Eye-Catching, Disaster-Resistant Earthbag Homes for Post-Earthquake Haiti

Coverage of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake disaster may have dwindled in the news, but rebuilding efforts are still slowly continuing, running the gamut from shelters made from tires, shipping containers and recycled plastic bottles – each with their advantages and disadvantages.
But that’s not all; besides these methods, the superadobe ”earthbag” building technique is also being used. Originally developed by architect Nader Khaliliand Cal-Earth, the practice involves layering long fabric or plastic tubes or bags filled with sand, clay, water and fibrous material like sticks, straw, and/or manure to create a domed compression structure that is resistant to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and fire.
Organizations like Konbit Shelter (“konbit” means communal effort in Creole) are partnering international artists, builders, architects, and engineers with local artisans and builders to create durable and low-tech earthbag structures that can be tailored to fit each community’s needs.