Abstract
The resource scarcity, energy problems, and pollution resulting from the use of conventional building materials, in addition to the rising costs of construction and transportation fuels are all factors driving many countries to consider low impact, cheap building methods that are environmentally friendly and appropriate for use in the modern context. This directs attention back to earth, one of the oldest building materials throughout history, which has successfully illustrated many technical, economic, social and environmental benefits that could fulfil the need for an alternative building material. Yet many doubts still face the use of earth, when compared to other conventional building materials that dominate the market nowadays (like concrete and steel) especially in countries like Egypt. However, the urgent call for sustainability in the building sector, as well as the rising demands for affordable housing units in Egypt, present a good opportunity to revive back the use of traditional materials like earth with their simple, cheap and quick techniques that could successfully meet these demands and apply sustainability on the long run.