A review on sustainable architecture using vernacular materials and building techniques: Focusing on earth architecture in Korea

Earth architecture has been used since the very beginning of human settlements and is still being used in various forms of housing around the world. Due to the development of new building materials since the industrial revolution, the vernacular architecture based on local needs as well as locally produced materials gradually disappeared. However, the push towards ecological construction worldwide has led to heightened interest in natural materials while the failure of government-led rural housing standardization in the 1970s has created the need for alternative solutions. Earth architecture is being re-evaluated due to its natural ecological properties; especially, in light of the increased environmental awareness of the general public. It also has the potential to make a turning point, shifting away from non-ecological construction materials (typically, concrete cement) to those with ecological sustainability. In addition, earth architecture should be recognized as an architectural style well-adapted to local needs as well as traditions in harmony with nature and the environment as compared to the most modern man-made materials lacking relevance in this respect (perspective). Nowadays, all over the world, there is a gradually evolved trend to construct buildings utilizing local materials representative of regional and climatic conditions. Those who work in architecture professions are faced with great challenges to exploit a vast range of materials and substances locally available. It is also very important to improve durability and make compensation for weakness as much as possible when constructing buildings based on these environmentally friendly construction materials. In view of a number crucial points above mentioned, this paper reviews the various potential advantages of using local materials and techniques applied to sustainable architecture in Korea. It is felt that global sustainability challenges can be met with better designs using vernacular materials and techniques, eventually opening a practical pathway to sustainable development.