Earthbag Dome Construction

Earthbag Dome Construction

Projects

2021

Al-Mleha, Ghuta, Syria Partnership: Arch. Mohammed Zanboa This project addressed material scarcity in post-war Ghouta by exploring low-cost, resilient alternatives to traditional wood-based roofing systems. Earthbag dome construction was selected for its affordability, speed, and structural efficiency without reliance on cement or timber. The construction system used polypropylene bags and barbed wire to build stable earthen domes, with barbed rings ranging from 40 to 60 cm in diameter for the final courses. Local rubble and soil were repurposed for fill material to reduce costs. Women from nearby communities assisted in plastering the domes with traditional techniques, and natural materials like river stones and oil were used for surface smoothing and waterproofing. Simple tools guided the dome curvature, with adobe bricks supporting critical openings. The project exemplified how vernacular knowledge and post-conflict resourcefulness can merge to create sustainable, dignified structures.

metmar.studio: Earthbag Dome Construction
metmar.studio: Earthbag Dome Construction
metmar.studio: Earthbag Dome Construction



General Inquiries
info@metmar.studio




General Inquiries
info@metmar.studio