, the building can be as solid and sustainable as any mainstream building. Often though, alternative building techniques might not be as readily embraced by planning authorities, who are unfamiliar with them; or in circumstances where the planning regulations do not apply.

In circumstances where these techniques might not be used for a building a home, they may still be a good option for building a tool shed, garden pavilion, summer house, or even a garden wall.

Local planning regulations will often specify the size of a building that requires a planning permit. If, for instance, planning permits are only required for buildings over 10 square metres, it may be legal to build something that is smaller in size which is made using mud brick, wattle and daub, or some other type of construction.

What are the Options?

1) Mud Brick

What’s involved

Building with bricks made from mud, often mixed with straw or other natural materials.

Advantages 

Sustainable, low-cost, and energy-efficient; can be durable and long-lasting.

2) Wattle and Daub

What's Involved 

Creating a framework with wooden strips (wattle) and filling it with a mixture of mud, straw, and other materials (daub).

Advantages

Provides good insulation, can be fire-resistant, and allows for flexibility in design.

3) Straw Bale

What's Involved 

Building with bales of straw, often used as insulation and structural material.

Advantages

Highly insulating, lightweight, and sustainable; can be used for walls, roofs, and floors.

4) Rammed Earth

What's Involved 

Compacting a mixture of soil, sand, and gravel into formwork to create solid walls.

Advantages

Durable, low-maintenance, and can provide good thermal mass; can also be aesthetically pleasing.

5) Cob

What's Involved 

Building with a mixture of clay, sand, and straw, often shaped into curved or rounded forms.

Advantages

Highly sustainable, can be moulded into unique shapes, and provides good insulation; can be a low-cost and energy-efficient option.

Mud Brick

Mud brick construction involves building with bricks made from a mixture of mud, soil, and other natural materials, often with added straw or fibres for strength and durability. The mud mixture is formed into bricks, which are then dried in the sun or using a controlled drying process.

The process typically involves:

  Preparing the mud mixture

  Shaping the mixture into bricks

  Drying the bricks

  Building walls using the dried bricks and a binding agent (like mud or mortar)

Mud brick construction is a sustainable and eco-friendly method, because it:

  Uses locally sourced materials

  Requires minimal processing and energy

  Can provide good insulation and thermal mass

  Can be durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance

Mud brick construction has been used for centuries in various parts of the world and is still used today in many regions.

Straw Bale

Straw bale construction involves building with bales of straw, often used as insulation and structural material. The process typically involves:

  Preparing the site and foundation

  Laying a foundation wall or slab

  Stacking and pinning straw bales to form walls

  Applying plaster or render to protect the bales and provide a finished surface

Straw bale construction is a sustainable and eco-friendly method, because it:

  Uses renewable and biodegradable materials

  Provides excellent insulation and energy efficiency

  Can be cost-effective and labour-efficient

  Allows for creative and flexible design

  Can be durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance

  Is densely packed and sealed providing fire and pest resistance

  Is strong and flexible making it resistant to earthquakes

Straw bale construction has gained popularity in recent years due to its sustainability, energy efficiency, attractive appearance, and creative design possibilities.

What Next?

If you want to learn more about sustainable and alternative building methods like straw bale or mud brick construction check out our courses.