Clay shelters offer resilient, low-tech protection using earth’s abundance. Begin by sourcing clay-rich soil, mixing it with sand and straw to prevent cracking—a technique called cob. Shape walls by hand around a simple wooden frame, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. The thermal mass regulates interior temperature, staying cool in heat and warm in cold. No power tools or modern materials are needed—just water, earth, and labor. These structures have housed humans for millennia, proving that survival often lies not in complex technology, but in understanding natural materials and working harmoniously with the land beneath our feet.
