Anytime an article about alternative building methods makes it way to my desk or rss reader, I’m fascinated about what I learn — and about what’s happening in this hopeful field. But I’ve never been as intrigued as I am by the building method I learned about last month: Superadobe.

Superadobe was developed over 30 years by architect Nader Khalili. It’s a building system that uses only two materials, earth and barbed wire, and it was created with the idea of “housing as a basic human right, and on the economic empowerment of people by participating in creating their own homes and communities, while at the same time addressing today’s global needs: preserving natural resources and energy, halting deforestation, slowing pollution and global warming, promoting health, healing communities and cultures shattered by globalization, sheltering the homeless and refugees.”

Although it’s new-to-me, Superadobe is apparently well-praised already:

Reuters International News agency: “I thought it was amazing. It is a hidden treasure,” said Omar Bakhet, director of the Emergency Response Division at the U.N. …”I don’t think there’s a risk, it’s a proven technology, it’s cost effective, you need very little building material, just what nature gives you. So simple it can be learned by everybody.”

CNN: “They meet all building codes, are energy efficient, weather tight, and so solid they passed the most gruelling stress tests.”

BBC: “The buildings are cool in summer and warm in winter, probably the most environmentally friendly homes you’ll ever come across.”

Since hearing about it, and studying what I can find on the topic, it seems to me that Superabode is design-problem-solving at it’s best. It’s a material that can be formed and shaped to be both beautiful and functional. It’s made from materials that are universally accessible. It’s almost free. And once trained in the building method, virtually anyone can build themselves a home with it. Impressive!

You can find lots of photos of structures made with superadobe here.