Earth Building in New Zealand

Earth Building in Aotearoa New Zealand

Earth building has deep roots in Aotearoa, with examples dating back to the mid-1800s and a growing resurgence today. From early cob cottages to modern engineered adobe and rammed earth homes, these buildings demonstrate that local materials — clay, sand, fibre, and lime — can deliver structures that are beautiful, durable, and healthy to live in.

New Zealand is internationally recognised for its Earth Building Standards (NZS 4297 – 4299), which provide a clear regulatory pathway for designing and consenting unfired earth buildings. This framework supports both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, making it possible to build with confidence anywhere in the country.

Across the country, a network of designers, builders, researchers, and educators continues to advance the field — developing new systems such as Structural Light Adobe (SLA) and refining details for moisture protection, seismic resilience, and energy performance. Earth building in New Zealand today is not a niche craft but an evolving, code-aligned building practice rooted in place, people, and proven performance.

Earth Building Association of New Zealand (EBANZ)

EBANZ is the national body promoting the art and science of earth and natural building across Aotearoa NZ. They provide science-backed information and resources on building with rammed earth, cob, adobe, hempcrete, earth and lime plasters, among other natural methods.
EBANZ was instrumental in developing and revising New Zealand’s earth building standards (NZS 4297, 4298, 4299), now updated for 2024 and freely available via Standards NZ.

Whether you're an architect, builder, student, or owner-builder, membership gives access to their magazine earthBUILDING, practitioner directory, educational events, and technical guidance tailored for NZ’s climate and regulatory landscape.
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